Overview

This module examines three aspects of Global Banking – Private Banking and Wealth Management, Retail Banking and Financial Inclusion. Each aspect will include discussion on the impact of developments in technology and digital banking, and incorporate Islamic Banking products in the appropriate context. The module will examine the wide panorama of the banking world - from High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) to Financial Inclusion. Throughout the module relevant case studies will be used from various geographies to illustrate the changing face of retail banking.

Private Banking and Wealth Management will consider the relationship between Private Banking and Wealth Management under the impact of technology which result in changes in the nature of service provision. The demands arising from customer demographic changes, including the emergence of ESG considerations, will be examined for their impact on product design and provision. Changing patterns of cross border financial flows will be examined, together with their implications for regulation and Anti Money Laundering (AML). Islamic Finance and Banking for HNWI will be considered as an integral part of the discussion.

Of all banking sectors Retail Banking has probably seen the most changes worldwide over the last three decades, with shrinkage in branch banking and greater emphasis on online banking services. The module will examine the challenge of providing banking services in sparsely populated areas, including the opportunities to serve Unbanked communities globally. The Retail Banking space will be surveyed to appreciate competitive pressures and profitability driving change, including the introduction of ESG considerations, impact of technology and mobile service access, the emergence of Digital only/Challenger banks, and Islamic Banking retail equivalents. These changes will be examined as challenges for banking regulation and capital requirement.

The level of the Unbanked Population globally will be examined, and related to Financial Inclusion as a key part of the UN SDGs (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals). The growth of microfinance in the last four decades, often enabled by technology which has mitigated service provision costs, will be reviewed together with the need for supporting smart phone infrastructure. Developments in microfinance, mobile banking and microinsurance applications will be considered with appropriate reference to Islamic banking products and sustainability criteria. Case studies from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Pakistan will be critically reviewed, including possible pathways from microfinance to conventional retail banking.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold C- to C+ (50-59%): Satisfactory performance. No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Knowledge of key areas/principles only. Weaknesses in understanding of some areas. Limited evidence of background study. Answer inadequately focused on task and with some irrelevant material and poor structure. Arguments presented but lack coherence. Minor factual/computational errors. Lacking original interpretation.

Good B- to B+ (60-69%): Good performance. Most of the relevant information accurately deployed. Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills. Understands most but not all concepts/issues. Evidence of background study. Focused answer with good structure. Arguments presented coherently. Mostly free of factual errors. Some limited original interpretation. Well known links between topics are described. Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches. Good presentation with accurate communication

Excellent standard: 70+ An outstanding performance, exceptionally able. The relevant information is accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyse recent developments and future potential in global banking, specifically private banking and wealth management, retail banking, and micro-finance for financial inclusion

• Critically review the nature of competition across the banking panorama, and the challenge this presents for regulation - particularly for digital-only activities

• Evaluate the empowering potential of technology to improve service provision, whilst also widening access