Fintech Innovations in Financial Services

 This course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the changing landscape of financial services influenced by FinTech advancements. The course will begin by discussing different financial services and the frictions in traditional finance that have given rise to these innovators. Each week, we will study the role of FinTech firms across various sectors, i.e., lending, payments, investment, and more, and learn about how fintech innovators are changing the financial landscape. Key discussions will also cover regulations and potential ethical issues associated with the adoption of these new technologies.

The objective of this course is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the FinTech industry, including its foundational technologies, innovative business models, and the challenges it presents to traditional financial institutions. Students will gain insights into how FinTech is reshaping financial services. By the end of the course, students should be able to critically analyze FinTech solutions.

In presence

The course will primarily be delivered through lectures. Students are expected to prepare for each class by completing the assigned reading materials and to actively participate in class discussions. 

Students will apply the concepts from class to answer a real-world finance problem through a group project. Students will be provided with data and are expected to write a short paper with a well-defined question and apply econometrics to answer the question using statistical analysis tools such as Python or Stata.

Each week, students will be provided with reading materials.

Written exam: 40%

Group project: 40% 

Class participation: 20%