Introduction to FinTech
| Module title | Introduction to FinTech |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEF3016DA |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
This module is for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of FinTech, the fusion of finance and technology. It explores FinTech as a realm of technological innovation in financial services and products. The module covers key areas where FinTech impacts investment management, including the utilization of Big Data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning for evaluating investments, optimizing portfolios, and risk mitigation. These advancements influence both quantitative and fundamental asset managers, enabling hybrid approaches to investment decision-making.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module is designed to introduce students with the latest advancements in FinTech and how they influence investors, the financial services sector, markets, and the global economy. It delves into ongoing developments, challenges, and discussions, emphasizing the significance of FinTech and related ideas for various stakeholders. By the end of this module, students will have the ability to comprehend and analyse FinTech, Blockchain, value creation, and related topics critically. They will also be able to connect their insights to recent developments in the broader global digital economy and, specifically, the financial services industry.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Critically discuss current developments in FinTech and its impact on investors, the financial services industry, markets and the global economy
- 2. Explain introductory topics in big data analysis
- 3. Explore and analyse contemporary issues in big data analysis, blockchain, Cryptoassets, scientific computing and financial technology in relation to the financial services industry.
- 4. Explain the real nature of digital payment systems and the role of FinTech within markets and the global economy.
- 5. Explain economic and econometric theory relevant to Bitcoin and Blockchain.
- 6. Explore and analyse ethical issues related to risk governance and FinTech.
- 7. Discuss the development of RegTech
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Evaluate the implications of FinTech in delivering financial solutions
- 9. Apply FinTech to the control to costs and risks effectively
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 10. Identify new opportunities and development in organisations
- 11. Engage with own personal continuous professional development in this area
- 12. Identify the likely consequences of proposed reforms and new approaches
Syllabus plan
- Introduction to FinTech
- Data science
- Open banking
- Digital payments systems
- Disruption in financial industry
- Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology
- What’s next for RegTech
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 122 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 7 hours | Full-day masterclass |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 21 hours | Half-day masterclasses |
| Guided Independent Study | 122 hours | Reading and research, web based activities |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online discussion | Online discussion contributions | 1-12 | Online discussion feedback from peers and lecturer |
| Assignment draft | One page of word doc with bullet points | 1-12 | Individual feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 30 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 30 | 20 min | 1-12 | Marks and feedback |
| Coursework Assignment | 70 | 2000 words | 1-12 | Marks and feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 30% 20 min | 1-12 | Marks and feedback |
| Coursework Assignment | 70% 2,000 words | 1-12 | Marks and feedback |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- (Mack & Kissell, 2018) Fintech in Investment Management CFA
- (Buckley et. Al, 2023) Fintech: Finance, Technology and Regulation
- (Abeba N. Turi, 2023) Financial Technologies and DeFi: A revisit to the Digital Finance Revolution (Financial Innovation and Technology)
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 28/02/2019 |
| Last revision date | 27/02/2024 |
