Students
MMBA8014 – FinTech and Innovation: Transforming the Industry and Unleashing Creative Solutions
2025 – Term 4, Online-scheduled-weekday
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Guy Schofield
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MBA or GradCertDigFin or MAppFin or GradDipAppFin
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
The finance industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by technology, promising to disrupt traditional practices and reshape industry dynamics. This forward-looking unit explores the foundational elements of Financial Technology (FinTech), including blockchain, big data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). Through compelling real-world case studies and cutting-edge examples, we explore how these groundbreaking technologies are revolutionising industry structures and practices. Together, we uncover transformative solutions to fundamental financial challenges, tackle economic complexities, and overcome psychological barriers, while sparking disruptive innovations in the finance sector. Join us on this exciting journey to prepare for a new era in finance. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Identify fundamental economic and psychological issues in the current financial system.
- ULO2: Evaluate in teams and individually major advances in blockchain, machine learning, and artificial intelligence that are applicable to finance problems.
- ULO3: Analyse recent developments in FinTech and its impact in transforming the finance industry.
- ULO4: Assess the risks arising from FinTech and understand the dynamics between the innovations and regulations.
General Assessment Information
Late Assessment Submission Penalty (written assessments)
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.
For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal and Observed Learning: Online Quiz | 20% | No | 09/11/2025 |
| Professional Practice: FinTech Case Study | 40% | No | 19/11/2025 |
| Professional Practice: FinTech Strategic Pitch | 40% | No | 23/11/2025 |
Formal and Observed Learning: Online Quiz
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 09/11/2025
Weighting: 20%
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate the expertise you have gained on theory and application of FinTech and Innovation.
You will participate in an online multiple-choice and short answer quiz, covering all topics discussed in session 1 to 6.
Deliverable: Open-book online exam
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify fundamental economic and psychological issues in the current financial system.
- Evaluate in teams and individually major advances in blockchain, machine learning, and artificial intelligence that are applicable to finance problems.
Professional Practice: FinTech Case Study
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 19/11/2025
Weighting: 40%
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your understanding of FinTech ecosystem and your ability to conduct market research and industry analysis on a FinTech startup.
You will conduct market research and industry analysis of one FinTech startup of choice and develop a written business report discussing the insights from your research.
Skills in focus:
- Discipline knowledge
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Work readiness
Deliverable: Written submission [max. 2,000 words]
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify fundamental economic and psychological issues in the current financial system.
- Evaluate in teams and individually major advances in blockchain, machine learning, and artificial intelligence that are applicable to finance problems.
- Analyse recent developments in FinTech and its impact in transforming the finance industry.
Professional Practice: FinTech Strategic Pitch
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 23/11/2025
Weighting: 40%
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your understanding of theories and concepts of FinTech ecosystem discussed in the unit and your ability to think critically and apply relevant theories, concepts and frameworks to identify investment recommendations of the chosen FinTech startup.
You will develop a presentation to address (1) an overview of the chosen FinTech startup, (2) key research findings of this company and (3) investment recommendation for the company. You will also be required to provide feedback on other learner’s presentations.
Skills in focus:
- Discipline knowledge
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Work readiness
Deliverable: Presentation [max. 5 minutes; 8 slides]
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify fundamental economic and psychological issues in the current financial system.
- Evaluate in teams and individually major advances in blockchain, machine learning, and artificial intelligence that are applicable to finance problems.
- Analyse recent developments in FinTech and its impact in transforming the finance industry.
- Assess the risks arising from FinTech and understand the dynamics between the innovations and regulations.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
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Required Text |
No prescribed textbook is required. The unit will utilise various library resources, including research papers, book chapters, case studies, etc. All materials will be provided via iLearn or during the lecture. |
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Recommended Readings |
We will supplement the lecture materials with readings from journals and other textbooks. A list of relevant material will be provided via iLearn. |
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Technology Required
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Necessary technology: Computer with MS Excel and Word, scientific or business calculator and internet access. |
Unit Schedule
| Week | Topic | Session |
| 1 | Introduction to FinTech: Industry Structure, Economic and Psychological Challenges | Thursday, 25 September 2025 |
| 2 | Digital Transformation Strategy and Regulatory Frameworks | Thursday, 2 October 2025 |
| 3 | Digital Payment Systems and Financial Infrastructure | Thursday, 9 October 2025 |
| 4 | Alternative Financing and Blockchain Innovations | Thursday, 16 October 2025 |
| 5 | Blockchain Applications: Smart Contracts and DeFi | Thursday, 23 October 2025 |
| 6 | Data Science and Machine Learning in Finance | Thursday, 30 October 2025 |
| 7 | AI, Big Data, and Advanced Analytics | Thursday, 6 November 2025 |
| 8 | FinTech Business Models and Industry Transformation | Thursday, 13 November 2025 |
| 9 | Financial Inclusion with Innovations | Thursday, 20 November 2025 |
| 10 | Future Trends and Strategic Implications | Thursday, 27 November 2025 |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2025.05 of the Handbook