This module provides a comprehensive examination of the contemporary issues shaping digital finance, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity, data privacy, and ethics. It explores the rapid advancements in digital finance platforms, decentralized finance (DeFi), artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies. Students will also assess how regulatory frameworks, ethical theories, and cybersecurity protocols influence digital finance operations. By the end of this module, students will be able to critically evaluate the ethical, technological, and regulatory challenges that digital finance firms face, and propose strategies to navigate these issues. Aims: To provide students with an in-depth understanding of emerging trends in digital finance and the associated risks. To equip students with the skills to assess the ethical and regulatory challenges within digital finance organizations. To develop students’ capacity to critically evaluate cybersecurity and data privacy risks and propose solutions that integrate ethical frameworks. To encourage the exploration of AI and blockchain technologies in the context of their ethical use and regulatory challenges.
Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to: A. Analyze emerging technologies and trends in digital finance, such as DeFi, cryptocurrencies, and AI, and their societal and ethical impacts. B. Evaluate the cybersecurity threats and data privacy challenges specific to digital finance, and propose solutions using advanced security technologies. C. Critically examine the ethical challenges around data management, consent, and AI, and assess the role of regulations (e.g., GDPR, PIPL) in ensuring ethical digital finance operations. D. Investigate how digital finance firms use AI for real-time threat detection and fraud prevention, assessing its ethical implications for bias and fairness. E. Assess the financial, legal, ethical, and reputational consequences of cybersecurity breaches and ethical violations in the digital finance industry. F. Propose cybersecurity and ethical strategies for digital finance operations that integrate regulatory compliance and ethical principles.
1. The delivery mode for this module is designed to provide students with an immersive experience, concentrating on contemporary issues in digital finance, cybersecurity, and data privacy. The module will utilize a blend of participative lectures, interactive workshops, and hands-on case studies. Students will be actively engaged through discussions of real-world issues and scenarios. Each topic will be supported by a comprehensive range of materials, including lecture notes, academic readings, industry reports, and multimedia resources. 2. The module will emphasize problem-based learning to encourage students to critically engage with complex issues in digital finance. Through learning sets, students will explore case studies, regulatory challenges, and ethical dilemmas, using research articles and web-based content. These activities will encourage collaboration and foster critical thinking. 3. Interactive tools such as simulations, group presentations, and debates will be integrated into the teaching strategy, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations. Special focus will be given to cybersecurity breaches, ethical concerns in AI, and data privacy, using hands-on projects and real-life case studies. 4. As reflective practitioners, students will be encouraged to document their learning journey, engaging with continuous professional development by staying updated on emerging trends in digital finance and cybersecurity. Reflective journals, peer feedback sessions, and opportunities for self-assessment will support this ongoing development.