• University of Exeter Business School
• Module

FinTech in Investment Management

Module description

This module is intended for Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship students who are looking to develop a sound understanding in the concept of and areas of 'finance and technology, commonly known as ‘FinTech’.  FinTech refers to the technological innovation in the design and delivery of financial services and products. The module defines FinTech and outlines some of its key areas of impact in the field of investment management. Advancements include the use of Big Data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are discussed to evaluate investment opportunities, optimise portfolios and mitigate risks. These developments affect not only quantitative asset managers but also fundamental asset managers who make use of these tools and technologies to engage in hybrid forms of investment decision making.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module is designed to provide a general overview on the concept of and areas of FinTech and outline some of its key areas of impact in the field of investment management. Regulatory and technological developments are changing the nature of financial markets, services and institutions in ways completely unexpected before the 2008 global financial crisis. The module focuses on topics such as Big Data, cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence that will provide an insight regarding the new ways in which technology has impacted the role of a financial analyst.

The areas of FinTech development that are more directly relevant to the investment industry include the following:

• Analysis of large datasets
• Analytical tools involving artificial intelligence
• Automated trading
• Automated advice such as Robo-advisers
• Financial record keeping, such as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)

The development of ‘RegTech’ is also introduced in this module, as financial market participants and regulators use technology to enhance regulatory compliance and streamline its component processes.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Define “FinTech” and identify their advantages and challenges
• 2. Describe Big Data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning
• 3. Apply FinTech applications to investment management
• 4. Describe financial applications of Distributed Ledger Technology
• 5. Evaluate security challenges in the evolving Fintech landscape
• 6. Explain how the programming code and economic incentive structures make cryptocurrencies work
• 7. Discuss the development of RegTech

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 8. Evaluate the implications of FinTech in delivering financial solutions
• 9. Apply FinTech to the control to costs and risks effectively

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 10. Identify new opportunities and development in organisations
• 11. Keep up to date with sector relevant legal/regulatory changes
• 12. Identify the likely consequences of proposed reforms and new approaches

Syllabus plan

• FinTech: An Introduction
• The Evolution of Fintech
• FinTech in Developed and Developing Economics
• Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning
• FinTech applications to investment management
• FinTech applications to portfolio administration
• Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology
• What’s next for RegTech

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral- if you have been deferred for any assessment, you will be expected to complete relevant deferred assessment as determined by the Mitigation Committee. The mark given for re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral- if you have failed the module overall (i.e., a final overall module mark of less than 40%), you will be required to undertake re-assessments that you failed. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

• Chishti, Susanne and Janos Barberis (2016), The FINTECH Book: The Financial Technology Handbook for Investors, Entrepreneurs and Visionaries, Wiley. 
• Forum, World Economic (2015), The Future of FinTech A Paradigm Shift in Small Business Finance
• Ernst and Young (2014), Landscaping UK Fintech Commissioned by UK Trade & Investment

Key words search

Financial Technology, Investment Management