Programme Overview

Programme Recognition

The programme is designed in accordance with the Hong Kong Qualification Framework Level 6 on the Qualifications Register (QR). Graduates of this programme are eligible to apply for course and unit exemption with reference to the Graduate School’s Policy on Course and Unit Exemptions for Postgraduate Students. The application is subject to approval from the CUHK Graduate Division of Business Administration and the Graduate School.

Programme Background and Objectives:

The programme is an innovative initiative designed to address the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological advancements in today’s digital era. It provides a comprehensive analytical framework and knowledge system for successful technology adoption, focusing on both infrastructure development and the implementation of emerging applications. The programme revolutionizes the traditional education model by offering flexibility in studying across various modules. Participants must complete 6 modules to earn the certificate and have the freedom to select electives from a range of unit combinations, aligning with the dynamic nature of the global FinTech sector. The programme aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of modern technology and FinTech business strategies, focusing on significant topics for the long-term development of the financial industry. Participants are expected to gain the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to apply and harness the potential of transformative technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.

Programme Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, participants will:

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the technology, infrastructure, and strategies to ensure security in financial payments and transactions, taking into account their significance to the financial industry.
  2. Analyze and evaluate the function of central counterparties and clearance systems for funds payments and transfers of securities, and identify potential infrastructure-related systemic risks and their impact on credit risk, competitiveness, and monetary and financial stability.
  3. Apply relevant infrastructure tools for regulatory compliance and risk management purposes, demonstrating an understanding of their significance in the financial industry.
  4. Develop a thorough understanding of the fintech ecosystem, the current trends and applications of new technologies, and their implications for the future of finance.
  5. Utilize basic industry, financial, and entrepreneurial knowledge to evaluate the business viability of fintech companies and potentially generate new fintech business ideas.

Programme Curriculum

Participants need to complete 1 core module & 5 elective modules (total 6 units) to obtain the Professional Certificate Programme in Innovation Leadership.

Core module

Do no delete this
Do no delete this
Modern Financial Infrastructure (1 unit)
Course Description The world of global financial services is changing rapidly with the advancement of financial technologies. The module provides an advanced examination of financial infrastructures, which includes trading venues and platforms, securities settlement systems, payment systems, cross-border transactions interlinks, central counterparties and clearance, cybersecurity, and systemic risks. It requires participants with a view to make concrete their understanding of the underlying technologies enabling Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure.
Elective modules (choose any 5 among the list)
Do no delete this
Do no delete this
Technology Applications in Finance and Insurance (1 unit)
Course Description This module aims to equip participants with an understanding of how technology is driving business innovation. It covers technology’s impacts on industries and nations, patterns of technological change, disruptive innovations-what they are, how they impact firms and industry change as well as how to deal with the response of firms to disruptive innovations, including the changing basis of competition in markets. It covers how startups as well as large companies approach innovation and the challenges they face in continuing to innovate while also needing to focus on nurturing their existing business. This module is designed for professionals to acquire entrepreneurial, innovative and agile mindset as well as capabilities as their ultimate source of competitive advantage in the rapidly-evolving digital era.
Finance for Senior Managers (1 unit)
Course Description Exploring the diverse financial challenges facing today’s decision-makers, this module is a comprehensive introduction to accounting and financial analysis. It aims to give participants who are not financial specialists an understanding of the financial consequences of strategic decisions and to equip them with tools to integrate the financial implications into their decision-making. This module is designed to embrace participants’ skills in communicating effectively with finance and accounting professionals to ensure the organization’s functions are better integrated, and subsequently boosting the company overall value.
Data Collaboration and Governance (1 unit)
Course Description This module provides a comprehensive understanding of data collaboration practices and the critical role of data governance in managing shared data across different industry sectors for mutual benefits. Participants will explore the concept of data collaboration and its significance in enhancing decision-making, research, and innovation. The module emphasizes the importance of data governance in ensuring ethical and secure data management and covers the establishment of policies, procedures, and standards to ensure data accuracy, accessibility, and protection. Consideration is given to legal and regulatory compliance, risk management, and ethical considerations in data collaboration. Through practical exercises, case studies, and discussions, participants will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage in data collaboration initiatives and implement robust data governance frameworks.
Emerging Trends in DeFi, Web3 and Green Fintech (1 unit)
Course Description The module provides participants with an overview and the foundation of emerging trends in Decentralized Finance (DeFi), the Web3, and green fintech technologies. Using a variety of examples, the course examines the latest developments and innovations in DeFi and Web3, exploring their impact on various industries and the broader digital landscape. The will also discuss environmental sustainability issues and how emerging technologies are used to support the green agenda. In particular, we will examine application of fintech in the carbon credit market and green bond market. Overall, the module aims to broaden our horizon by looking into the future possibilities created by the DeFi, Web3, and green technologies.
Cyber Security and Risk Management (1 unit)
Course Description This module provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and strategies involved in protecting digital assets and managing cyber risks. The module explores the evolving threat landscape, cybersecurity frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and effective risk mitigation techniques.
Contemporary Topics of Technology Applications for Financial Services (1 unit)
Course Description It offers an in-depth exploration of the latest trends and advancements in technology applications within the financial services industry. This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how technology is transforming various aspects of financial services, including banking, insurance, investment, and risk management. Participants will examine cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data analytics, and cybersecurity, and their impact on financial operations, customer experience, and regulatory compliance. Industry practitioners will be invited as guest speakers to share their entrepreneurial experience in fintech with participants.
Financial Technology Application: Project (1 unit)
Course Description The module provides participants with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in financial technology (FinTech) to real-world projects. Through hands-on learning and project-based assignments, participants will apply their technical and analytical skills to address complex challenges and deliver impactful FinTech projects. The module involves a significant research and / or development project under the supervision of an academic staff in any area of financial technology. At the end of the course, the participant must give a presentation to the academic supervisors, and submit a report detailing the findings and deliverables. The participant’s grade will be determined by the presentation and the report.
Schedule: TBC

Venue: CUHK Main Campus / CUHK Business School Town Centre

Programme Fee: HK$9300 per module (Total 6 modules)

Programme Details

Medium of Instruction: English and/or Chinese will be used as the medium for instruction.

Mode of Study: Part Time

Programme Duration (Months): 6- 36 months

Tuition Fee: HKD$ 9,300 per module (Total 6 modules)
CUHK, CUSCS & APIB Alumni: HKD$ 7,900 per module (Total 6 modules)

Entry Requirement: Holders of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics or Finance / Business-related discipline from a reputable university or equivalent professional qualifications.

Graduation Requirement:To be awarded the Professional Certificate in Technology Applications for Financial Services, participants are required to have an overall attendance rate of 70% of each module and pass the assessments of each module with a letter grade not lower than Grade C.

Note: The Programme reserves the right to cancel the module if the number of registered participants is insufficient or for other unanticipated reasons.

How to Apply: Complete the Online Application Form with the application fee HK$300 paid.

Contact Us

Ms Sherry Lui
Phone: (852) 3943 7425
Email: apib@cuhk.edu.hk