This elective explores the process and the impact of globalisation on international financial and banking systems. Topics include the development and characteristics of national banking systems, the process of integration of financial markets, financial innovation, development of prudential supervision and regulation, and the causes and consequences of recent international financial crises.

Lecture: one hour per week; seminar: one hour per week.

Please note this course does not run every session.

Students will complete one individual 1,000 word essay (30%) critically evaluating content from the first half of the course (weeks 1-5), and then will complete one individual, final, 3,000 word essay (70%) examining a topic in global finance of their choosing.

To gain familiarity with the institutions and structures of the international financial system and to examine the ongoing impact of globalization on the financial services industry.

To develop analytical writing and argumentative skills, especially reading and analysing scholarly literature, and using those sources to develop evidence-driven arguments.

On completion of the module students should be able to:

Describe the pattern of the expansion of international financial activity.

Explain the differences between national banking and financial systems

in key countries in Europe, North America and East Asia

Explain the evolution of international finance and banking since 1945

Discuss the arguments for and against regulation of international finance

Analyse and compare international financial crises across time and space

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