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FinTech in Investment Management

Module description

This module is designed to provide a general overview on the concept of and areas of FinTech and outline some of its key areas of impact in the field of investment management. Regulatory and technological developments are changing the nature of financial markets, services and institutions in ways completely unexpected before the 2008 global financial crisis. Advancements include the use of Big Data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are discussed to evaluate investment opportunities, optimise portfolios and mitigate risks. These developments affect not only quantitative asset managers but also fundamental asset managers who make use of these tools and technologies to engage in hybrid forms of investment decision making.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The primary objective of this module is to offer a comprehensive overview of the concepts and areas within FinTech, highlighting its key impacts on investment management. Regulatory and technological shifts are reshaping financial markets, services, and institutions, particularly in response to the unexpected changes following the 2008 global financial crisis. The module delves into topics such as Big Data, cryptocurrencies, and artificial intelligence, providing insights into how technology has transformed the role of financial analysts.

Specific areas of FinTech development directly relevant to the investment industry include:

• Analysis of large datasets
• Analytical tools involving artificial intelligence
• Automated trading
• Automated advice, such as Robo-advisers
• Financial record-keeping, such as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)

Additionally, the module introduces the development of 'RegTech,' exploring how financial market participants and regulators leverage technology to enhance regulatory compliance and streamline associated processes.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Define “FinTech” and identify their advantages and challenges
• 2. Describe Big Data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning
• 3. Apply FinTech applications to investment management

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Evaluate the implications of FinTech in delivering financial solutions;
• 5. Analysis the applications of FinTech techniques.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Identify new opportunities and likely consequences of proposed reforms and new approaches;
• 7. Apply analytical and critical thinking skills.

Syllabus plan

• FinTech: An Introduction
• The Evolution of Fintech
• FinTech in Developed and Developing Economics
• Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning
• FinTech applications to investment management
• FinTech applications to portfolio administration
• Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology
• What’s next for RegTech

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Defer – as first time

Refer – capped at 40%

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Chishti, Susanne and Janos Barberis (2016), The FINTECH Book: The Financial Technology Handbook for Investors, Entrepreneurs and Visionaries, Wiley.
• Pedersen, No. (2020), Financial Technolgoy: Case Studies in Fintech Innovation, Kopan Kage.
• Hill, J. (2018), Fintech and the Remaking of Financial Institutions, Academic Press.

Key words search

Financial Technology, Investment Management