In Memory of Prof. Dr. Philipp Sandner
Philipp Sandner, a professor at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, founder of its Blockchain Center, and a blockchain enthusiast, unexpectedly died on January 16, 2024 at the age of 43.
Our community is deeply saddened by the passing of Philipp Sandner, an extraordinary personality who was known not only as one of the driving forces of the blockchain industry, but also as a valued member of our association family.
Philipp Sandner was a visionary pioneer and committed supporter of blockchain technology. Through his tireless work, extensive expertise and great commitment, he laid the foundations for a forward-looking and sustainable development of this technology.
As a supporter of our initiatives, Philipp was important in building bridges between the various players in the industry. His clear thinking, passion and firm belief in the transformative power of blockchain have not only enriched our association, but have also had far-reaching effects on society.
Philipp Sandner's legacy will be visible in the progress that the blockchain and digital asset industry will make in the future thanks to his initiatives and ideas. His innovative spirit, integrity and commitment to ethical standards will continue to inspire us.
May his memory continue to be a source of inspiration to us as we continue his work together and realize the ideals he passionately stood for. Our team will try to continue some of Philipp's legacy by building bridges between professionals in finance and emerging technologies.
Philipp Sandner (pictured) founded the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center in 2017 and turned it into one of the leading European hubs for research on digital assets, tokenization, and crypto regulation. He held a professorship in innovation and entrepreneurship at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management and contributed to the German government’s FinTech Council, the European Blockchain Observatory and Forum, and working groups at the International Organization for Standardization. He played a key role in shaping discussions around MiCA, central bank digital currencies, and digital identity, and he supported institutions, ministries, and regulators in understanding blockchain-based financial market infrastructure.
Philipp was regularly listed among the top economists in Germany by the F.A.Z. newspaper ranking and was recognized as one of the most influential figures in the digital economy. He supported initiatives such as the Digital Euro Association, the International Token Standardization Association, and the German Blockchain Association Bundesblock, reinforcing ties between academia, industry, and policymaking. Through numerous publications, interviews, advisory roles, and research collaborations, he strengthened the strategic position of Europe within the global blockchain landscape and advanced both scientific and practical understanding of digital assets.
Finance Loop also helps carry forward the spirit of Philipp Sandner, whose impact on the digital-asset community shaped an entire generation of professionals in Europe. His commitment to collaboration, innovation, and integrity guides the way our ecosystem is growing.
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