Postgraduate Courses
- FINA 5120Corporate Finance[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 512Exclusion(s)IMBA 5070DescriptionValuation of cash flow streams (PV of cash flow streams, annuities, and perpetuities); valuation of bonds; valuation of stocks using dividend discount model; capital budgeting decisions (NPV, IRR, payback); capital structure; limits to the use of debt (trade-off models); estimation of cost of debt and equity; WACC; terminal value.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify and analyze the objective of the firm.
- 2.Apply the concept of time value of money and discounting cash flows to situations when the cash flows and the discount rate is known.
- 3.Analyze the pros and cons of the common methods used in firms to evaluate and pick investment projects, and explain why the net present value (NPV) rule is the only one that is consistent with maximizing firm value.
- 4.Define the principles for identifying the cash flows that need to be discounted to calculate the NPV of a project.
- 5.Calculate the weighed average cost of capital and apply this to a real company.
- 6.Apply the above tools to cases that involve deciding whether to take a project and to merger decisions.
- FINA 5130Corporate Governance[2-0-0:2]Prerequisite(s)FINA 5120DescriptionCorporate governance examines how corporations induce their managers to maximize shareholder value through incentives and monitoring institutions. Incentive plans, such as compensation packages, serve to align managerial and shareholder interests. Monitoring institutions, such as the board of directors and auditors, serve to oversee management and increase transparency, accountability, and credibility. In addition to these internal governance mechanisms, corporations are also disciplined by external factors such as product-market competition, laws and regulation, and the market for corporate control. This course analyzes how good corporate governance can mitigate incentive and information problems, nurture great leaders, and foster great companies. Through numerous cases and examples, we also show how bad governance can worsen these problems, lead managers to cheat, and cause companies to fall.
- FINA 5140Advanced Topics in Financial Management[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 514Prerequisite(s)FINA 5120DescriptionValuation of projects (advanced capital budgeting); estimating cost of capital; risk assessment of projects; decision tree analysis; real option valuation of projects; warrants and convertibles; leasing; dividend policy.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Solve real world finance problems that are often encountered by corporate financial managers, bankers, and asset managers.
- 2.Work effectively in a team with people from different background.
- 3.Design financial strategy and present findings, insights, and advices in an accurate manner to future clients in the financial industry.
- FINA 5150Corporate Risk Management[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 515Prerequisite(s)FINA 5120/FINA 5210 and FINA 5290DescriptionPractical and theoretical issues in risk management from the corporate end-user's perspective; benefits and optimal strategies of risk management; current cases which have been debated in the media.
- FINA 5160Private Equity Investing[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 6900FDescriptionThis course covers the private equity business from a practitioner's perspective and is oriented around the life cycle of an investment. There will be a focus on how the industry operates in Asia and throughout the course, participants will examine situations from the perspective of various stakeholders involved. Topics will include: 1. Overview of the private equity industry in Asia 2. Identifying investment opportunities and valuation 3. Structuring and negotiating term sheets 4. Understanding risks and the due diligence process 5. Monitoring, managing and exiting portfolio investments
- FINA 5170Asset Securitization[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 517, FINA 690DPrerequisite(s)FINA 5120DescriptionAn introduction to the analysis of structured securities. Catalogues the world of cash- and derivative-based structured products. Reviews the essential methods used by rating agencies in appraising the credit of cash structures: ABS, MBS and CDOs. Hands-on exercise on the assignment of credit ratings.
- FINA 5190Family Business[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 691K, SBMT 601RDescriptionThis course is tailored for individuals who are currently working in or are contemplating to work in a family business, either as a family member or a non-family executive. The material covered also gives greater understanding of the dynamics of family business for current or future private and investment bankers, family office professionals, accountants, lawyers and other service professionals working closely with families of wealth in the region. Graded P or F.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Summarize the fundamentals of family business including its definition, importance, complexity, and how it differs from non-family business.
- 2.Analyze the factors contributing to the longevity of family businesses, and the causes for the potential early demise, especially for ethnic Chinese family businesses.
- 3.Design suitable wealth management strategies, structure and governance systems for wealth creators to preserve family wealth, family legacy, and harmony across generations.
- 4.Prepare future leaders of family businesses.
- 5.Identify the similarities of and differences between Chinese family businesses and those from other ethnic groups around the world.
- FINA 5210Investment Analysis[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 521DescriptionAn introduction to fundamental concepts in investment analysis. The first part covers risk and return tradeoff, portfolio diversification, and modern portfolio theory including the capital asset pricing model and arbitrage pricing theory. The second part covers basic analytical tools used in analyzing fixed income securities. Topics include interest rates and yield curve mathematics, duration and convexity.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Apply Utility theory in finance, identifying the risk-return tradeoff, and derive the ‘correct’ price for financial assets using models such as the CAPM.
- 2.Practically apply CAPM and other models (e.g. Fama-French 3 factor model) in Excel-based applications.
- 3.Explain efficient markets, behavioral finance, and some trading strategies based on perceived violations of efficient market theory.
- FINA 5220Equity Investment Management[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 522Prerequisite(s)FINA 5210DescriptionThe course covers the complete investment process including: constructing investment objectives, outlining investment policies; choosing asset allocations; monitoring investments; and measuring performance. Practical issues relating to investment style, active management, and passive management are discussed. Advanced techniques in portfolio construction such as the Black-Litterman model and multi-factor models are studied.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Apply the concepts of diversification, and adopt risk hedging, and optimal portfolio model to search for an optimal risk-return profile for a risky portfolio.
- 2.Apply multi-factor risk model in active equity investment management.
- 3.Analyze the effect of asymmetric information and liquidity on equity portfolio.
- FINA 5230Sustainable Investing[2-0-0:2]Prerequisite(s)FINA 5120DescriptionThis course puts together a collection of industry cases, projects and academic papers on Sustainable Investing, also known as ESG Investing. It is an investment approach that integrates three additional factors - environment (E), social (S) and governance (G), into security analysis and portfolio allocation. As the industry successfully adopts these factors into their double bottom line financial analysis, only a handful of courses - such as this one - would tackle the subject. This course will discuss the market terminology, practices, usages and dollar impact of ESG factors. The main focus is on the identification, measurement and the materiality of ESG indicators. The students will learn that financial analysis with ESG integration provides the basis for a more informed investment decision. Discussion on existing academic papers will shed light on the cost and benefits of sustainable investing. This course will empower the students with cutting edge information, tools and solid research on the subject.
- FINA 5290Derivatives Analysis[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 529Prerequisite(s)FINA 5120DescriptionBasic characteristics of derivatives instruments such as forwards, futures, options, and swaps. Topics include pricing of futures and forward contracts, forward-spot basis risk, option strategies, put-call parity and introduction to the Black-Scholes model. The development and use of interest rate and currency swaps are also discussed.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Define the mechanics of the derivatives markets including futures, options and swaps.
- 2.Use derivatives for hedging risks.
- 3.Use derivatives for trading various views on direction and volatility.
- 4.Explain price derivatives and how prices change with respect to different factors.
- FINA 5300Advanced Derivatives Analysis[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 530Prerequisite(s)FINA 5290DescriptionAdvanced techniques in option pricing and derivatives risk management. Topics include the binomial model, risk-neutral valuation, extension of the Black-Scholes pricing model and option Greeks. The course will also include discussion and analysis of options on futures, interest rate options such as caps and floors, and some popular OTC projects such as equity linked notes and principal guaranteed funds.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe and apply advanced techniques in option pricing and derivatives risk management.
- 2.Define and apply the No Arbitrage principle to price derivatives in an efficient financial market.
- 3.Price derivative securities using the binomial model, risk-neutral valuation, and the Black-Scholes model.
- 4.Implement various hedging techniques based on option Greeks.
- FINA 5310An Overview of Financial Institutions[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 691B, FINA 6900BExclusion(s)FINA 6900JDescriptionThis course is designed to educate students on the various financial institutions (banks, securities firms, asset managers, alternatives, insurance companies and pension funds) and help them better understand how these institutions interact with the financial markets. This course will help students become more familiar with financial terminology, providing a sound basis for understanding the intersection of financial system and the economy. Students will also gain an appreciation for the various business models and how those models motivate decision making. We examine the role, objectives and function of financial regulation, the evolving role of central banking and monetary policy and the implications and consequences for financial institutions and markets. Throughout the course we link prevalent economic theories to market realities. Topics covered include the structure and function of the financial system, the role and the types of financial institutions and financial intermediation, the goals of financial and banking regulations, the organization of central banks and the role of monetary policy. The course is practical, solidly grounded in the reality of the markets and will include many real life examples, case studies and market news.
- FINA 5330Investment and Finance in China and Asia[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 533Prerequisite(s)FINA 5120DescriptionThis course provides a practical understanding of foreign investment in China and Asia, and how financing is used for trade and investment in the region. Students will be able to develop ability to successfully complete deals in China and other Asian markets through taking this course.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.To compare different kinds of financial structures in the Chinese and Asian contexts.
- 2.To analyze new situations to identify which techniques and contextual factors are the most critical.
- 3.To design and implement strategies using financial techniques in order to structure, negotiate and close deals in a variety of Chinese and Asian contexts.
- FINA 5340Financial Markets in China[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 691CDescriptionThe course is an overview of China's financial markets, their latest development, and future trends. Topics include: History of China Financial Markets, Structure of China Financial Markets, Regulation and Regulatory Bodies, Foreign Exchange and Monetary Policy, the Peoples Bank of China, Banking Industry, Securities and Bonds Market, Development of the Stock and Bond Market, Development of the Insurance Industry, Private Equity Funds, and the Real Estate Industry.
- FINA 5350Strategic Finance and Value Creation[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 535Prerequisite(s)FINA 5120Exclusion(s)FINA 5370DescriptionKey valuation techniques including discounted cash flow approach and valuation by multiples. Understanding of how firms manage and create value through restructuring assets, liabilities and organizational design.
- FINA 5360Fixed Income Analysis[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 536Prerequisite(s)FINA 5210DescriptionIncludes techniques in fixed-income portfolio management and introduction of fixed-income derivatives. Topics include term-structure theories, yield-curve fitting techniques and yield curve trading strategies, portfolio performance evaluation, floating rate securities, forward rate agreements, bond and interest rate futures, and interest rate swaps.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify basic valuation techniques of the traditional fixed-income securities, based on concepts such as price-yield relationship, alternative definitions of yields, price sensitivity measures (durations and convexities).
- 2.Calculate spot rates, discount factors, forward rates, par-bond yields, holding period returns, and identify classical theories of the term structure of interest rate.
- 3.Implement yield-curve fitting techniques and some simple portfolio strategies.
- 4.Recognize more advanced concepts like repos and floating rate, and develop the necessary economic intuition and quantitative skills.
- FINA 5370Equity Valuation[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 537Prerequisite(s)FINA 5120Exclusion(s)FINA 5350DescriptionBasic valuation approaches including dividend discount model, free cash flows model, and valuation by multiples; measures of company performance and value added; valuation in special situations such as emerging markets, closely held companies, mergers, and divestitures.
- FINA 5380Raising Debt in the Financial Markets[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 538, FINA 690IPrerequisite(s)FINA 5120 or FINA 5210DescriptionThis course is designed to develop an in-depth understanding of the choices open to companies in terms of debt financing, and to provide students with an introduction to the domestic and international debt financial markets.
- FINA 5390Venture Capital and Private Equity[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 539Prerequisite(s)FINA 5120DescriptionTopics include: (1) An overview of the venture capital and private equity markets in Asia; (2) Deal structuring; (3) Valuation techniques; (4) Due diligence and post-investment management; (5) Understanding the terms in term sheets; (6) Negotiating term sheets; (7) Going public, trade sale and other exit strategies. Real-world examples from throughout Asia will be used to illustrate these topics.
- FINA 5410FinTech: Algorithmic Trading[2-0-0:2]Prerequisite(s)FINA 5210DescriptionThe course is designed to provide students with an overview of how supply equals demand in real-world financial markets. After taking this course , students would be able to appreciate the frictions existing in actual financial markets - bid-ask spreads, trade impact on price, brokerage commissions, quantity limitations, time delays, market manipulation, etc. - and be able to devise algorithmic trading strategies that minimize these frictions.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Measure and minimize trading costs when they trade for themselves or their employers.
- 2.Identify different types of algorithmic trading, HFT.
- 3.Develop and implement optimal trading strategies.
- 4.Develop creative and critical thinking through the group project of developing their original trading strategy or analysis of a brewing trading controversy.
- 5.Recognize ethical and professional responsibility of finance professionals; in particular through the discussions of the dark side of trading.
- FINA 5420Behavioral Finance[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 542, FINA 690EPrerequisite(s)FINA 5210Exclusion(s)GFIN 5500DescriptionThis course examines how individuals' attitudes and behavior affect their financial decisions and financial markets. Topics include: review of psychological foundations, imperfect markets and limited arbitrage, market anomalies, and trading strategies.
- FINA 5430Behavioral Finance for Wealth Management and Private Banking[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 6900PCorequisite(s)FINA 5210DescriptionThis course aims to help the participants apply behavioral finance concepts in wealth management and private banking. Firstly, it briefly reviews the traditional approach to asset allocation. Secondly, it discusses the theoretical framework of behavioral finance in asset allocation in terms of the prospect theory, SP/A theory, goals-based strategy and behavioral portfolio theory. Next, it examines the issues of risk profiling and investor categorization. Then, it explains the major behavioral biases possibly committed by wealth management and private banking clients and the diagnostic tests to identify them. Last but not least, it explores the possible applications of behavioral finance concepts in wealth management and private banking.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Compare the traditional finance approach and the behavioral finance approach to asset allocation.
- 2.Define the conceptual framework of behavioral finance in asset allocation.
- 3.Explain risk profiling and investor categorization.
- 4.Analyze behavioral biases and use diagnostic tests to identify them.
- 5.Analyze behavioral finance concepts in wealth management and private banking.
- FINA 5440Risk Management for Financial Institutions[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 544, FINA 690NPrerequisite(s)FINA 5120 or FINA 5210DescriptionBrief overview of financial intermediaries and their functions. Measures of interest rate risk: periodic (re-pricing) gap, duration gap. Management of interest rate risk using appropriate composition of assets and liabilities, futures, options, caps, floors, collars, swaps. Market risk: value at risk measures. Management of credit risk, off-balance sheet risk, liquidity risk, capital adequacy. Deposit insurance. With selected case studies.
- FINA 5450Hedge Funds[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 545, FINA 690PPrerequisite(s)FINA 5120 or FINA 5210DescriptionAlternative investments are the fastest growing sector of the financial industry, and probably the least understood, including by several market professionals. Although the range of sophistication in people associated with alternative investments varies substantially, it is more and more common to use them in investment strategies, either as direct investments or through funds of funds or structured products. The purpose of this course is to give participants a good understanding and workable knowledge of the techniques that should be part of the tool kit of anyone investing in, analyzing and/or advising private and institutional clients on the inclusion of alternative investments - and more specifically hedge funds - in their portfolios. Furthermore, this course will enable the participants to absorb the analytical arguments in the technical publications - the in-house research notes of financial institutions and in practitioner oriented journal - that deal with alternative investments and to apply them.
- FINA 5470Mergers, Acquisitions and Restructuring[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 547, FINA 690RPrerequisite(s)FINA 5120DescriptionFocuses on the design, analysis, and implementation of financial strategies aimed at repositioning and revitalizing companies. Corporate value creation by restructuring a company or by undergoing a business combination.
- FINA 5560Structured Products and Exotic Options[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 556, FINA 690KPrerequisite(s)FINA 5300DescriptionThis course will provide students with a basic understanding for the commonly traded financial derivatives and bonds instruments in the financial markets. Detailed explanations on the hedging, pricing and risk management methodologies will be included. Illustrative case studies of some real products will be provided.
- FINA 5570Fixed Income Derivatives[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 557, FINA 690TPrerequisite(s)FINA 5290 and FINA 5360DescriptionThis course teaches fixed-income derivatives and related topics. It begins with the interbank forward rate agreements and exchange traded interest rate and bond futures. It then covers the standard interest rate swaps followed by a variety of nonstandard swaps and swap derivatives. The next topic to be covered is fixed-income options and nonstandard floating rate notes that aim for managing interest rate risk. The last part of the course deals with fixed income instruments that have exposure in equity, commodity, inflation, currency, and so on. Both economic intuition and quantitative skills are emphasized.
- FINA 5580Advanced Derivative Applications[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 558, FINA 690UPrerequisite(s)FINA 5300DescriptionThe course will cover practical applications of derivative pricing and hedging, focusing on equity-linked structures. The emphasis of the course will be on building intuition with regard to option pricing and hedging, using Excel-based pricing models and real world applications. A solid foundation in option pricing theory as provided by the prerequisite courses is assumed, as is familiarity with Excel and VBA.
- FINA 5590Trading in Equity Markets[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 559, FINA 690XPrerequisite(s)FINA 5290DescriptionThis course aims to give participants an insight into finance in action, focusing on the equity market. The emphasis will be on real life market problems. Led by a market practitioner, it will look at, amongst other things, how a trading floor works and the different forces and factors that lead to a market behaving in the way that it does. Students will apply knowledge gained in other courses in practical situations with a distinction on where theory differs from practice, and an emphasis on the needs of market practitioners.
- FINA 5610Real Estate Investment[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 561, FINA 690QPrerequisite(s)FINA 5120 or FINA 5210DescriptionThe goal of the course is to introduce to students recent developments in real estate markets, especially in Asia, and the basic knowledge for real estate investment. Students will learn basic concepts and skills for mortgage financing analysis and for real estate investment valuation and return analysis. Students will also be exposed to recent developments in real estate debt and equity markets.
- FINA 5620Foreign Exchange Market[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 562, FINA 690WPrerequisite(s)FINA 5210DescriptionThe course covers foreign exchange cash and derivatives markets and instruments - spot, outright forwards, swaps, and futures. It also addresses arbitrage in currency and capital markets, and international parity conditions, dealings with forex risk in corporate finance and efficient portfolio construction, and creating and back-testing foreign exchange forecasting models.
- FINA 5630Global Economy and Emerging Markets[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 691FDescriptionThe objectives of this course firstly is to introduce students to emerging markets by using a map; maps help us to understand the influences of civilizations, cultures and religions in how emerging markets develop; secondly, is to treat emerging markets like a human body. What can we use to take the temperature, pulse and blood pressure of an emerging market to tell if it is healthy or sick; thirdly, is to use actual experience, real markets and live research to discover more about some of the most important emerging markets right now: Indonesia, China and India. We focus on excessive leverage which is always the main cause of financial crises.
- FINA 5650Entrepreneurial Finance and Family Business[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 691IPrerequisite(s)FINA 5120DescriptionThe course is designed to investigate how firms evolve from an entrepreneurial idea to eventually becoming a family business. The course consists of two sessions focused on entrepreneurial finance, one session on the transformation from entrepreneurial to family business, and five sessions on aspects of family business. The course objective is to understand how the uniqueness of family firms arises from a set of key assets and constraints which are similar across firms, countries, and cultures.
- FINA 5660Project Finance[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 6900APrerequisite(s)FINA 5120DescriptionThe course is to provide students with a holistic and balanced practical and theoretical view of Project Finance. It will also address the challenges when establishing the project's financial model. Students will learn how to assess different risks and their corresponding mitigants, in order to make such transactions feasible.
- FINA 5830Statistical Methods for Risk Management[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 583, FINA 690LPrerequisite(s)FINA 5210DescriptionThis course introduces several risk management models designed to allow risk managers of financial institutions to measure and manage various sources of financial risk including market risk, interest rate risk, and default risk, among others. Emphasis is on the development of 'hands-on' experience which includes the calibration of models and discussion of the data issues faced in the application of these models. This course is intended for all students considering a career in quantitative risk management, whether in the insurance, banking, or non-financial sector.
- FINA 5840Financial Modeling[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 584Prerequisite(s)FINA 5120, FINA 5210 and FINA 5290DescriptionThis is a course about financial modeling. The goal is to make financial models that produce useful answers to economic questions. Selected topics which lend themselves to financial modeling will be covered, such as (but not limited to) loan amortization schedules; valuation and private equity; equity derivatives; mutual fund performance and style analysis; fixed income derivatives, and optimal portfolio selection.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Use Excel formulas, functions and commands in finance-related applications.
- 2.Implement in spreadsheet format concepts from finance theory, with emphasis on portfolio choice and valuation of derivatives and fixed income securities.
- 3.Gain hands-on experience in designing finance models.
- 4.Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of the output of various financial models in principle, and those implemented in a spreadsheet in particular.
- FINA 5850Introduction to R Programming[2-0-0:2]Prerequisite(s)ISOM 5520Exclusion(s)FINA 4414 (prior to 2016-17)BackgroundProgramming knowledge in at least one language will be helpful.DescriptionThe course teaches programming in R, a free, open-source statistical programming language. Topics covered include data structures, control structures, functions/functional programming, input/output, graphics, simulation and writing web-based applications. Code, examples, and R packages used will at times be related to quantitative finance. Students are expected to have basic proficiency in R programming by the end of the course.
- FINA 5860Financial Applications Using R[2-0-0:2]Prerequisite(s)FINA 5210 AND FINA 5290 AND FINA 5850 AND ISOM 5520Exclusion(s)FINA 4414 (prior to 2016-17)DescriptionThis course uses a computational approach to address problems commonly encountered in the quantitative finance industry. Computation is used to elucidate theories from classical finance (e.g. anomalies literature, Fama-French portfolios), stylized facts of asset returns, Black-Scholes theory, Brinson attribution, and risk capital. Theories are tied into (a) front office quant applications such as quantitative trading and dynamic hedging and (b) middle office and risk management applications such as performance attribution, credit scoring, and portfolio credit risk modeling. Mathematical techniques used include Monte Carlo simulation, panel regression, linear and logistic regression, quantiles, p and t statistics. Computations will be done in R.
- FINA 5870Big Data in Finance[2-0-0:2]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 6900RPrerequisite(s)ISOM 5510 OR ISOM 5520 OR FINA 5240 OR FINA 5250DescriptionThis course introduces students to the concepts of big data and machine learning with a special focus on how these tools can be applied in a financial context. During the course students will learn Python and how it can be used to build and estimate some of the most commonly used machine learning models such as regression, clustering and classification. Students will also learn the basics of cloud computing and how the cloud can be employed to quickly estimate complex models with very large data sets.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Define what big data is and how it relates to finance.
- 2.Work with Python.
- 3.Use Python to produce basic statistics and visualize data.
- 4.Describe the basic mathematical rationale for state-of-the-art machine learning models.
- 5.Use Python to estimate machine learning models on real-world data.
- 6.Explain how cloud computing technologies can be employed to facilitate quick estimation of complex.
- FINA 5940Financial Analysis using Bloomberg[2-0-0:0]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 6900IPrerequisite(s)ACCT 5150, ECON 5030, FINA 5120 AND FINA 5210DescriptionThe goal of this course is to develop the tools and skills necessary to perform industry analysis for credit/equity analysis. There are three key areas that will be covered: Company and Industry Analysis, Financial Analysis and Valuation. These three broad areas will be applied to three broad industrial sectors: China/Hong Kong property, the Asian consumer sector and the Asian banking sector. The course will provide a good balance between developing a theoretical understanding of basic principles and tools and providing hands on practice in using and developing financial information and modelling tools for putting principles into practice. Lectures will involve introducing and explaining concepts and then utilizing the Bloomberg terminals to see and use concrete real life examples. Graded P or F.
- FINA 5950Thomson Reuters Certification Program[2-0-0:0]Prerequisite(s)FINA 5210DescriptionThis course enables students to learn more about financial market information and analytics through the use of a tool commonly used by practicing financial professionals, a Thomson Reuters data terminal. It begins with a basic overview of the tool, followed by four core modules on data, screen design, graphics, and analysis tools for various financial instruments. Terminal integration and data retrieval with Excel will be shown. Extra topics of interest to be covered, as time permits. Students will be allowed to take the Thomson Reuters Certification Examination upon completion of the course. For students in the MSc in Investment Management/Financial Analysis program only. Graded P or F.
- FINA 6900-6910Special Topics[1-4 credit(s)]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 690-691DescriptionCurrent developments in finance. Topics selected by the instructor.
- FINA 6970Independent Study[1-4 credit(s)]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 697DescriptionStudy of selected financial issues under the supervision of a faculty member. (Special permission from the Associate Dean is required for MBA students to take this course.)
- FINA 6990MPhil Thesis ResearchPrevious Course Code(s)FINA 699DescriptionMaster's thesis research supervised by a faculty member. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.
- FINA 7900Doctoral Seminar[1-4 credit(s)]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 790DescriptionCurrent research topics in corporate finance, investments, financial markets and institutions, derivative securities, and empirical research in financial economics.
- FINA 7980Finance Workshops[0-1-0:1]Previous Course Code(s)FINA 798DescriptionPapers presented by faculty, students and visitors. Mandatory for all PhD students. May be repeated for credit. Graded P or F.
- FINA 7990Doctoral Thesis ResearchPrevious Course Code(s)FINA 799DescriptionOriginal and independent doctoral thesis research. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.