Module Description
This module is an introduction to both theoretical and practical issues related to the modern banking business. The module begins with an overview of the role and genesis of the financial system and the nature of financial intermediation. It covers the main characteristics and types of banks (e.g. commercial and mutual, retail and wholesale) and analyses recent trends and developments in relation to both domestic and international banking markets. The module also explores the main items contained in banks' financial statements and discusses main risks of banking, with particular reference to elementary risk management techniques. Special attention is paid to central banking and the rationale for bank regulation at both national and international levels.
Module Aims
The aim of this module is to introduce basic concepts of banking, to provide students with an understanding of the role of financial intermediation and to overview the tools of analysis of banking activities. Special attention will be paid to regulatory issues.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
*Explain the differences between banks, other financial intermediaries and financial markets
*Explain the role and functions of central banks
*Analyse and interpret basic banks' financial statements, identify banking risks and elementary risk management techniques
*Critically evaluate why banks need regulation and distinguish between the different types of regulation
Skills for Your Professional Life (Transferable Skills)
Upon successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
*Improve your research skills through the use of Google Scholar search platform
*Develop your critical thinking through the use of recent article journals
*Improve your data analytical skills through the analysis of publicly available banking data
*Improve awareness of recent developments in the banking sector
- Module Supervisor: Jose Linares Zegarra