DeFi War Game Workshop
Simulating a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) crisis – Lessons for strategic positioning in a rapidly evolving financial landscape
Please Note
This workshop concept is based on external research only and is presented for illustrative purposes. The scenarios and methodologies outlined serve as examples of the strategic thinking I would bring to the GTM Partner role to foster meaningful connections between financial institutions and a16z portfolio companies.
Workshop Overview
This structured workshop for financial executives simulates CBDC crisis scenarios and identifies strategic opportunities for a16z portfolio companies in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
Key Workshop Components
Crisis Simulation
Immersive scenario where central banks launch digital currencies that disrupt traditional banking models. Participants must respond in real-time to regulatory shifts and market disruptions.
Cross-Functional Teams
Workshop brings together representatives from a16z portfolio companies and financial institutions, creating "war rooms" that must collaborate to navigate the crisis.
Strategic Outcome Planning
Teams identify strategic opportunities emerging from the CBDC disruption, developing specific partnership models between a16z companies and financial institutions.
Business Value
The DeFi War Game Workshop delivers concrete value to both a16z portfolio companies and financial institutions:
For a16z Portfolio Companies
- Access to financial institution decision-makers
- Opportunity to showcase solutions in realistic scenarios
- Better understanding of financial institutions' constraints
For Financial Institutions
- Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and solutions
- Strategic preparation for potential CBDC scenarios
- Identification of competitive advantages in a disrupted market
Workshop Agenda
Welcome & Introduction
Overview of CBDC landscape and workshop objectives
Crisis Scenario Briefing
Introduction to the CBDC disruption scenario and market conditions
Team Formation & Strategy Session
Cross-functional teams develop initial response strategies
Working Lunch
Continued strategy development with expert facilitation
Crisis Escalation
New market developments introduced, teams adapt strategies
Solution Development
Teams map a16z portfolio solutions to crisis challenges
Presentations & Feedback
Teams present strategic responses and partnership opportunities
Debrief & Next Steps
Action planning and follow-up commitments
Workshop Methodology
The DeFi War Game uses a proven crisis simulation methodology developed through collaboration with financial regulators and industry experts:
- 1
Reality-Based Scenarios
Using actual central bank research and policy documents to create plausible CBDC implementation scenarios
- 2
Progressive Disclosure
Gradually introducing new challenges and market developments throughout the day to test adaptability
- 3
Cross-Functional Integration
Combining executives from different disciplines to ensure comprehensive strategy development
- 4
Real-Time Feedback
Subject matter experts provide immediate feedback on the viability of proposed strategies
Facilitator Expertise
Name To Be Confirmed
Financial services strategist with extensive experience in central bank policies and DeFi innovations.
Workshop Details
Duration
Full-day (8 hours)
Participants
10-15 executives
Location
a16z Office or Client Site
Facilitator
To Be Confirmed
Workshop Includes
- Detailed scenario materials
- Facilitated discussions
- Real-time market simulations
- Strategic planning frameworks
- Follow-up action planning
Example Case Studies
Illustrative Examples
The following case studies are conceptual examples to illustrate potential outcomes from the workshop. They are not based on actual implementations but demonstrate the type of strategic value that can be generated.
Example: European Banking Association
A consortium of European banks participated in a CBDC workshop to prepare for the digital Euro launch.
Identified 5 critical threat scenarios for traditional banking
Developed 3 strategic response plans with technology integration
Generated 2 a16z portfolio company partnerships
Example: Regional US Banking Group
Mid-sized US banks collaborated on preparing for a potential Fed CBDC and private stablecoin proliferation.
Created consortium approach to stablecoin integration
Established multi-bank pilot for a16z compliance technology
Reduced estimated CBDC response time from 18 to 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend the DeFi War Game Workshop?
The workshop is designed for executive leadership teams from financial institutions, including C-suite executives, heads of innovation, digital strategy leaders, and risk management professionals. a16z portfolio companies in fintech, blockchain, and financial infrastructure are also encouraged to participate.
How much preparation is required from participants?
Minimal preparation is required. Participants receive a brief pre-reading packet one week before the workshop with background on CBDCs and current market context. The workshop is designed to be a "walk-up and engage" experience where all necessary materials and frameworks are provided on the day.
Can the workshop be customised for our organisation?
Yes, the DeFi War Game can be tailored to address specific challenges facing your organisation. We can adjust the scenarios to focus on retail CBDC impacts, wholesale applications, cross-border considerations, or particular market dynamics relevant to your business model.
What happens after the workshop?
Participants receive a comprehensive report summarising the insights generated, strategic responses developed, and specific a16z portfolio companies that align with identified needs. Optional follow-up sessions can be arranged to deepen specific partnership opportunities identified during the workshop.
How is confidential information handled?
All participants sign a confidentiality agreement. The workshop creates a safe environment for strategic exploration without revealing institution-specific vulnerabilities. Insights are shared at a thematic level without attributing specific concerns to individual organisations.
Prepare for the Future of Finance
As a GTM Partner at a16z, I'll facilitate collaborative workshops that bring together portfolio companies and financial institutions to navigate disruption and identify strategic opportunities.