The module provides a good grasp of both the basics (the structure and environment of banking) and selected aspects of the applied economics of the modern banking firm. The topics covered include structure-conduct-performance, competition, bank efficiency, regulation, international banking and bank failures and crises. Students are supposed to be familiar with basic concepts from an intermediate undergraduate course in topics with an analytical and/or quantitative emphasis such as (corporate) finance, derivatives, microeconomics, macroeconomics or/and econometrics.
Module Aims
Provide sound knowledge and in-depth understanding of the key concepts and main developments in modern banking, including:
* Market structure, competition, SCP paradigm;
* Mergers and acquisitions, banks' objectives, efficiency in banking;
* Regulation of the banking sector and the rationale for it;
* Banking crises and international financial architecture.
* Financial innovation
* Payments and Payment systems
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
*Evaluate the impact of the main environmental forces of change on the strategies and performance of modern global banks.
*Evaluate critically the empirical evidence related to the industrial structure of baning and efficiency.
*Appraise the role of banks in a modern society.
*Understand why banks need regulation and assess the regulatory responses in light of the recent credit crisis.
*Understand how financial innovations have affected the banking sector with special attention to payment methods and payment systems.
Skills for Your Professional Life (Transferable Skills)
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
*Conduct an independent search and review of specialized academic literature on banking, identify and evaluate relevant information.
*Develop, use and understand relevant quantitative models and interpret quantitative results.
*Effectively communicate ideas and provide sound arguments both in written form and orally using academic style of communication.
*Improve data analytical skills using databases, internet and other information technologies to retrieve, analyse and communicate information.
*Effectively manage time, be autonomous in learning and develop positive student-staff relationships.
*Increase awareness of recent developments in the banking sector.
- Module Supervisor: Jose Linares Zegarra