IB9Y40 International Financial Management

During this module, you will have access to a wide variety of guest lectures from practitioners from leading financial institutions, such as Robeco, Qube, Virtu, Northfield, Jupiter Asset Management, BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs, Qontingo, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Bank of America, Citigroup, Quoniam, Nordea, Fidelity, UBS, Blackrock and Citadel. Interactions with last year’s speakers:

• So far, our discussions have focused on data, mathematics, and statistics, which are undoubtedly crucial. However, in practical applications, are there other significant factors beyond data that also play a vital role?

I think from a practical perspective, having an economics background has helped me understand what drives currencies and how these drivers change. Exchange rates are the most “macro” of all products traded by hedge funds and banks. They are influenced by relative monetary and fiscal policies, savings imbalances, commodity and equity and bond price moves, risk sentiment and other factors.

• What do you think about the question, 'Why do we need international trading?'. While financial gains through international investment are evident, is that the sole purpose? You mentioned that the earliest exchange rates were introduced as a tool for material exchange between Egypt and Mesopotamia, allowing both civilizations to access the resources they needed. In a modern context, the US, like ancient Egypt, also dominates the international trading market. How can people around the world benefit from participating in international trading activities?

International trade in manufactured goods and services is beneficial because it allows economies to specialize in what they are good at. This makes everyone more productive and leads to economic growth. Trade in natural resources allows these resources to be shared more globally which benefits both the sellers and buyers.

• If I were to pursue a career in an FX-related field, what other qualities or skills should I develop beyond strong mathematical abilities?

Over my nearly 20 years in industry, I have seen jobs on the trading floor become more numerical or specialized. For graduates this often means that having practical knowledge of programming (python) and database languages (kdb, SQL) is an advantage. I see a lot of CVs where these skills are listed, but far fewer CVs show how they have been applied in practice either in coursework, internships, work experience or even personal projects.

• Thank you for sending the student’s CV around. My FX Strategy colleagues currently have a job opportunity. I would encourage him to apply and will also highlight his CV to them.

Module Overview

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Guest Lecture

Taster Lecture