The FinTech Center

Art + NFT Technology Competition
2023-01-30 - 2023-04-03
Submission Deadline: April 3, 2023 | Announcement of Winners, April 19, 2023
Submit Your Original Artwork!

The National FinTech Center, in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Architecture, announce a unique digital art competition for students at Morgan State University.
House of First has offered to create NFTs (non-fungible tokens) from the winning artwork (on a supported blockchain platform).
Guidelines for Digital Art Design Competition:

Must be a Morgan State University Student
The subject of the competition is to depict a) an event, b) a person or c) an object (a physical item or place, a building, groups of buildings, or an area) that was transformational in the history of Morgan State University. House of First has provided $2,000 as a prize for the winning artist in each of the three categories.
Entries should be original designs and must be the work of the student submitting them.
Entries should be in digital formats, such as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF.
The file size should be 631 pixels X 631 pixels.
Only one entry per student is allowed.
Entries must include a title and a brief (100 words or less) explanation of the design and its significance to the history of Morgan State University.
Entries should be submitted by the deadline specified by the organizer.
The NFTs of the winning entries will be auctioned, and the proceeds will be shared between the artists, their academic departments, and the National FinTech Center for Art+Technology projects at Morgan.
The National FinTech Center reserves the right to use the winning design for promotional and marketing materials.
By submitting an entry, students agree to the terms and conditions of the competition and allow their artwork to be used for marketing and promotional purposes.

Submit Your Original Artwork!

Decentralized Identity
2023-02-22 07:00 - 2023-02-28 08:00 (America/New_York)
Introduction to Decentralized Identity | February 22, 2023
Watch the full session HERE.
This session is meant to be a broad overview of Decentralized Identity. The one-hour discussion will help you understand the topic, why it is important and the new capabilities it gives enterprises and individuals. In addition, we will discuss how it works, and where this work is happening (Hyperledger, Decentralized Identity Foundation, W3C, Internet Identity Workshop, etc.).
For additional information about this topic, check out the next session on Tuesday, Feb 28 at 12 Eastern that will go into more technical detail about decentralized identity.
This event is being co-developed with Morgan State University and Indicio.

Technical Overview of Decentralized Identity | February 28, 2023
Watch the full session HERE.
This one hour session will cover, at a high level, the components, codebases and standards involved in Decentralized Identity, specifically at Hyperledger (Indy, Aries, Anoncreds, Ursa) and where there are opportunities to learn more and get involved.
For an introduction to concepts of decentralized identity, join the session on Tuesday, Feb 21 at 12 Eastern. And for additional information about this topic, check out the in-depth technical workshops on Hyperledger Indy and Aries.
This event is being co-developed with Morgan State University and Indicio.

Convergence of Blockchain, IoT, and AI: Challenges and Opportunities
2023-04-11 12:00 - 13:00
MEET THE SPEAKER

Florence Hudson is Executive Director and Principal Investigator for the NSF and NIH funded Northeast Big Data Innovation Hub at Columbia University, COVID Information Commons, Cybersecurity Risk Conference, and National Student Data Corps. She is also the Founder and CEO of FDHint, LLC, a global advanced technology and diversity & inclusion consulting firm. She serves on Boards including Blockchain in Healthcare Today, the Neuroscience Outreach Network, Stony Brook University Mechanical Engineering, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, UC San Diego Distributed Energy Resources DERConnect, and Princeton University Civil and Environmental Engineering. She is a former IBM Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Internet2 Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, Special Advisor for the NSF Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, and aerospace engineer at the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab and Grumman Aerospace Corporation. She Chairs the global IEEE/UL Standards Working Group on Clinical Internet of Things (IoT) Data and Device Interoperability with TIPPSS – Trust, Identity, Privacy, Protection, Safety and Security, and has published books on TIPPSS including Women Securing the Future with TIPPSS For IoT and Connected Healthcare. She earned her Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering degree from Princeton University, and executive education diplomas from Harvard Business School and Columbia University.

This webinar explores the convergence of three cutting-edge technologies and the digital transformation brought about by their integration, creating new possibilities and the need for innovative solutions to tackle emerging issues. The webinar will provide insights into the current state of the convergence of these technologies and their potential impact on our lives and society.
REGISTER IN ADVANCE

Building a Decentralized Application (dApp)
2023-06-06 11:00 - 12:00
REGISTER IN ADVANCE HERE!
Title: Building a Decentralized Application (dApp)
When: 11amET, June 6, 2023
Presenters:
Kyle Nielson @ The Blockchain Academy
Jim Sullivan @ The Blockchain Academy
Seminar Goals:

Demo a working dApp.
Deconstruct the layers and discuss the architecture and run times.
Review the building blocks on a generic developer desktop and a preview of building the same or similar dApps on Hyperledger Fabric (HF) using the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
Questions and Answers

Seminar Recording: TBD
Seminar Deck: TBD
Quick Links:
Thanks to our Member, The Blockchain Academy for providing the speakers and material.
http://theblockchainacademy.com
Hyperledger Code of Conduct
https://toc.hyperledger.org/governing-documents/code-of-conduct.html
To find out more about Hyperledger, please check out our
Website: https://www.hyperledger.org/
Wiki: https://wiki.hyperledger.org/
GitHub: https://github.com/hyperledger
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hyperledger
Discord: https://discord.gg/hyperledger
#morgan-state-seminars: https://discord.com/channels/905194001349627914/1077628668794380369

Decentralization and Privacy on Blockchain: the Basics
2023-09-07 08:00 - 09:00
REGISTER IN ADVANCE
Title: Decentralization and Privacy on Blockchain: the Basics
When: Thursday, September 7, 2023 – 12Noon ET
Presenter:
Hart Montgomery, CTO, Hyperledger Foundation
Seminar Goals:

How decentralization is at the core of blockchain, what it means for security, the blockchain trilemma, and how to make sure you “get decentralization right” in blockchain.
Why privacy and confidentiality are necessary on a blockchain, what are some techniques we can use to achieve privacy and confidentiality, and how we should think about them.

Seminar Recording:
Seminar Presentation Deck:
Quick Links:
Morgan State Fintech Center: https://fintech.morgan.edu/augbackup/
Hyperledger Wiki: https://wiki.hyperledger.org/
Thanks to Morgan State Fintech Center for organizing these Seminars.
https://fintech.morgan.edu/augbackup/
Hyperledger Code of Conduct
https://toc.hyperledger.org/governing-documents/code-of-conduct.html
To find out more about Hyperledger, please check out our
Website: https://www.hyperledger.org/
Wiki: https://wiki.hyperledger.org/
GitHub: https://github.com/hyperledger
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hyperledger
Discord: https://discord.gg/hyperledger
#morgan-state-seminars: https://discord.com/channels/905194001349627914/1077628668794380369

WEB3: Smart Contracts and Use Cases
2023-10-10 08:00 - 09:00
WEB3: Smart Contracts and Use Cases
The National FinTech Center at Morgan State University and AON invite HBCU faculty, students, and alumni to attend WEB3: Smart Contracts and Use Cases will be a virtual panel discussion on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, from 12:00-1:00 pm ET.
The panel will feature members of AON’s Growth Ventures team. You don’t want to miss this panel discussion and interactive Q& A session following the panel.
REGISTER IN ADVANCE
You will receive a unique link to join the event. There is no charge, but advance registration is required.
Meet the Speakers
Philip Rage is a Director within Aon’s Growth Ventures Strategy team – prior to joining Aon six months ago Phil started off his career at a small independent insurance brokers specializing in hedge funds and investment managers before moving to work as an Underwriter at large US Insurance Company and at a Lloyds of London Syndicate and then onto run the financial Institutions team at the worlds largest international underwriting agencies.

Trey Buckingham is a Strategy Analyst with Aon Growth Ventures, Aon’s net-new innovation function focused on investing ahead of revenue for new solutions and capabilities tailored to large unmet client needs. Before joining Aon Growth Ventures in January 2023, Trey was an Account Executive with Aon’s Large Market account team where he was responsible for managing some of Aon’s largest client relationships. He also worked as a Sales & Operations Analyst and played a key role in the continued development of Aon’s Industry Practice Groups. Prior to joining Aon, Trey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business.

FinTech for Financial Inclusion: Empowering the Unbanked and Underbanked
2024-02-20 07:00 - 08:00
WATCH THE SESSION HERE
Join Cross River’s Afolabi Ogunnaike, Strategic Initiatives Director, and Marcarena Valdez, Senior Business Development Lead for Cards & Accounts for our upcoming webinar, “FinTech for Financial Inclusion: Empowering the Unbanked and Underbanked.” Afolabi and Macarena will explore innovative FinTech solutions bridging gaps in financial access. Discover how technology transforms banking for marginalized communities, fostering economic empowerment and inclusion. Don’t miss the insights that can shape a more inclusive financial landscape.
MEET THE SPEAKERS

Afolabi Ogunnaike is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Cross River. He leads teams to execute enterprise-wide projects that enhance the bank’s performance. He previously was part of the Business Strategy &Operations team focused on building a suite of Digital Assets products.
Earlier in his career, Afolabi held strategy roles at McKinsey & Company and USAA. He started his career as a chemical engineer and holds degrees from Cornell University and the University of Texas at Austin.

Macarena Valdez is Senior Business Development Lead for Cards & Accounts at Cross River. Macarena began her Cross River journey in March 2022 and has been instrumental in leading all business development efforts for Card Issuing and Deposit Accounts. Prior to joining Cross River, Macarena was at TMX Finance where she held positions from General Manager to District Director of Operations.
At Cross River, Macarena played a pivotal role as the business development lead on the development of a secured card designed to assist cardholders in building credit. Additionally, Macarena led Relationship Sales Training and Product Sales Enablement for her region at TMX Finance and is an alumna of Our Lady of the Lake University.

How to Get a Job in Web3
2024-09-09 12:00 - 13:00
Title: How to Get a Job in Web3
When: Monday September 9, 2024 at 9am PT, Noon ET
Presenter:
John Carpenter, Ultra Commerce
Jim Mason, Sky Web Team
Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/94136984241
Seminar Goals:

Presentation/discussion/Q&A
Understanding the kinds of roles and careers that are available in the Web3 space

Seminar Recording:
TBD
Seminar Presentation Deck:
TBD
Quick Links:
Morgan State Fintech Center: https://fintech.morgan.edu/augbackup/
Hyperledger Wiki: https://wiki.hyperledger.org/
Thanks to Morgan State Fintech Center for organizing these Seminars.
https://fintech.morgan.edu/augbackup/
Hyperledger Code of Conduct
https://toc.hyperledger.org/governing-documents/code-of-conduct.html
To find out more about Hyperledger, please check out our
Website: https://www.hyperledger.org/
Wiki: https://wiki.hyperledger.org/
GitHub: https://github.com/hyperledger
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hyperledger
Discord: https://discord.gg/hyperledger
#morgan-state-seminars: https://discord.com/channels/905194001349627914/1077628668794380369

Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs
2024-09-23 12:00 - 13:00
Title: Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs
When: Monday September 23, 2024 at 9am PT, Noon ET
Presenter:
James Loperfido, Kissmetrics
Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/92808823154
Seminar Goals:

Presentation/discussion/Q&A
Broad overview of how Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs work and what they mean for the Web3 space

Seminar Recording:
TBD
Seminar Presentation Deck:
TBD
Quick Links:
Morgan State Fintech Center: https://fintech.morgan.edu/augbackup/
Hyperledger Wiki: https://wiki.hyperledger.org/
Thanks to Morgan State Fintech Center for organizing these Seminars.
https://fintech.morgan.edu/augbackup/
Hyperledger Code of Conduct
https://toc.hyperledger.org/governing-documents/code-of-conduct.html
To find out more about Hyperledger, please check out our
Website: https://www.hyperledger.org/
Wiki: https://wiki.hyperledger.org/
GitHub: https://github.com/hyperledger
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Hyperledger
Discord: https://discord.gg/hyperledger
#morgan-state-seminars: https://discord.com/channels/905194001349627914/1077628668794380369

Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs
2024-10-28 12:00 - 13:00
Hi everyone!
We at the National FinTech Center are thrilled to invite you to an engaging webinar titled “Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs,” featuring special guest speaker James Loperfido, CEO of Kismetrics.
Date: Monday, October 28, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM EST / 9:00 AM PT
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or simply curious about crypto, this session is designed for you. James Loperfido will:

Break down the complexities of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs
Share insights on current market trends
Answer your most pressing questions

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s leading voices and connect with fellow FinTech and crypto enthusiasts.
Register here: Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs
Don’t miss this chance to expand your knowledge and engage with our community.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Warm regards,

Blockchain Interoperability!
2024-11-04 12:00 - 13:00
We’ve got something super exciting lined up just for you! The National FinTech Center is hosting an awesome webinar that’ll take you on an adventure through the world of Blockchain Interoperability!
What’s in store?
Join us for an engaging session led by the amazing Peter Somogyvari, a Software Product Architect. He’ll unravel how different blockchains can communicate and collaborate—think of it as the ultimate tech team-up!
Webinar Details:
Date: November 4th
Time: 12 PM EST
Where to register: Blockchain Interoperability Webinar!
Whether you’re just curious about crypto or blockchain, this is your chance to broaden your horizons and ask all those burning questions. Plus, you’ll get to connect with fellow tech enthusiasts and innovators—who knows what ideas you might spark together!
So grab your favorite snack, find a cozy spot, and let’s explore the future of technology as a community! We can’t wait to see you there!

A Time With Chime
2024-11-06 12:00 - 13:00
We’ve got something super exciting lined up just for you! Morgan’s National FinTech Center is hosting an awesome webinar that’ll take you on an adventure through the world of Generative AI with Chime! With our special Guest Rekha Venkatakrishnan, The Director of Product Management at Chime
What’s in store?
In this dynamic session, you’ll discover how Generative AI is revolutionizing industries, sparking creativity, and shaping the future. Whether you’re passionate about tech, art, or the ethical challenges of AI, this is your chance to dive deep and engage with one of the best in the biz!
Webinar Details:
Date: November 6th
Time: 12 PM EST
Where to register: Register Here!
Webinar Link: Launch Meeting
So grab your favorite snack, find a cozy spot, and let’s explore the future of technology as a community! We can’t wait to see you there!

Stablecoins 101
2025-03-24 12:00 - 13:00
About the Workshop!
This beginner-friendly session will explore stablecoins, a category of cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to real-world assets. The discussion will cover:

The fundamentals of stablecoins and how they differ from other digital assets.

Their role in financial inclusion, cross-border transactions, and economic empowerment for underserved communities.

An introduction to Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin and its applications.

Faculty, students, administrators, and staff interested in FinTech, cryptocurrencies, and economic innovation are encouraged to attend. The workshop will also provide valuable insights for those guiding students in these emerging fields.

How Open-Source Communities Are Shaping CBDC Innovation
2025-03-31 12:00 - 13:00
Karen Ottoni, Sr. Director of Ecosystem & Strategic Initiatives at LF Decentralized Trust joins the Fintech Center at Morgan State University and the HBCU network to share her presentation on the CBDC space and how it is being impacted by Open–Source

Shaping CBDC Innovation
an Online Workshop
Presenter: Karen Ottoni, Sr. Director of Ecosystem & Strategic Initiatives at LF Decentralized Trust
Monday, March 31, 2025
12:00–1:00 PM EST / (9:00–10:00 AM PST)

About the Workshop!
This webinar will demystify CBDCs and highlight the collaborative nature of their development, particularly the critical contributions of open–source communities in designing, testing, and securing innovative digital currency infrastructure. We will also discuss the role of the U.S. federal government in advancing CBDC research, including policy considerations around privacy, cybersecurity, and economic stability.

What are CBDCs, and how do they differ from stablecoins and cryptocurrencies?

The open–source model: collaboration, transparency, and innovation

Case studies from global CBDC pilots and the use of open–source tools

Regulatory and policy frameworks in the U.S.

The importance of public-private partnerships in fintech innovation

Faculty, students, administrators, and staff interested in FinTech, cryptocurrencies, and economic innovation are encouraged to attend. The workshop will also provide valuable insights for those guiding students in these emerging fields.

The Convergence of Blockchain and AI: A New Era for Entertainment and Digital Ownership
2025-04-30 12:00 - 13:00
Blockchain and AI are reshaping the entertainment industry by transforming how digital content is created, owned, and monetized. This webinar explores the powerful synergy between these two technologies and how they drive innovation in digital rights, fan engagement, and content distribution. Learn how creators, platforms, and consumers are entering a new era of transparency, personalization, and decentralized control.
Presenter: Koushik Gavini with Gala Games
Wednesday, April 30th, 2025
12:00–1:00 PM EST / (9:00–10:00 AM PST)
Zoom Meeting Link
Registration is required, BUT attendance is FREE.

This workshop will cover the topics below and give everyone a better glimpse into the new era.

What Blockchain Brings
What AI Adds to the Mix
The Synergy
Real-World Examples
What It Means for Creators and Consumers

Faculty, students, administrators, and staff interested in FinTech, cryptocurrencies, and economic innovation are encouraged to attend. The workshop will also provide valuable insights for those guiding students in these emerging fields.

The 6th ANNUAL NATIONAL HBCU BLOCKCHAIN, FINTECH, AND AI CONFERENCE
2025-09-19 - 2025-09-20
The National Center for the Study of Blockchain and FinTech at The Graves Business School is pleased to announce

Submission Guidelines

The 6th ANNUAL
NATIONAL HBCU BLOCKCHAIN, FINTECH, AND AI CONFERENCE

6th Annual National HBCU Blockchain, FinTech, and AI Conference Hosted by the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics, North Carolina A&T State University

We invite scholars, researchers, practitioners, and graduate students to submit original
work for presentation at the 6th Annual National HBCU Blockchain, FinTech, and AI
Conference. This peer-reviewed conference brings together thought leaders exploring the
transformative impact of blockchain, financial technology, artificial intelligence, and their
convergence with education, policy, and innovation.
Conference Details
• Conference Dates: September 19–20, 2025
• Location: North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC

• Submission Deadline: Friday, July 1, 2025, by 11:59 PM EST
• Notification of Acceptance: By July 15, 2025

1. Types of Submissions
We welcome the following submission types:
A. Full Papers

Purpose: Empirical or conceptual research with complete findings
Length: 15–30 pages (including all references, tables, and figures)
Required Sections:

Title Page (title, author(s), affiliations, contact information)
Abstract (150–250 words)
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Results / Findings
Discussion
Conclusion
References (APA 7 format)
Appendices (if applicable)
Tables and Figures (labeled and referenced)

B. Extended Abstracts

Purpose: Research-in-progress or early-stage studies
Length: 1,500-2000 words (about 3-4 pages, excluding references)
Required Elements:
o Title
o Author(s) and Affiliation(s)
o Research Objective or Question
o Brief Theoretical Framework
o Methodological Approach
o Preliminary or Anticipated Findings
o Relevance and Contribution
o References (APA format, minimum of 3)

C. Workshop Proposals

Purpose: Conceptual, pedagogical, or industry-based sessions aligned with the conference theme
Length: 800-1000 words (about 2 pages, 1.5 spaced)
Required Elements:

o Proposal Title
o Author(s) and Affiliation(s)
o Problem Statement or Topic Focus
o Proposed Session Structure or Concept
o Intended Contribution
o Relevance to Blockchain, FinTech, AI, or Interdisciplinary Innovation
2. Formatting Requirements

Accepted File Types: Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF (.pdf)
Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt
Spacing: 1.5 spaced
Margins: 1 inch on all sides
Style Guide: APA 7th Edition

3. File Naming Convention
Use the following naming format:
Name your file using the following format:
LastName_FirstName_HBCU2025Submission.pdf
Example: Taylor_Alex_HBCU2025Submission.docx
4. Submission Portal
All submissions must be uploaded through the official Google Form submission portal:
https://forms.gle/Z7R5M9HEZvyHcELH9
(If needed, contact Dr. Okafor for assistance)
5. Review Process
 All submissions will be peer-reviewed by a multidisciplinary review committee.
 Notifications of acceptance will be sent by July 15, 2025.
 Accepted authors must register for the conference and present their work in person.
6. Conference Tracks
Align your submission with one of the following thematic tracks:
1. Finance, Markets, and Business Applications
2. Technology, Infrastructure, and Security
3. Computational Systems, Modeling, and Engineering Innovation
4. Sustainability, Ethics, and Regulation
5. Education and Pedagogy
6. Creativity, Culture, and Interdisciplinary Innovation
7. Questions or Support?
Please contact the Conference Planning Committee:
Conference Co-Chair:
Dr. Collins E. Okafor, Ph.D.
Email: ceokafor@ncat.edu
Conference Chair:
Dr. Ali Emdad, Ph.D.
Email: Ali.Emdad@morgan.edu

Cryptocurrency Policy Webinar with Coinbase
2026-04-29 12:00 - 13:00
Join Coinbase experts for a discussion on the evolving policy and regulatory landscape of cryptocurrency and digital assets. This panel will explore how blockchain technology is shaping the future of finance, current regulatory challenges, and what these developments mean for innovation, investors, and the broader financial system.

The Transformative Impact of Agentic AI Webinar
2026-06-24 12:00 - 13:00
Join the National FinTech Center at Morgan State University and Edgar Perez, author, dynamic global thought leader, and visionary, for a Webinar on the transformative impact of Agentic AI, adaptability, and the future of financial services in an increasingly intelligent economy.

The 7th ANNUAL NATIONAL HBCU BLOCKCHAIN, FINTECH, AND AI CONFERENCE
2026-11-08 08:00 - 2026-11-10 17:00 | Margaritaville Hotel Nashville, 425 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States
2026 CONFERENCE THEME: Engineering Trust: Scalable, Intelligent, and Secure Financial Systems with Blockchain and AI
The National FinTech Center launched its inaugural summit in Baltimore, bringing together representatives from 34 HBCUs for a landmark convening. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center transitioned to virtual platforms in 2020 and 2021, engaging faculty delegates and student ambassadors from 65 HBCUs nationwide. From 2022 through 2025, the Center resumed in-person conferences, hosting them in Orlando, Baltimore, Atlanta, and Greensboro, further expanding its national reach and impact.
Now in its 7th year, the National HBCU Blockchain, FinTech, and AI Conference has evolved into one of the premier forums for research at the intersection of financial technology, blockchain, digital assets, and artificial intelligence. The conference brings together scholars, engineers,
economists, and policymakers to advance rigorous, real-world solutions for next-generation financial ecosystems, with a distinctive commitment to HBCU communities, equitable innovation, and workforce development.
