Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LM Fintech, Digital Finance and Blockchain
School	Birmingham Business School
Department	Finance
Module Code	07 39598
Module Lead	Francesco Pierangeli
Level	Masters Level
Credits	10
Semester
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-22 hours Seminar-11 hours Guided independent study-67 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	The module provides a comprehensive understanding of the digital financial landscape in terms of business models and sector practices. It begins by introducing money and payments as the foundations of the industry and then moves on to new digital financial products such as online banking, peer-to-peer lending markets and automated investment advisory services. These products are offered via digital platforms and marketplaces which are transforming the way the financial sector operates. Underlying these innovations are technologies such as artificial intelligence, Blockchain and cloud infrastructure which we will discuss using case studies. Finally, the module covers ethical challenges in terms of privacy, sustainability and inclusion in the space. The module devotes particular emphasis to highlight best responsible business practices by illustrating how digital finance may benefit consumers and firms by enabling greater access to financial services, offering wider choice of financial products, and increasing the efficiency of operations but also the risks it poses (e.g. a lack of regulation and consumer dangers in cryptocurrency markets). By the end of the module, students will be equipped with the tools to understand digital finance and responsibly engage with it.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Critically evaluate the corporate social responsibility issues present in various Fintech business models and how these can promote and detract sustainable development, consumer welfare and societal wellbeing  Understand the impact of ethics and risk management on Fintech business decisions and performance, and on stakeholders  Apply principles relating to corporate social responsibility, governance and regulatory compliance.  Critically discuss financial governance issues and legal requirements in digital finance
Assessment	39598-01 : Individual Assignment : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 2000-word Individual Assignment (100%). The individual assignment consists of a comparative analysis of two digital financial services firms. Reassessment: Reassessed by failed component.    2000-word Individual Assignment (100%). The individual assignment consists of a comparative analysis of two digital financial services firms.
Other
Reading List