Department of Finance Hosts Stakeholder Dialogue on Proposed Master's in Financial Technology Programme
The Department of Finance at the University Of Ghana Business School (UGBS) held a stakeholder dialogue on 9th October 2024 to gather inputs and refine its proposed master’s in financial technology (MSc FinTech) programme to meet industry needs. The event took place at the UGBS Graduate School, bringing together representatives from key industry players, including the National Insurance Commission, Cal Bank PLC, Telecel, Zenith Bank, Stanbic Bank, Agriculture Development Bank, CDH Investment, Universal Merchant Bank, Cal Asset Management, Prudential Services Ltd, Etranzact, Access Bank, Investeye Capital, National Pension Regulatory Authority and Data Bank.
Dr. Saint Kuttu, Senior Lecturer in Finance and Risk Management, UGBS, provided an overview of the programme structure, comprising: A 6-month Access course for prospective students without programming or finance backgrounds and a one-year main programme, incorporating courses such as Financial Data Science, Investment Management (Python), Ethics, Regulation and Compliance in FinTech, Sustainable Finance, Cloud Computing and Security and Digital Assets and Payment Systems.
Participants were divided into groups to discuss and contribute to developing a robust MSc FinTech programme. Key recommendations from participants included: Incorporating other programming languages beyond Python, including agile project management as a core course, allowing students to choose more than one elective and introducing a Bachelor of Science in Financial Technology (BSc FinTech) programme. Among other concerns raised, participants noted that FinTech is not exclusive to payment services, hence the programme should be made applicable to other industries like agriculture and real estate. And equal attention should be given to finance and technology-related courses to develop well-rounded human resources.
Prof. Emmanuel Sarpong-Kumankoma, Former Head of Department of Finance at UGBS, highlighted plans to decrease core courses and increase elective options to tailor the programme to students' interests. Prof. Elikplimi Komla Agbloyor, Department of Finance, UGBS, proposed collaborative engagements with industry players as part-time and guest lecturers, alongside internship opportunities, to enhance the relevance of the FinTech programme.
At the end of the dialogue Prof. Vera Ogeh Fiador, Head of the Department of Finance, UGBS, assured stakeholders that all input would be considered to ensure the programme’s marketability and usefulness.