Digital Finance

2025/2026

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

3

ECTS credits

Delivered at:

Department of Finance

Course type:

Elective course

When:

2 year, 2 module

Instructor

Krakovich, Victor

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The Digital Finance master's Course provides comprehensive coverage of the innovations currently shaping the banking industry. From blockchain and digital currencies to AI-driven financial services, this Course dissects the various facets of the rapidly evolving digital banking ecosystem. The methodology for this Course integrates a combination of active student engagement, and blends individual and team work to facilitate a comprehensive, critical, and participatory learning experience. A flexible training approach is adopted to encourage reflection and a business-focused mindset. Each class session will be divided between lectures and practical applications, such as case analyses or exercises. The emphasis will be on interactive learning, with significant importance placed on class participation. All participants are expected to have completed the essential readings, prepared the case studies thoroughly, and be ready to contribute fully to class discussions. This format is designed to ensure a dynamic and effective learning environment, fostering a deep understanding of financial innovations and digital banking.

Learning Objectives

• Related to new knowledge and skills to be acquired: Students will gain conceptual knowledge of key technologies like blockchain, AI, big data and machine learning transforming banking and finance. They will also cultivate strategic thinking, analytical skills, and technological literacy to lead innovation in digital financial services.
• Related to generic competences: Students will develop critical discernment to evaluate technology trends reshaping banking, ethical awareness regarding emerging models, and creativity to formulate digitally enabled strategies and solutions. They will also hone their communication skills for presenting digital transformation plans.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyze the innovations influencing banking and finance
• Discuss the role of technologies like blockchain, AI and machine learning in digital banking
• Evaluate the impact of digital disruption on traditional banking models and services
• Analyze the regulatory, ethical and cybersecurity challenges posed by digital banking
• Formulate and present strategies for digital banking transformation

Course Contents

• Module 1: Introduction to Financial Innovations
• Module 2: Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, and Digital Payments
• Module 3: Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Banking
• Module 4: Regulatory and Ethical Aspects of Digital Banking
• Module 5: Disruption and the Future of Banking

Assessment Elements

• Group Project
• Individual Test
• Class Participation

Interim Assessment

• 2025/2026 2nd module
  0.1 * Class Participation + 0.3 * Group Project + 0.6 * Individual Test

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Асяева Э.А., Ахвледиани Ю.Т., Белянчикова Т.В. и др. - Цифровые финансы - 978-5-16-019163-8 - НИЦ ИНФРА-М - 2024 - https://znanium.ru/catalog/product/2091938 - 2091938 - ZNANIUM

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Рождественская Т.Э., Ситник А.А., Хоменко Е.Г. и др. - Блокчейн в платежных системах, цифровые финансовые активы и цифровые валюты - 978-5-00156-171-2 - Юридическое издательство Норма - 2024 - https://znanium.ru/catalog/product/2111409 - 2111409 - ZNANIUM

Authors

• SOLOVEVA EKATERINA EVGENEVNA
• Nazarova Varvara Vadimovna