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You are here Postgraduate > MSc in Economics > Course Structure > International Banking, Cryptocurrencies and Big Data

International Banking, Cryptocurrencies and Big Data

Module Code: ECP88253, ECP77613, ECP77623

  • ECTS Credit: 5
  • Mandatory/Optional: Optional
  • Semester/Term Taught: Hilary Term
  • Module Coordinator: Professor Maylis Avaro

Aims of Module

How does money move across borders? Can cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology disrupt the international payment system? This module introduces students to the operations of global banks and the management of global liquidity and international monetary spillovers. Key topics include the utilization of Big Data by global banks for monitoring cross-border payments and by regulators for assessing international financial stability. The module discusses the latest innovations in cross-border payments, including the impact of the development of fintech and cryptocurrencies.

Module Outcomes

Students will learn practical skills for analysing banking data and to study transactions in cryptocurrencies. They will use the SQL language to collect big data cryptocurrencies movements on the different blockchains.

Module Content

This module is formed by two pillars. The first one will focus on international banking while the second will focus on fintech and cryptocurrencies. Topics discussed will notably include:

  1. The Expansion of International Banking
  2. Cross-border payments
  3. Foreign Exchange Markets
  4. International Investment Banking
  5. The Regulation of International Banking Institutions
  6. The rise of Fintech
  7. Cryptography and payment security
  8. Blockchains features
  9. Stablecoins
  10. Crypto exchanges
  11. Smart contracts

Recommended Reading List

Background Reading:

  • Smith, R. C., Walter, I., & DeLong, G. (2012). Global Banking (Third Edition, Third Edition). Oxford University Press., part I and III.

Module Pre-Requisite

Students should have completed one module in Money and Banking successfully. Exceptions to this rule are to be discussed with the Lecturer.

Module Website

Blackbaord