Financial Technology and Applications ACCFIN4096

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: Adam Smith Business School
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

The course introduces the foundations of Financial Technology (FinTech), its applications, opportunities and challenges. Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of FinTech, and develop their presentation and critical skills by assessing real-world cases.

Timetable

Synchronous learning activities consist of two components: Lecture/workshop (2 hours x 11 weeks); Tutorial (2 hours x 2 weeks). Asynchronous learning activities include those associated with pre-recorded short videos and group presentations, totalling 10 hours across the semester.

Requirements of Entry

Normally a grade D3 or above in Finance 2 or equivalent.

Excluded Courses

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Assessment

ILO's

Assessment Type

Weighting

Word Count/Duration

1,2,5, 6

Group presentation

30%

15-minute presentation, 5-minute Q&A

1,2,5

Individual report

20%

800 words

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable for Honours courses

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. Normally, the group-based assessment listed above cannot be reassessed.

Course Aims

The aims of the course are to:

■ Introduce the principles of Financial Technology (FinTech) and provide some of its key contemporary issues and exciting trends in the modern financial world.

■ Explore the evolution of FinTech over time, blockchains and cryptocurrencies, and how financial institutions can create strategic benefits through FinTech, while considering the legal and regulatory framework within which they operate.

■ Enhance understanding of the core aspects examined through a number of real case studies.

■ Develop critical skills in assessing the relevance and future of FinTech in real-world cases and applications.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

 

1. Appraise and analyse the main concepts of FinTech.

2. Evaluate the fundamental mechanism underlying blockchain and cryptocurrencies and interpret their applications to real-world financial tasks.

3. Assess how financial institutions apply FinTech and critically analyse the success of their proposed solutions in the current financial environment.

4. Distinguish the strategic benefits that FinTech offers for financial institutions and individuals.

5. Analyse the ways in which FinTech develops under and is affected by the relevant legal and regulatory framework.

6. Apply knowledge and practical skills to evaluate and formulate recommendations and strategies on issues and future development of FinTech, in both written (individual) and oral (collaborative) form, e.g., by working collaboratively in a group for a combined piece of coursework.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.