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FinTech and Advanced Investment Management - MAN00145M

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

The module provides an introduction to the burgeoning world of fintech and its many applications with a particular focus on developing advanced Investment management.

The module introduces the growing and diverse world of Fintech. We outline what is fintech, and some of the many elements of this phenomenon. This module will examine applications of financial technology in banking, insurance, asset management and many other finance sectors. Students will gain cutting-edge knowledge on finance applications of blockchain technology, digital currencies, Big Data and artificial intelligence. Students will also acquire an in-depth understanding of the financial technology environment, develop skills in programming, machine learning and network security as well as knowledge of financial markets institutions and systems.

We will examine developments in payments systems, cryptocurrencies and blockchain, introduce regtech and some of the many developments to financial technology regulation. We also consider some of the issues surrounding big data and machine learning. We will consider alternative forms of finance and digital finance which have developed in recent years and their influence on financial markets. We will apply this learning in the context of advanced investment management and consider the tools we may use to aid investment decision making. This will involve both considering advanced investment management tools and also considering how new finance techniques can be employed.

The module’s content will provide students with knowledge and understanding of advanced investment strategies and will enable students to follow academic literature on investment strategies.

Module learning outcomes

After successful completion of the module students will able to:

Subject content

  • Summarise the drivers and impediments to the dissemination and diversification of fintech approaches.

  • Explain how technology such as the Blockchain and Big Data can inform innovation within financial activities.

  • Categorise and explain the different forms of fintech and their implications for financial operations and activities.

  • Apply apposite analytical techniques to investment management problems.

  • Explain the fundamental drivers of diversification as an investment strategy for investors.

  • Discuss measures of portfolio risk-adjusted performance in detail and critically analyse the key challenges in employing them.

Academic and graduate skills

  1. Advanced subject specific knowledge and understanding

  2. Cognitive (thinking) skills: through self-study and assessments

  3. Analytical skills required to undertake corporate finance calculations and/or estimations.

  4. Communication: via written assignments, online discussion boards, virtual study groups and tutorials;

  5. Ability to conduct research into financial issues individually through data collection, analysis, synthesis and reporting.

Module content

The module introduces Fintech. We outline:

  • What is fintech, the drivers and impediments of this phenomenon.

  • To outline the scope of fintech we will discussion of the payments systems, cryptocurrencies and blockchain.

  • We then move to introducing regtech and the changing world of reporting financial transactions and combating money laundering, sanctions and terrorist financing.

  • We consider big data and machine learning. Alternative forms of finance and digital finance and future orientated developments for fin tech are also worthy of discussion.

  • To develop investment management, we consider Markowitz and passive investment management, some simple active investment management techniques and how fund performance is measured.

  • The module also discusses portfolio theory and optimisation, portfolio performance evaluation and international diversification and investment strategies.

  • The use of "new" finance such as hedge funds and the use of financial technology

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

Bodie, Z, Kane, A & Marcus, A (2020). Investments, 12th edn (1st edn ebook), McGraw Hill

Freedman, R.S.(2006). Introduction to Financial Technology. (Complete Technology Guides for Financial Services).

Pedersen,N. (2020). Financial Technology: Case Studies in Fintech Innovation.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.