Overview

The module examines and questions the potential causes of and solutions to banking and financial crises. Initially, a theoretical and historical approach is used to explore and assess the diversity of explanations for financial and banking crisis forwarded over the last century. Why banks and financial markets are inherently vulnerable to crises and how policy makers and institutions have responded to these circumstances is investigated and questioned. Lastly, the relative success of otherwise of monetary policy, bank supervision and prudential regulation in mitigating or exacerbating financial and banking crises is critically discussed. The modules makes use of real cases and references to developing policy and regulatory prescriptions to evaluate causes of financial crises and efficacy of banking regulation.

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 assess the importance of financial crises and bank regulation in a contemporary context

• Evaluate the subject specific roles, features and relationships within and between firms.

• Question, critically assess and apply apposite banking and finance theory

• To consider the appositeness and decipher different policy solutions to challenging financial circumstances.

• Understand, identify and judge the efficacy of different economic policies and theories