Understand and evaluate the role of financial technology (FinTech) in revolutionising finance.

Knowledge & Understanding, Analysis, Communication


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

Enquiry, Reflection & Learning, Communication


Critically evaluate the impact of digitization on 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


Examine and analyse the key decisions made by financial managers using financial technologies

Problem Solving, Analysis

(1) Group presentation (15 minutes) (30%) (LOs 1&2).

(2) Individual essay with reflection (2,000 words) (70%) (LOs 1-4)

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.

The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 200 learning hours (including assessment) of which there will be 36 hours of tutor-led learning and 164 hours of independent and self-directed study. During the tutor-led learning hours, students will receive robust support through interactive tutorials where they can ask questions, clarify doubts, and receive personalized guidance on challenging concepts. These tutorials are designed to foster a deeper understanding of the material, with opportunities for collaborative learning and discussions that enhance comprehension and retention.

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. The formative assessments may include quizzes, short essays, or problem-solving exercises, with feedback given to help students identify areas for improvement.

The use of AI tools such as ChatGPT can be beneficial in learning, however, students must adhere to the following guidelines: (i) all submitted work must be original and written by the student; (ii) if a student utilizes AI tools to generate ideas or receive guidance, this must be clearly cited in the submitted work, just as any other source would be; (iii) students should be mindful of the ethical implications of using AI in their studies, ensuring that their use of such tools does not constitute academic dishonesty.

Unit feedback:
During semester, students’ feedback on the module will be collated and distributed through University's online platform, ensuring consistency with other units and focusing on both improvement and future success. This process includes both individual feedback and cohort-wide summaries, aligning with the university's standardized approach to learning and assessment.

MAIN TEXT:
David L. Shrier, Alex Pentland. (2022). Global Fintech: Financial Innovation in the Connected World. MIT Press

Janos Barberis, Susanne Chishti. (2016). The FINTECH Book: The Financial Technology Handbook for Investors, Entrepreneurs and Visionaries. Wiley

Michael R. King, Richard W. Nesbitt. (2020). The Technological Revolution in Financial Services: How Banks, Fintechs, and Customers Win Together. Rotman-UTP Publishing

Niels Pedersen (2020). Financial Technology, case studies in Fintech Innovation. 1st Edition

Module Study Guide and Handbook
BUV Learning Resources Centre and website
BUV Canvas; Learning Management System
SU VLE
SU Library