FINN3121: Financial Technology

• Foundations of Finance (FINN1011)

• None

• None

• This module on financial technology (FinTech) is designed for students interested in exploring how emerging technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence and blockchain are disrupting the financial services industry. Students will learn frameworks and acquire the skills necessary to understand and critically evaluate core concepts in financial technology.

• Digital disruption of new financial business models.
• Machine learning applications finance.
• Payment systems and digital currencies.
• Blockchain technology, smart contracts, and decentralized finance.
• FinTech policy and regulation.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of this module students should:
• Have a theoretical, technical and critical understanding of the role of FinTechs in the financial system and their business models
• Understand the economic intuition behind the dynamics transforming finance and business.
• Be able to discuss trends and developments in financial technology and their implications for traditional finance in an informed way.
• Be familiar with contemporary disruptions and innovations.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Ability to explain and critically evaluate the purpose of disruption and innovation in financial technology
• Practical assessment of financial technology-driven business models and their impact on the financial sector.
• Ability to argue the case for and against the need and the specifics of regulation and policy around financial technologies.

Key Skills:

• Students will have the opportunity to develop the following key skills:
• Problem Solving and Analysis - Apply necessary analytical and quantitative skills, and demonstrate understanding of core concepts in financial technology in preparation for and during workshops.
• Numeracy - use core mathematical and statistical skills to answer workshop and examination questions
• Interpersonal and Written Communication effectively communicate ideas in exams and workshop discussions.
• Planning and Organisation and Time Management - revise relevant material and prepare for examinations.
• Computer Literacy - access and download teaching material from Blackboard, and conduct bibliographical searches and information retrieval for workshops seminars and assignments.

• Teaching is by workshop sessions using a flipped classroom approach. Learning takes place through attendance at workshops, preparation for and participation in group activities in the workshops and private study through provided material (e.g. reading, recorded videos).
• Regular formative assessments guide students in the development of their knowledge and skills. They also support students continuous engagement in learning throughout the module.
• Summative assessment is by means of an individual coursework on financial technology.

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