Overview
This course examines the structure, functions, and economic significance of financial markets and institutions. It analyzes how financial systems allocate savings, facilitate investment, create and transfer financial claims, and support economic activity through financial intermediation.
Topics include money and capital markets; primary and secondary markets; equity, bond, foreign exchange, and derivatives markets; commercial and central banking; investment banking; insurance and pension funds; mutual funds; fintech and shadow banking; interest-rate determination; monetary policy transmission; liquidity and credit risk; leverage; securitization; regulation and supervision; deposit insurance; systemic risk; and financial crises.
Students interpret institutional balance sheets and market data, assess sources of financial risk, explain the effects of interest rates and monetary policy on markets, and evaluate regulatory responses and contemporary developments in digital finance, cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, financial inclusion, and sustainable finance. Learning activities include institutional case studies, policy analysis, and scenario-based financial-stability assessments.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze the structure and economic functions of financial markets and institutions.
- Evaluate how financial intermediaries create, price, and manage financial claims.
- Interpret balance sheets and market data to diagnose liquidity, credit, leverage, and systemic risks.
- Explain the transmission of interest-rate changes and monetary policy through financial markets and institutions.
- Compare the operation and risk characteristics of equity, bond, foreign exchange, and derivatives markets.
- Assess the effectiveness of financial regulation, supervision, and deposit insurance in promoting financial stability.
- Synthesize evidence from institutional case studies and policy materials to evaluate responses to financial crises.
- Evaluate contemporary developments in fintech, shadow banking, cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, financial inclusion, and sustainable finance.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Seminar | 1 hour | Fortnightly | Second term |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quiz | Online quizzes (4 × 2.5%) | 10.00% |
| Assignment | Financial institution and balance-sheet analysis | 20.00% |
| Test | Mid-semester test | 20.00% |
| Deliverable | Market-data and policy analysis brief | 15.00% |
| Capstone | Financial stability scenario assessment | 15.00% |
| Exam | Final examination | 20.00% |
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.