Financial Intermediation from Coursera

By taking this course, students will learn the role played by financial intermediaries in modern economies, their vital role to finance investments and the sources of risk associated with such intermediation activity. The course is structured to provide students with both theoretical notions, through the derivation of models developed by the literature, and empirical application, that are based on real data analyses.

The topics covered include the role of financial development and banking activity for economic growth; the role of banks for the occurrence of financial crisis and the regulatory initiatives to avoid excessive risk-taking; the propagation of financial intermediaries for macroeconomic shocks; the microeconomics of banking, with emphasis on the role of market competition and the determinants of bank-firm relationships; the technological innovation that takes the name of “Fintech revolution” and how it is potentially disrupting traditional financial intermediation. Suggested prerequisites for this course are microeconomics, econometrics and mathematics for economists.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to financial intermediation and bank risk management

By the end of this week, students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of financial intermediaries and grasp the distinctive role played by banks. They will gain theoretical insights on the function of banks, their objectives, the determinants of profitability and risk in banking activity. To conclude, the lesson will define metrics for assessing performance and risk, drawing insights from banks' balance sheets, income statements, and stock price data.

Finance and economic growth: the role of banks for economic development

By the end of this week, learners will be able to construct empirical tests and critically evaluate the results of the causal relationship between financial development and long-term economic growth.

Financial crises: banks’ funding structure and its implications for instability

By the end of this week you will learn how to apply the analysis of bank runs to the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-2009.

Financial crises: banks’ reaction to shocks and its macroeconomic implication

By the end of this week, learners will be able to analyze the role of the banking sector for the business cycles. In detail, the topics covered in this week regard the transmission channel of monetary policy, the amplification channel of asset prices and banking shocks for the real economy.

Bank competition and financial stability

By the end of this week, learners will be able to analyze how competition influences banks' exposure to intermediation risks. Additionally, they will understand the implications of bank competition for the emergence of financial crises.

The future of financial intermediation: the role of fintech innovation

By the end of this week, learners will be able to analyze the recent evolution of FinTech and its impact on traditional banking.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches fundamental concepts and skills in financial intermediation, the vital role of banks, and the sources of risk

Emphasizes the role of market competition and the determinants of bank-firm relationships

Provides real-world examples and empirical data analyses for practical application

Covers the latest developments in financial technology (FinTech) and its impact on traditional banking

Taught by experienced instructors in the field, Tommaso Oliviero and Ettore Panetti

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Financial Intermediation with these activities:

Compile a Glossary of Key Terms

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Enhance your understanding of the specialized terminology used in the field of financial intermediation.

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Create a list of key terms encountered in the course materials.
Define each term accurately and provide examples of its usage.

Review 'The Ascent of Money' by Niall Ferguson

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Gain historical and economic context for the role of banks and financial institutions.

View Blood Borders on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and arguments.
Summarize the main ideas and identify connections to the course material.

Review Microeconomics and Econometrics Concepts

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Solidify your understanding of microeconomics and econometrics, essential foundations for this course.

Browse courses on Microeconomics

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Revisit your lecture notes and textbooks from previous courses in microeconomics and econometrics.
Work through practice problems and exercises to reinforce your understanding.

Five other activities

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Participate in Online Discussion Forums

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Engage with fellow students to exchange ideas, ask questions, and enhance your understanding.

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Join online discussion forums related to the course topics.
Actively participate in discussions by posting thoughtful questions, sharing insights, and responding to others.

Explore Online Resources on Fintech Innovation

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Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the rapidly evolving field of financial technology.

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Identify reputable online sources for information on fintech innovation.
Read articles, watch videos, and attend webinars to learn about the latest trends and developments.
Follow industry experts and thought leaders on social media to stay informed about their insights.

Participate in Case Studies or Competitions Related to Financial Intermediation

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Test your knowledge and analytical skills in a competitive setting.

Browse courses on Financial Intermediation

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Identify case studies or competitions that align with the course topics.
Form a team or work individually to analyze the case or develop a solution.
Present your findings or submit your solution for evaluation.

Develop a Model to Analyze the Role of Financial Intermediation in Economic Growth

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Demonstrate your ability to apply the concepts learned in the course to a real-world scenario.

Browse courses on Financial Intermediation

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Define the research question and identify relevant variables.
Select appropriate data sources and collect data.
Develop a model to analyze the relationship between financial intermediation and economic growth.
Interpret the results and draw conclusions.
Present your findings in a written report or presentation.

Offer Support to Fellow Students as a Course Mentor

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Reinforce your understanding by sharing your knowledge with others and fostering a positive learning environment.

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Sign up to become a course mentor through the university or online platform.
Provide guidance and support to other students by answering questions, facilitating discussions, and offering encouragement.

Career center

Learners who complete Financial Intermediation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Professor of Finance

Professors of Finance teach and conduct research in the field of finance. They typically need a PhD in finance or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Professors of Finance as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Professors of Finance develop and deliver engaging and informative courses on financial topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor of Finance

FinTech Entrepreneur

Fintech Entrepreneurs use technology to innovate the financial industry. They typically need a background in finance or technology. This course may be useful for aspiring Fintech Entrepreneurs as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Fintech Entrepreneurs understand the challenges and opportunities in the financial industry and develop innovative fintech products and services.

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Financial Economist

Financial Economists apply economic principles to the study of financial markets. They typically need a PhD in economics or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Financial Economists as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Financial Economists understand the behavior of financial markets and develop economic models to explain and predict financial phenomena.

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Financial Risk Manager

Financial Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks for organizations. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, risk management, or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Financial Risk Managers as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Financial Risk Managers develop and implement effective risk management strategies.

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Credit Analyst

Credit Analysts evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses to determine their ability to repay loans. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Credit Analysts as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Credit Analysts make informed decisions and assess the creditworthiness of potential borrowers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Credit Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts gather and interpret financial data to provide advice to businesses and individuals. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Financial Analysts as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Financial Analysts make informed decisions and provide valuable insights to their clients.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify and assess risks for organizations. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, risk management, or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Risk Analysts as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Risk Analysts understand the different types of risks that organizations face and develop effective risk management strategies.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data. They typically need a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Quantitative Analysts as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Quantitative Analysts develop and implement sophisticated financial models.

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Bank Examiner

Bank Examiners assess the financial health of banks and other financial institutions. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Bank Examiners as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Bank Examiners identify and mitigate risks in the financial system.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide financial advice to corporations and governments. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Investment Bankers as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Investment Bankers understand the financial markets and provide sound advice to their clients.

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Financial Planner

Financial Planners provide financial advice to individuals and families. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Financial Planners as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Financial Planners understand the financial needs of their clients and provide them with sound advice.

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Insurance Actuary

Insurance Actuaries assess the financial risks associated with insurance policies. They typically need a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Insurance Actuaries as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Insurance Actuaries understand the financial risks associated with insurance policies and develop appropriate pricing strategies.

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Commercial Banker

Commercial Bankers provide financial services to businesses. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Commercial Bankers as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Commercial Bankers understand the needs of businesses and provide them with tailored financial solutions.

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Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers manage investment portfolios for individuals and institutions. They typically need a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Portfolio Managers as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Portfolio Managers make informed investment decisions and manage risk.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or a related field. This course may be useful for aspiring Data Scientists as it provides a foundation in financial intermediation, risk management, and banking. The course also covers topics such as the role of financial development, banking activity, financial crises, and the future of financial intermediation. This knowledge can help Data Scientists understand the financial industry and develop data-driven solutions to financial problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist