Utrecht, Netherlands

Introduction to Finance and Banking

Financial news is dominating the headlines. The financial and banking system had and still has a great impact on the economic situation in the world. Sparked by the financial crisis, the role of banks is changing, and new financing models are slowly gaining traction. During this course we will provide you with an action-based way of learning by letting you take management level decisions within a simulated environment, learning the ins and outs of running a retail bank.

Welcome to our simulated learning environment. During this intensive one-week course your group will form the management team of a retail bank, taking all management level decisions that come with running a bank while competing against the other teams in the course. In each round, you will receive direct financial results regarding the decisions made by your team providing you with valuable feedback for the next round. However, the simulation is not just about making profit, but also about sound risk management for your bank; you will have to follow the Basel III guide lines, take decisions about which products to launch and about hiring and firing staff.

This course will help you to learn all about the basics of finance, and cover topics such as financial statements, ratio analysis, asset and liability management and accounting. You will learn how to successfully run a crowdfunding campaign and gain useful insights in the field of sustainable financing and banking, such as how to finance sustainable energy projects. This simulation is a great action-based way of learning, providing you with the ins and outs of running a retail bank.

Many students who have done this course, follow up with the B24 course "New Financing Models for a Changing World".

"I'm very impressed with this course especially with the interactive simulation bank! (participant of Summer 2019)".

Course leader

Gerrit-Jan Lanting, MSc

Target group

Students from all levels (Bachelor and Master); a business programme background is not required. This course is for students who want to build or expand their knowledge of finance and banking.

Course aim

Basic finance and banking theory will be discussed. Also, the role of banks during the financial crisis and the new stricter requirements such as the Basel norms will be discussed. Students will be able to interpret bank balance sheets and gain understanding of the accounting system and ratio analysis.

Fee info

EUR 875: Course + course materials
If you are a student you will receive a discount and pay a course fee of € 699.
EUR 250: Housing fee (optional)