Fintech (Research Project)

Course goals

Learning objectives
Part 1:

• Develop an original and feasible research question.
• Critically evaluate finance research.
• Assess the impact of Fintech innovations on financial markets.

Part 2:

• Explore and use different financial databases.
• Learn valuable programming skills.
• Perform an econometric analysis and interpret the results.

Content

This course is designed as a research-intensive module that uses the FinTech sector as a practical application for developing high-level finance research skills. While the course begins with a targeted overview of novel financial technologies, these topics serve as the empirical foundation for mastering the research process. The core objective is to provide you with a toolkit (including data retrieval, econometric analysis, and programming) that is essential for your master’s thesis and career in finance.

Course participants will develop a group project that consists of two parts. The first one entails writing a research proposal on a Fintech paper. The second one is the execution of the proposal, with an empirical analysis. The classes will provide instructions on how to structure the paper, along with a number of tips on academic writing and data analysis. Furthermore, the course includes an individual final exam that covers all the main topics and methods discussed during the course.

To help you with the programming part, there will be mandatory Python workshops with Casper Kaandorp, an expert programmer. This is the follow-up to the first Python workshops from period 1. The course will also provide additional material for Stata coding.

In case online access is required for this course and you are not in the position to buy the access code, you are advised to contact the course coordinator for an alternative solution. Please note that access codes are not re-usable meaning that codes from second hand books do not work, as well as access codes from books with a different ISBN. Separate or spare codes are usually not available.