Maxi Günnewig, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bonn, has won the Philipp Sandner Award in Digital Finance Research from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and WM Gruppe. 

Günnewig was awarded 10,000 euros for his work on smart banks, which explores the integration of banks with blockchain-based smart contracts in future financial systems. His research aims to prevent bank runs and costly government interventions by leveraging technology to eliminate financial fragility and prevent future crises. 

The award was presented at the Crypto Assets Conference on 26 March 2025. The international award honors young researchers focusing on blockchain, digital assets, machine learning, artificial intelligence, payment systems, and financial platforms. 

Günnewig expressed his gratitude and pride in receiving the award, which is named after Professor Philipp Sandner, a former professor at the Frankfurt School and founding director of the Frankfurt School Blockchain Centre (FSBC) who passed away in January 2024. The selection process includes a review by a scientific committee and final selection by a jury comprising professionals from business, science, and public administration.

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