Fintech in Accounting and Finance module (BU32011)
Explore the foundations of financial technology, from blockchain, cryptography, and cryptocurrencies, to regulatory issues, and alternative and fraud tokens.
Financial technology is reshaping how people invest, make payments, and build trust in financial systems. In this module, you will explore how digital innovation is transforming financial services and the broader financial ecosystem. You will examine the role of cryptography in blockchain technology and develop an understanding of how decentralised systems operate in practice.
You will compare major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, while also exploring a wider range of digital assets and alternative investments. The module will help you understand how these technologies create new opportunities, but also introduce new risks, including fraudulent tokens and market manipulation. In addition, you will consider the regulatory and ethical challenges FinTech raises, particularly in relation to financial reporting, auditing, and governance.
The module combines conceptual understanding with practical application, giving you the opportunity to engage with real-world examples and develop basic technical skills. By the end, you will have a well-rounded understanding of how FinTech is reshaping financial systems and the skills needed to critically assess emerging developments in this rapidly evolving field.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- Understand financial technologies and innovations such as cryptography, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and smart contracts
- Develop an understanding of the impact of FinTech on financial services
- Learn about different alternative investments and their characteristics
- Consider how FinTech affects accounting and financial reporting practices
- Develop awareness of the opportunities and risks associated with digital financial innovation
- Understand the regulatory and governance challenges arising from FinTech
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Explain how each step of blockchain technology works
- Write code in Python to mine and validate blocks in a blockchain simulation
- Identify fraudulent cryptocurrencies
Assignments / assessment
- Coursework (40%)
- Written exam (60%)
- Multiple choice and open questions exam at the end of semester 2
Teaching methods / timetable
- Lectures and guest lectures presenting case studies
- Labs practising on Python and blockchain mining
- Tutorials reinforcing key topics through discussion and examples
Attendance at all lectures is compulsory for this module.
Courses
This module is available on the following courses: