Cryptocurrencies course the latest example of innovation at global business schools
London’s Imperial College Business School has launched a fintech course for bankers that will explore the disruptive potential of blockchain technology. The two-day, £2,400 program will focus on the disrupted ledger tech, as well as digital identity, cryptocurrencies and digital payments. It runs on May 4.
Blockchain has become one of the most hyped technologies in financial services, with banks, money managers and insurers all rushing to explore its potential uses in slashing costs and speeding up transactions.
Imperial, a stone’s throw from the City, says the course will give bankers a hands-on understanding of the fintech that is fundamentally changing how banking is done, and the tools needed to shift organizational culture. Banks’ rigid cultures have been slated as the main barrier to digital transformation, along with the challenges stemming from their legacy IT systems, and onerous regulation.
It is the second fintech foray by business schools in as many weeks, after INSEAD said that it will revamp its MBA to infuse tech-focused electives such as fintech, digital disruption and big data into the curriculum.
Business schools have been critiqued for relying too much on the case study method and not incorporating digital technologies into the syllabus quickly enough. However, they have in recent years actively tried to incorporate innovation into their programs, or launched specialised courses.
Last year, NYU Stern School of Business in New York created an MBA elective for fintech. Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business set-up an “innovation and cryptoventures course” in 2014. In the executive education space, Cambridge University’s Judge Business School of the UK, said it planned to offer courses on blockchain to executives last year. NYU Stern also launched a two-day executive program centred on blockchain in 2015.
Ilian Mihov, dean of INSEAD and professor of economics, said: “In recent years, we have seen a drastic transformation in the global market place. It is important for us to constantly innovate.”
For Imperial College, the fintech course launch is the latest example of an innovation push underway. Imperial, one of the world’s most prestigious research universities, last month hired internationally-renowned innovation scholar Francisco Veloso as dean of its business school. Last year, the business school launched the Centre for Global Finance and Technology. In 2015, it also established the KPMG Data Observatory, and launched an MSc in business analytics a year before that.
Student Reviews
Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Supportive atmosphere
The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.
Diversity
The people or the students are without a doubt Duke's greatest asset. While all students are driven to succeed, they are also enthusiastic about a variety of hobbies. You run across a huge lot of diversity. It is the ideal example of a school with well-rounded students and the ideal balance of campus life in a metropolis.
Happy to school
All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.
Good schooling
Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.
Beautiful School, Nice Classes
DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable
Amazing experience
I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.
whirlwind of growth and change
An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.
One of the best for Business students
Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.
The university campus is awesome
I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.
Program Flexibility and Vibrant Campus Life
Duke University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life. The university offers a diverse range of majors and research opportunities, supported by world-class faculty.
What I particularly liked about Duke was its strong sense of community and the wealth of extracurricular activities available to students. The campus is beautiful, with top-notch facilities and a supportive atmosphere that fosters both personal and academic growth.
Overall, I would highly recommend Duke University for its excellent educational offerings and strong alumni network. If you're looking for a place that challenges you academically while offering numerous opportunities for personal development, Duke is an excellent choice.
