Studying fintech in Hong Kong: How universities are embracing new technologies in the finance sector to offer postgraduate studies that cover AI, Web3 and blockchain
- Green finance, ESG and machine learning are among the latest fintech trends, and are becoming formal parts of the curriculum to equip students with the right skills
- Graduates are trained to analyse fintech related issues, and solve them using practical means supported by the latest methodologies and quantitative techniques
While traditional fundamentals will always be important, modern fintech and finance degrees must cover the latest developments in topics like artificial intelligence (AI), Web3, blockchain technology and smart cities – and Hong Kong universities are doing just that.
Professor Zhang Hua, director of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) MSc (part-time) in Finance – one of the most respected financial degrees in the Asia-Pacific region – believes that consistently updating the curriculum to make it suitable for real-world applications has been the key to the programme’s continued success and sterling reputation.
“Our aim is to train our students to become finance professionals and executives, and teach them to be leaders in the space,” said Zhang, who has published over 20 papers in finance and economics journals and received five best paper awards at international conferences. “We are rigorous and emphasise application and relevance to society. We impart knowledge, but more importantly the necessary skills and ability to make decisions in the financial world,” he said.