Module Identifier AC32820  
Module Title FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Dr Jose M Varas  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Mr Tong Jiao  
Pre-Requisite AC10710 Introduction to Financial Management  
Course delivery Lecture   20 Hours.  
  Seminars / Tutorials   5 Hours.  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours  80%
Semester Assessment 2,000 word essay20%
Supplementary Exam2 Hours  100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. discuss and evaluate the structure, operation and role of financial markets;
2. explain and evaluate the rationale for the existence of financial intermediaries;
3. discuss and evalute the risks faced by banks and how these risks are regulated;
4. analyse the importance of balance sheet management and capital adequacy within banks.

Aims

The primary rationale for this module is to support the progression from the fundamental concepts of financial management as introduced in AC10710 through to the more advanced aspects of corporate finance and investments addressed in AC30420 and AC30520. Further, a broader understanding of finance is achieved by studying the role of financial institutions and banking.

Content

1. Introduction to financial markets.
2. Functions and mechanics of major financial markets.
3. Principles of banking and financial intermediation.
4. Risk and regulation in banking.
5. Balance sheet management and securitisation.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Buckle, M and J Thompson (2004) The UK Financial System, 4th edition. Manchester University Press
** Supplementary Text
Blake, D (2000) Financial Markets Analysis, 2nd edition. Wiley
Howells, P and K Bain (2000) Financial Markets and Institutions, 3rd edition. FT Prentice-Hall

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6