This module will introduce you to the key concepts and issues in financial management, financial markets, institutions, and instruments to provide a strong foundation for the applications of finance. These three key areas will provide you with a solid foundation to understand the key products and developments in financial technology (FinTech). You will cover the key financial decisions made by financial managers. The module will also examine the key financial instruments, the concepts of risk and return, and portfolio theory. You will study the functioning of modern banking systems, including financial intermediation, operation of payment systems, and the conduct and transmission channels of central bank monetary policy.

You will examine the nature of FinTech in the current industry context, exploring contemporary market developments and evaluating the challenges and opportunities presented. The role of the finance function and the impact of technology in the digital world. Data and information in a digital world including monetising data, business intelligence systems, big data analytics and data visualisation. Structure of the finance function from the roles that generate information to the roles that turn information into insight and communicate insight to decision-makers. Finance interacts with the organisation such Product and service management and Big data analytics in marketing.

This module provides you with a core foundational understanding of financial technology applications. The theory behind how these systems work will be applied to real examples, allowing you as an entrepreneur to create your specialised applications.

This module will incorporate a residential (overseas if possible), including visits to international organisations to further develop an understanding of financial technology. You may also participate in a volunteer programme in which you will develop your understanding of diverse Fintech practices.

1. Group presentation (15 minutes) (20%) (LO 4). You will be required to plan a presentation for the group with specific needs and deliver the session during class-time.

2. Individual essay with reflection (2,000 words) (80%) (LOs 1-3)

The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 200 learning hours (including assessment) of which there will be 52 hours of tutor-led learning and 148 hours of independent and self-directed study.

Concepts, theories and principles will be explored, practised and demonstrated. Practical skills enhanced by recommended videos and talks. LinkedIn Learning will be used to direct self-study learning throughout the study block. Cognitive and personal skills developed in open-ended problem-solving exercises. Oral feedback will be given during sessions. The assessment will examine the wider learning outcomes expressed in the descriptor.

You will undertake ‘formative’ assessments during the module to help you monitor your learning and provide you and us with ongoing feedback on your progress, that helps you prepare for the ‘summative assessment(s) during or at the end of the module.

1. Understand and evaluate the role of financial technology (FinTech) in revolutionising finance.
Knowledge & Understanding
Analysis

2. Critically explore concepts such as automation, artificial intelligence and data mining, and reflect on the challenges and opportunities these concepts present.
Enquiry, Reflection & Learning

3. Critically evaluate the functioning of contemporary banking systems, including financial intermediation, operation of payment systems, and the conduct and transmission channels of central bank monetary policy.
Knowledge & Understanding

4. Examine and analyse the key decisions made by financial managers using financial technologies
Problem Solving & Communication

LinkedIn. (n.d.).¿Blockchain Basics | LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com. [online] Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/blockchain-basics?trk=learning-topics_trending-courses_related-content-card&upsellOrderOrigin=default_guest_learning.

LinkedIn. (n.d.). Cryptocurrency Foundations | LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com. [online] Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/cryptocurrency-foundations?trk=learning-serp_learning_search-card&upsellOrderOrigin=default_guest_learning.

LinkedIn. (n.d.). What is financial modelling? - Excel Video Tutorial | LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com. [online] Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/financial-modeling-foundations/what-is-financial-modeling?u=35633836.

Cecchetti, S & Schoenholtz, K. (2021).¿ISE Money, Banking and Financial Markets, 6th Edition. New York, Ny Mcgraw-Hill Education.

Brown, S. (2020).¿The innovation ultimatum: how six strategic technologies will reshape every business in the 2020s. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.

Mailoc, M. (2018).¿Advances in financial machine learning. New Jersey: Wiley.

Bambara, J.J. and Allen, P.R. (2018). Blockchain: a practical guide to developing business, law, and technology solutions. New York: Mcgraw-Hill Education.

Looking forward to solving yesterday’s problems. In this module, you will analyse the ways in which Financial Technology (FinTech) is revolutionising finance. You will gain an appreciation for the role of digitisation in business by exploring concepts such as automation, artificial intelligence and data mining and the challenges and opportunities these concepts present.