The module explores a number of issues in international banking and finance. It contains a review of the institutional structure of, and then goes on to explore issues relating to the development of, the international financial system. Although coverage will change from year to year, possible topics include European financial integration, financial sector reform in transition economies, financial crises, bank failures and mergers, innovation in banking.

By the end of the module the student should be able to:

• demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the way in which the international financial system operates;
• synthesise the recent advanced research in the area of International Banking and Finance explaining how trends in the international financial markets can be analysed;
• critically appraise key policy issues that arise from the developments studied.