This module will address topics of -

Theory & Knowledge Exchange

What is FinTech?
Concepts and requirements of 24/7 international business scenarios
Traditional finance models and systems versus FinTech systems (e.g., payments, cashless systems, general banking, portfolio management, transfers, and investment)
Digital finance models, systems, and architectures - Local and worldwide differences in FinTech
Online application case studies
Outline of legal issues and requirements

Technology & Resources

Standard platforms and technologies
Robo advisors
Threats (including System failure, application design issues, and Ransomware)
Basics of Blockchain

Practical Content

API economy FinTech modules
Cloud computing introduction
Fundamental cyber security considerations
Artificial Intelligence and Gamification
Data and analytics

PRESENTATION:
Students, working in small groups, are required to research a provided case study and create a 12-slide presentation, that takes the form of an executive summary, and should include the following:
Address of the key areas that contribute to FinTech
Outline of the benefits FinTech offers to businesses
A proposed model solution to the case study
Efficiencies and benefits of the proposed solution
Threats and pitfalls to avoid
Main findings and conclusions
A personal reflection as to what they have learned and how this fits into the bigger picture of the world of FinTech

(Assessing Learning Outcomes 1,2,3 and 4)

REFLECTIVE REPORT: A 1000 word report that reflects on the information gathering and investigative processes used to identify the key themes contained within the group presentation. (Assessing Learning outcomes 1, and 3)

All teaching sessions will blend theory and practical learning. Students will be introduced to curriculum concepts and ideas and will then be able to apply theory to practical examples within the same sessions. In addition, students will be provided with a range of resources for independent study such as case studies, academic papers and industry stories. There will be a mixture of practical and theoretical formative (mock or practice) exercises which will help students build knowledge and confidence in preparation for summative (formal) assessment.

1. Explore concepts of FinTech and summarise how these affect an overall business strategy within organisations.

Enquiry and Learning

2. Understand the role of FinTech in organisations towards maintaining (or gaining) a competitive advantage.

Analysis

3. Investigate new opportunities for organisations to utilise components of FinTech.

Analysis and Application

4. Identify and explore the threats towards adopting FinTech for financial business functions.

Problem Solving

Access to Standard PC
Access to cloud computing technologies (CISCO and AWS (Amazon Web Services)

All texts and electronic resources will be updated and refreshed on an annual basis and available for students via the online Study Links resource platform. All reference materials will be collated and curated and aligned to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion indicators.

Core Text/Resource:

Pederson, N, (2020), Financial Technology: Case Studies in Fintech Innovation, Kogan Page; 1st edition, ISBN-10:1789665434
Phadke, S, (2020), FinTech Future: The Digital DNA of Finance, SAGE Response; 1st edition, ISBN-10:9353882486
Chishti, S, & Barberis, J, (2016), The FINTECH Book: The Financial Technology Handbook for Investors, Entrepreneurs and Visionaries, Wiley 1st edition, ISBN-10:9781119218876

Optional Text/Resource:
Sironi, P, (2016) FinTech Innovation: From Robo–Advisors to Goal Based Investing and Gamification (The Wiley Finance Series), Wiley; 1st edition, ISBN-10:1119226988
O’Hanlon, S, Chishti, S, & Bradley, B, (2020), FinTech For Dummies, For Dummies; 1st edition, ASIN:B08FX8GSL5

This module introduces the key essentials of FinTech (Financial Technology) at both the fundamental computing and financial areas. Students will learn about traditional and computing based financial systems and models to appreciate how to devise requirements and evaluate the elements required in a successful system. Case studies are widely used at both a theory and practical level so that students examine international approaches and explore at a technical level their development. Practically the module will examine areas of cloud computing, cyber security, AI, gamification, and blockchain. In relation to theory the module investigates financial systems and required functions, as well as wider issues of modelling, and legal requirements.