BUS7003 - Financial Technology and Digital Banking

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 - Demonstrate how the financial systems operate including digital banking, lending, investments and financial markets
2 - Understand how the modern payment ecosystem such as digital payment platforms (QR Payments), mobile wallets and credit/debit card payments operate and assess their impact on financial transactions, user behaviour and industry dynamics
3 - Apply financial analysis and appraisal techniques to make decisions in the context of financial technology
4 - Evaluate the operations of alternative finance including crowdfunding and cryptocurrencies
5 - Anticipate future trends in financial technology and digital banking.

Content:

The module will cover a range of topics as presented below which are essential for the students to understand the complexities of the world of financial technology and digital banking. Throughout the module, students will develop critical thinking and analytical skills as they apply theoretical and practical knowledge to real-world challenges in the field of financial technology and digital banking.

1. Understanding the Financial Technology Landscape and Digital Banking:

- Define and explain key concepts related to Financial Technology, such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, robo-advisors, peer-to-peer lending and mobile payments
- Compare and contrast traditional banking models with digital banking models
- Evaluate the impact of digitalisation on various banking services, including payments, lending and investment management.

2. Modern Payment Ecosystem:

- Understand how the modern payment ecosystem such as digital payment platforms (QR Payments), mobile wallets and credit/debit card payments operate and assess their impact on financial transactions, user behaviour and industry dynamics.

3. Financial Analysis and Appraisal Techniques:

- Application of financial analysis techniques to interpret complex financial data and assess key financial performance indicators to make decisions
- Application of financial appraisal principles and techniques to evaluate investment opportunities and allocate capital efficiently.

4. Alternative Finance:

- Define alternative finance and explain its significance in the financial ecosystem
- Examine crowdfunding platforms and different models including reward-based, equity-based and debt-based crowdfunding. Evaluate the challenges associated with crowdfunding
- Discuss the role of cryptocurrencies in alternative finance and explore the concepts of ICOs and their potential challenges for fundraising.

5. Emerging and Future Trends:

- Analyse the current state and future trends of financial technology and digital banking, including major players, trends and challenges.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The objective of our learning and teaching methods in this module is to impart knowledge in the areas of financial technology and digital banking comprehensively and interactively while also fostering students’ readiness for the industry. This is achieved by incorporating evidence-based and research-informed teaching practices, incorporating real-world business examples and utilising a variety of visual and audio aids through the lectures.

In doing that, a combination of problem-based learning and action learning will be embedded during the workshops, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to actual business challenges in the areas of financial technology and digital banking. This provides an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to practical problems and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The module is designed to adhere to banking and finance industry standards and benchmarking statements, reflecting the latest trends and developments in the field of financial technology and digital banking. This approach of delivery through lectures and workshops aims to provide a rigorous and relevant learning experience, equipping students with the skills necessary for success in the financial technology ecosystem.

Lectures
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Workshops
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 260

Further Details Relating to Assessment

Individual Presentation: You will prepare a presentation (10 minutes - maximum 10 slides) covering a topic of interest in areas of financial technology or digital banking relevant to your economy or a chosen economy.

Report: After receiving feedback on the presentation, you will write a detailed report on the topic of interest in areas of financial technology or digital banking relevant to your economy or a chosen economy.

Throughout this module, formative assessment and feed-forward techniques, such as in-class activities and peer-reviewed presentations, will be utilised to monitor student progress. Summative assessments will be evaluated using the University's established marking guidelines. Additionally, the module promotes student involvement and agency through the integration of co-created assessments, allowing students to have complete autonomy in their choice of economy.

Full details are available in the Module Handbook.

Assessment:

001 Individual presentation. 10 minutes with Q&A, mid-term 1 40%
002 Report, 3000 words. End of term 1. 60%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Satish Sharma
Level - 7
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 7T1

Click here to go back to previous page