
Since the credit crisis in 2008, banks have focused on improving their image and balance sheets. The standards for providing loans have been raised to such an extent that Small and Medium Sized companies (SMEs) can hardly fund new investments. Start-ups are having difficulties in raising funds. This trend will continue and therefore SMEs are increasingly sourcing their funds in alternative ways. Other financial institutions too are introducing new and innovative models. In short, the financial world is changing, and new models of financing are becoming more popular. The Covid-19 and energy crises have made this transition even more necessary.
This course gives students insight into the developments within the financial industry in Europe and beyond, as well as alternative ways in which companies are funding new investments. New ways to fund (SME-) companies are looked into. Students learn about alternative sources: How can crowd-funding provide equity and debt?; What is the impact of new technologies like blockchain?; Could banking unions be helpful?; What is the role of pension funds?; What is the impact of peer-to-peer lending? The course comprises a mix of lectures, practical exercises, cases and site visits.
Lecturers have extensive experience in the international financial world and in teaching finance and banking courses in an international setting.
This course is a logical follow-up on the course 'Introduction to Finance and banking' and can be combined with our 'FinTech' course which is offered the following week.
"Amazing. Never thought learning finance could be this interesting, fun and enjoyable" (participant of previous summer).
Lecturers
Frans Boumans, MSc MBA
Target audience
This course is open to students with an advanced Bachelor or Master level. A background in Business Studies is not required. Instead, students are expected to have an interest and /or background in either finance or banking, and have to be curious to explore new financials models and innovations. If you have no or limited background in finance or banking, we advise you to first take part in the five-day course ‘Introduction to Finance & Banking’ and then take this course as a follow-on. In all cases, a good command of English is necessary.
Aim of the course
The aim of the course is to enable students to understand new financing models in a changing world, within and outside the traditional banking industry.
Students will learn about alternative funding sources:
- How can crowdfunding provide equity and debt;
- What is the impact of new technologies like blockchain?;
- Could banking unions be helpful;
- What is the role of pension funds?;
- What is the impact of peer-to-peer lending?
Study load
50 hours of lectures/field excursions including assignments (self-study).
Costs
The Student Fee (= reduced price) applies to all students currently enrolled in a Bachelor, Master or PhD programme and to 'Fresh Alumni' of any of these programmes. If this applies to you and you therefore believe that you are eligible for the reduced student fee, please include this in your motivation.
We are currently planning to teach this course in a physical setting. If this changes you will be informed via this page and via email.