Module Descriptors
FINTECH AND DIGITISATION
FABE50004
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 5
20 credits
Contact
Leader: Syed Zaidi
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 36
Independent Study Hours: 164
Total Learning Hours: 200
Pattern of Delivery
  • Occurrence A, Stoke Campus, UG Semester 3
  • Occurrence E, Stoke Campus, UG Semester 2
  • Occurrence F, Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology Sri Lanka (Colombo), UG Semester 2
  • Occurrence G, Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology Sri Lanka (Colombo), UG Semester 3
  • Occurrence H, Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology Sri Lanka (Kandy), UG Semester 2
  • Occurrence I, Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology Sri Lanka (Kandy), UG Semester 3
Sites
  • Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology Sri Lanka (Colombo)
  • Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology Sri Lanka (Kandy)
  • Stoke Campus
Assessment
  • Written Exam - Initial Assessment - MCQ weighted at 15%
  • Coursework - Essay weighted at 60%
  • Practical - Presentation weighted at 25%
Module Details
Learning Outcomes
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

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
Additional Assessment Details
1. Initial Assessment – MCQ - (0.5hr) (15%) (LO1)

2. Individual essay with reflection (2,000 words) (60%) (LOs 2 & 3)

3. Group presentation (10 minutes) (25%) (LO 4)
Web Descriptor
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.
Learning Strategies
Concepts, theories and principles will be explored, practiced 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.
Reference Texts
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.
Resources
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 modeling? - 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 .
Special Admissions Requirements
N/A
MODULE INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module will introduce you to the key concepts and issues in financial management, financial markets, institutions, and instruments to provide a strong foundation on 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.

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 own specialised applications.

For students studying at Stoke campus, 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. APIIT Lanka will provide a series of guest speakers to further develop an understanding of culturally diverse approaches to financial technology.