Banking city programmer involved in coding activities

Banking city programmer involved in coding activities

Rebellious FinTech Pioneer in the Heart of Frankfurt

Stepping into the halls of Frankfurt's prestigious Finance and Management School, you might harbor certain preconceived notions. But, meet Co-Pierre Georg, the rebel with a cause, who is defying those expectations. The South African-born economist, now leading the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center (FSBC), is hardly your typical corporate figure. With his casual hoodie and unconventional name, Co-Pierre isn't just blending in — he's standing out.

"Chasing the exciting rabbit holes"

Far from a banker by training, Pierre studied physics and found himself drawn to the finance industry due to its intriguing research fields. His adventures led him to establish a FinTech Master's program in Cape Town and then to found the UCT Financial Innovation Hub. Why the financial world? "It's a rabbit hole I couldn't resist chasing", says Pierre.

Three months into his new role in Frankfurt, Pierre shares a surprising observation. Frankfurt, renowned for its advanced payment processing, is lagging behind in this area, even in the school cafeteria. "It's surprising, given the city's financial clout. But it opens up opportunities for innovation", he notes.

Late Beginning, Outdated Methods

While Pierre understands the European Central Bank's idea of creating a digital euro, he questions the project's technological approach and timing. "The technological methods seem outdated, and the start of the project is overdue," says Pierre.

Despite these concerns, he remains optimistic about local collaboration in research and development. "I've met countless open-minded individuals at the financial center, and I aim to forge close partnerships that'll bring exciting projects to life", Pierre assures.

An Unusual Name, an Innovative Future

Co-Pierre Georg, merged from his childhood nickname "Co" and his birth name "Pierre", boasts an impressive international network. His resume includes stints in Spain, ties to Oxford and Columbia University, and a role as Associate Professor at the Edhec Business School in Paris.

Pierre lauds the FSBC and its late founder, Philipp Sandner. However, he plans to shift the center's focus slightly, towards closer integration with top research and leading technology development. This might mean more coders joining the Frankfurt School's ranks in the near future. With the European Central Bank, numerous regulatory authorities, and being Europe's largest internet hub, Frankfurt is poised to play a significant international role in FinTech innovation.

Awarding Excellence in Digital Finance

Frankfurt has secured an inspiring ambassador in Pierre. In honor of the late Philipp Sandner, they'll be introducing the Philipp Sandner Award in Digital Finance Research. The award, with a prize of 10,000 euros, aims to recognize outstanding achievements in digital finance research and encourage budding scientists to delve deeper into this crucial field. Sponsored by Börsen-Zeitung and the WM Group, the award will be presented annually by the Frankfurt School during the Crypto Assets Conference, starting in 2025.

[1] The Frankfurt School has a strong presence in blockchain and FinTech education and innovation, as evidenced by their Master's program in Financial Technology and the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center, which emphasizes practical learning, real-world application, and collaboration between students, financial institutions, startups, and regulators. (Source: Frankfurt School's website and various news articles)

1. Co-Pierre Georg, currently leading the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center (FSBC), has an unusual name but boasts an impressive international network, with roles at the Edhec Business School in Paris, ties to Oxford and Columbia University, and past experience in Spain.
2. Despite lagging in advanced payment processing, Frankfurt offers significant opportunities for innovation in the area of FinTech, as it's Europe's largest internet hub, home to the European Central Bank, numerous regulatory authorities, and the FSBC.
3. Co-Pierre Georg questions the European Central Bank's project to create a digital euro, citing concerns over outdated technological methods and the project's timing.
4. Pierre intends to shift the focus of the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center towards closer integration with top research and leading technology development, with the potential for more coders joining the school's ranks in the near future.

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