The course explores the structures and social functions of financial institutions and markets in both developing and developed countries. The focus of the course is on the role that the financial sector can play to facilitate economic development and the extent and nature of state intervention that is required in this context. The course surveys contrasting theoretical frameworks and their policy implications together with institutional and historical developments.

One 2-hour lecture each week x 10 weeks.

None.

■ Coursework: a briefing note (50% of final grade for course)

■ Examination: 2-hour online degree exam (50% of final grade for course).

The course analyses financial institutions and markets in developing and emerging market economies. It analyses a number of different issues arising from the process of liberalisation of financial systems and capital movements in these countries and what they can learn from the experience of developed countries. 

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Compare and evaluate mainstream and heterodox perspectives concerning the role of the banking sector and securities markets for the funding of real productive investment in developing countries

2. Analyse and appraise the relationship between policies towards the financial system and broader aims of economic development, structural transformation, and economic diversification

3. Evaluate contrasting theories concerning the occurrence of financial crises, and to assess the role that alternative approaches to financial sector regulation, broader institutional systems and economic management may play as contributory and/or preventative factors

4. Discuss the evolving nature of financial systems and the involvement of developing countries in economic and financial globalisation, and to evaluate the relevance of such historical developments for mainstream and heterodox perspectives on the role of the financial sector

5. Evaluate alternative approaches to the funding of infrastructure development in developing countries, and to assess the connections between such funding, pricing, and public expenditure commitments

6. Contrast international and domestic development banking systems, and to assess their role for economic development

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