Political Economy of FinTech: When Tech, Money, and Politics Collide (POL146)

This course explores the intersection of politics, economics, finance, and technology. We delve into the rise and evolution of Financial Technologies (FinTech) and their impact on traditional banking and financial systems. This course is designed to uncover FinTech’s implications for global politics/monetary policy, regulatory frameworks, and economic development. Upon examining the fintech ecosystem, the course delves into several fast-evolving sectors, including Fintech payments and crypto-assets. Furthermore, we investigate the role of FinTech in democratizing access to financial services (i.e., financial inclusion), and explore how stakeholders around the world are responding (e.g., from Central Banks’ digital currencies to BigTech and global payments companies’ investments in FinTech). We also spend time discussing why regulating FinTech is particularly hard and explore examples of innovative regulatory frameworks (e.g., Regulatory Sandbox). Beyond traditional lectures, the course incorporates detailed case studies and collaborative group activities to provide an interactive and rewarding learning experience for students.

• To understand the evolution of Financial Technologies (FinTech) and their impact on traditional banking and financial systems.
• To be able to discuss the impactions of FinTech for global politics/monetary policy and regulatory frameworks.
• To be able to investigate the role of FinTech in democratizing access to financial services and exploring stakeholders’ responses.
• To be able – through collaborative group activities and discussions on various topics like Central Banks’ digital currencies and BigTech investments in FinTech – to communicate well in various settings (audiences/situations).
• To be able to convey ideas effectively in a written paper, ensuring the good understanding of the complexities of the course topics.