Course Details

FinTech and Society
FINC-966-0
1.0 CR
Elective
PASS / NO CREDIT
Yes (may vary by section)
DESCRIPTION
Since the Great Recession, financial intermediation has undergone a dramatic change, with disruptive and lightly regulated technology entrants (FinTechs) competing with traditional banks in every aspect of their business, and even launching financial products that had not existed before. This course explores the opportunities and challenges at the intersection of finance, technology, and regulation, and assesses their impact on broader society. We aim to develop an understanding of the broad landscape of FinTech, including the use of blockchain technology for cryptocurrencies and DeFi, as well as disruptive innovations in the areas of real estate, asset management, payments, and lending to businesses and households. The course aims to develop tools used to evaluate the profitability of FinTech opportunities from the perspective of the financial product markets, competition, regulation, and funding, and the role that technology plays in overcoming challenges faced by incumbents. We will also evaluate the role of FinTech in promoting financial inclusion - access to cheap and efficient financial services to the underbanked population, and its ability to alleviate or exacerbate the problem of discrimination in the financial sector. This approach will allow students to evaluate Fintech opportunities from the perspective of their own value system.
PREREQUISITES
Prerequisites:
All Students: (FINC-430-0 OR FINC-440-0)