Manage a Real Cryptocurrency Portfolio Before You Graduate
The Student Managed Blockchain Fund (SMBF) gives finance students the opportunity to research cryptocurrencies, analyze blockchain technology, and make investment recommendations for a real cryptocurrency portfolio that is part of St. John's University's endowment.
The Student Managed Blockchain Fund combines classroom learning with hands-on investing, helping students develop the knowledge and analytical skills needed to evaluate digital assets, understand cryptocurrency markets, and prepare for careers in finance and fintech.
SMBF at a Glance
Portfolio Value
(up from a $100,000 initial investment)
Fund Established
Portfolio Growth Since Launch
Why Choose the Student Managed Blockchain Fund?
Gain hands-on experience researching cryptocurrencies, analyzing blockchain technology, and managing digital asset investments while building skills for careers in finance and fintech.
1. Manage a Real Cryptocurrency Portfolio
Research cryptocurrencies and make investment recommendations for a student managed blockchain fund that is part of St. John's University's endowment.
2. Build Investment Research Skills
Evaluate digital assets using cryptocurrency valuation methods, on chain metrics, technical analysis, and risk assessment to develop evidence based investment recommendations.
3. Understand Blockchain Technology
Explore Bitcoin, Ethereum, Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks, decentralized finance (DeFi), and the blockchain ecosystems transforming the future of finance.
4. Prepare for Careers in Finance and Fintech
Develop practical experience in investment research, financial analysis, cryptocurrency markets, and blockchain investing for careers across finance, fintech, blockchain, and digital assets.
Build Skills Employers Value
Through the Student Managed Blockchain Fund, students develop practical experience that prepares them for careers in today's evolving financial markets.
Students strengthen their ability to:
- Conduct investment research
- Analyze cryptocurrencies and digital assets
- Evaluate blockchain technologies
- Apply technical analysis and valuation methods
- Assess market and regulatory risk
- Develop and defend investment recommendations
- Present complex financial concepts with confidence
These transferable skills prepare students for careers in investment management, financial analysis, fintech, blockchain, cryptocurrency research, venture capital, consulting, and digital asset investing.
From Classroom to the Future of Finance
The analytical, technical, and investment research skills you develop through SMBF prepare you for careers across finance and emerging financial technologies.
It prepares students for careers in investment management, financial analysis, fintech, digital asset investing, blockchain strategy, venture capital, and more.
Investing in Future Generations
The Student Managed Blockchain Fund (SMBF) is more than an experiential learning opportunity. As part of St. John's University's endowment, investment income generated by the funds helps support student scholarships and the Applied Finance Institute, strengthening experiential learning opportunities for current and future Tobin students.
Get Started Today
The Student Managed Blockchain Fund (SMBF) is part of FIN 4321: Crypto Assets and Trading Strategies, where students learn the fundamentals of cryptocurrency investing, blockchain technology, and digital asset analysis before contributing investment recommendations to the University's cryptocurrency portfolio.
For more information, contact:
Zenu Sharma, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Finance