Banking & Finance

About the Course

This is for you if you are looking for a hands-on course that develops your competencies to excel in the banking and finance industry.

Learn in a real-world context with guidance from mentors and practitioners. Acquire transdisciplinary competencies and hone your abilities to solve complex problems of the industry.

Discover how you can grow into a finance professional who is innovative, progressive and ethical. Learn to provide sustainable solutions in areas such as digital finance and financial inclusion, wealth management, sustainable finance and financial management, and banking and risk management.

This diploma lets you . . .

Learn from industry leaders such as DBS Bank, Investment Management Association of Singapore, PayPal, The Pictet Group, OCBC Bank, State Street Bank and Trust Company.
Develop transdisciplinary competencies and gain real-world experience in working on problems faced by the banking and finance industry.
Be trained by former banking and finance professionals from renowned firms such as J.P. Morgan, Citibank, Morgan Stanley, Bloomberg, DBS Bank, OCBC Bank, United Overseas Bank, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse.
Gain dynamic career and further education opportunities locally and overseas.

Benefits

Develop expertise in areas such as digital finance and financial inclusion, wealth management, sustainable finance and financial management, and banking and risk management.
Gain in-depth industry experience through internship programmes with leading banking and finance companies.
Develop innovative digital banking and finance solutions to create sustainable impact on the underbanked and unbanked populations.

NYP Professional Competency Model (NYP-PCM) - its unique features

This diploma will be taught using the NYP-PCM starting AY2024.

Industry Relevance

Endorsed by industry leaders.

Professional Accreditation

You gain additional industry certifications while you complete your diploma, putting you ahead of the pack.

Agile Response

The curriculum reacts dynamically and quickly to industry changes. You'll be equipped with the latest skills & knowledge.

Integrated Learning

Concurrently learn multiple disciplines.

Course Structure

The NYP-PCM for the Diploma in Banking & Finance consists of:

24 Competency Units (CmUs)
Within each Competency Unit, the skills and knowledge of different disciplines are integrated and taught holistically. This enables learners to fulfil specific work tasks upon completion.

7 Course Competencies

Each Course Competency consists of a collection of Competency Units that develops specific learning outcomes and competencies.

3 Competency Canvases

Each Competency Canvas consists of a collection of Competency Units and a Work- Integration Unit (WIU), which is a workplace-contextualised project. Competency Canvases help learners develop and demonstrate their abilities to perform work tasks at a higher proficiency.

1 Internship Programme

11 General Studies Modules

These modules allow you to explore other areas of interest beyond your chosen area of specialisation.

Completing the required Competency Units will equip you with seven Course Competencies:

1. Banking & Risk Management

2. Business Communication & Innovation

3. Business Intelligence & Data Science

4. Business Operations & Resource Management

5. Digital Finance & Financial Inclusion

6. Sustainable Finance, Treasury & Financial Management

7. Wealth Management

You will also need to complete Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) which can be in the form of an internship and/or project that mirror work situations where students can demonstrate their skills and competencies.

CmUs/WIUs in Year 1

Application of Business Fundamentals [60 hours]

In current workplace, employers are looking for graduates who have a holistic understanding of today’s complex and dynamic business environment and have the ability to connect the dots of business functions, relationships, systems and resources. Thus, having a good understanding of business fundamentals is essential for all business professionals. This CmU covers the ecosystem of business organisation and environment and provides the grounding and interlinks of the key business functions and skills of business - human resource management and administration, supply chain management, finance and accounting, marketing, international business, operations management, laws and policies.

Applied Economics for Business [60 hours]

In a dynamic business environment, individuals and business organisations need to apply microeconomic and macroeconomic analyses to evaluate the impacts of changing economic climate. In this CmU, learners will acquire the knowledge on how individuals and businesses make decisions about consumption and production based on market structures, and the role of government in influencing these decisions. Learners will also be equipped with analytical skills to assess the impact on businesses from changing economic factors such as a country’s national income, business cycle, price levels of goods and services, fiscal & monetary policies and international trade issues.

Applied Statistics for Business [60 hours]

In a fast-paced business environment, employers are looking for graduates who are able to analyse, understand and apply data to make optimal business decisions. In this CmU, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to transform raw data into useful information and apply the insights obtained to make informed business decisions. Specifically, learners will be taught descriptive statistics, regression and correlation analysis, discrete and continuous probability distributions, statistical estimation, hypothesis testing, and fundamental artificial intelligence (AI) concepts and tools to solve real-life business problems.

Business IT & Spreadsheet Modelling [60 hours]

The ability to analyse is an indispensable skill in the business world as it helps organisations make better data-driven decisions. In this digital world, it is also equally important to be able to ensure effective data storing and reliable data flow by using the right technology. In this CmU, learners will gain essential knowledge and skills in analysing data using system software in presenting business solutions effectively. This CmU will also provide opportunities for learners to build and enhance their knowledge in key digital transformations. Specifically, learners will be equipped with knowledge in relevant data structures, databases and cloud computing.

Financial Accounting & Interpretation [60 hours]

Employers are always looking for graduates who have good understanding of accounting concepts and practices to properly account for business transactions and assess business financial performance. In this CmU, learners will learn to apply accounting concepts and principles for the recording of business transactions, and the preparation of year-end adjustments and financial statements. In addition, learners will acquire competencies in interpreting financial statements and information for various stakeholders.

Professional Business Communication [60 hours]

Professional business communication that is driven in companies determine the success of their operations and business. Strong communication skills are needed in AI-driven and sustainable workplaces. In this CmU, learners will master must-have business communication skills to achieve professional success. This CmU builds learners' communication competencies in applying effective business writing strategies and persuasive presentation techniques to influence and win over co-workers and customers in person and online. Learners will also sharpen their communication proficiencies to enhance personal branding and workplace relationships that advance careers. Learners will also master the art of business storytelling to better connect with audiences, especially for sustainability.

Professional Practice in Finance [45 hours]

Due to the systemic importance of the financial services industry, rules and regulations are introduced to protect the financial health of its stakeholders. Having a good grasp of the roles of finance and the industry as well as the governing rules and regulations is critical to develop a sustainable and successfully career in this industry. Through this CmU, learners will develop competencies in conducting themselves in a responsible, ethical and professional manner, upholding market integrity, fulfilling their fiduciary duties to their clients and employers, while preventing conflicts of interest. In addition, learners will also be competent in distinguishing the various sub-sectors and stakeholders of the financial services industry.

Strategic Business Communication [45 hours]

Companies engage in strategic business communication. Skilled strategic communications cultivate positive relationships, promote inclusive social well-being, and safeguard their organisations' reputations through effective interpersonal and digital communication. A strategic focus includes communicating sustainability effectively tailored to different circumstances and cultural contexts. In this CmU, learners will demonstrate defining strategic communication skills to thrive in increasingly diverse, multicultural and digital workplaces. Specifically, learners will apply strategic and critical thinking that are part of strategic communication skills to achieve bias-free communication, foster inclusiveness and negotiate challenging exchanges in person or virtual.

Sustainable Finance [60 hours]

In the fast-transforming financial services industry, employers are looking for graduates who have sound knowledge of financial markets, investment products and the drivers of risk and returns in a portfolio with considerations for environmental, social and governance factors while observing financial viability. Banks are further realising the moral imperative of the immense power they wield in funding and raising issues of sustainability. This resolve can be achieved by investing in research and development of alternative energy sources and in businesses that adopt equitable and sustainable practices. In this CmU, learners will be equipped with the knowledge towards evaluating how finance interacts with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, analysis of risk and return profiles of asset classes, and the conduct of security analysis within the context of portfolio construction based on given investment objectives.

User-Centred Design [45 hours]

Companies need to thrive in a business environment often termed as VUCA - volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous - and to survive and thrive in this world of disruption, the name of the game is "innovation". Companies value employees who can innovate and develop solutions that meet the needs of its users. This CmU will provide opportunities for learners to practise and experience the key stages of Design Thinking, such as being empathetic to users, identifying pain-points, generating creative ideas, prototyping and testing the innovations, as learners apply the various tools and methods through collaborative learning.

CmUs/WIUs in Year 2

AI & Data Analytics in Finance [60 hours]

The future of financial services is increasingly data driven and augmented by automation and artificial intelligence (AI). As big data analytics allows insightful predictions and automation technologies take over repetitive administrative tasks, many roles will be transformed and required job skills will evolve to work with technologies to deliver creative and innovative solutions. In this CmU, learners will be introduced to AI and data analytics in the context of financial services. Through this CmU, learners will develop competencies in working with technologies to solve day to day finance and business tasks including extracting data from database, preparing data for analysis, and exploratory analysis with considerations of Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Fairness, Ethics, Accountability and Transparency (FEAT) principles. Learners will apply relevant predictive modelling techniques and dimensionality reduction, clustering and association techniques to discover underlying patterns in data to enhance competitive positioning, generate cost savings, enhance operating efficiencies, and streamline compliance procedures. Learners will also be competent in automating task with the use of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools, extracting data from Application Programming Interface (API) for analysis and working with low code machine learning platform to perform data analysis and build, train, and deploy AI models.

Blockchain & Digital Finance [45 hours]

In the new digital economy, consumers and firms are demanding ease of access to financial services via digital means. Incumbent financial institutions are being challenged by innovative competitors with new technologies, and new business models. Blockchain and the associated Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) have been attributed to be one of the key building blocks of Digital Finance. Through this CmU, learners will learn about the fundamentals of digital currencies, the intricacies of the interbank payment system, the role of digital wallets, and the role of cryptography as the foundational building block of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Learners will also be equipped to discuss the various types and value of Digital Tokens as well as the approaches in which they can be used to solve some of the issues in traditional finance.

Consumer Banking [45 hours]

Consumer Banking, which played a critical role in providing financial services to the masses, is often the face of banks and a key contact point for the public. However, this segment of banking is experiencing unprecedented changes due to changing consumer preferences, digital transformation, mass adoption of AI, and the threat of emerging banks. Through this CmU, learners will develop competencies in critical evaluation of the importance of the Consumer Banking industry in Singapore, and consumer banks’ business strategies with consideration of consumer preference, competitive landscape, impact of technology and sustainability.

Corporate Financial Management [45 hours]

Employers are always looking for graduates who have good understanding of the banking and finance industry, as well as having an in-depth understanding of short-term and long-term financing for organisation. In this CmU, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to analyse and value bond and equity and apply the insights obtained to make informed capital structure and working capital decisions. Specifically, learners will develop competencies in applying time value of money concepts, discount cash flow, dividend policy and cost of capital to solve investment and fund-raising problems.

Data Science Fundamentals and Analytics [60 hours]

As businesses move toward a digitalised future, data will be gathered in ever greater quantity and variety. The skill to understand and make sense of data therefore becomes ever more important. In this CmU, learners will gain an awareness of the concepts of data science, with a specific focus on business analytics. Learners will be able to analyse data using exploratory data analytics through the application of data visualisation and will also be able to create a basic machine learning model for predictive analytics. These skills to organise and prepare data and apply data analysis techniques will allow learners to gain insights from data, aid business functions and support business decision making.

Decentralised Finance [45 hours]

Decentralised Finance (DeFi) leverages on blockchain technology to enable permissionless, transparent protocols and facilitate digital value creation while removing the existing intermediaries. Enabled by smart contract, DeFi has spawn financial services covering most areas of traditional finance including lending & borrowing, exchanges, derivatives, asset management, payment, insurance and more. Through this CmU, learners will acquire the knowledge to differentiate the role of traditional and decentralised finance in the next revolution of the internet, Web 3.0. Learners will examine and analyse the infrastructure and elements of DeFi, and investigate and discuss the latest development in DeFi covering topics such as decentralised lending & borrowing, decentralised exchange (DEX), decentralised derivatives, decentralised insurance, decentralised stablecoins and stableassets, central bank digital currency (CDBC), non-fungible token (NFT) and more. In addition, learners will investigate the problems of traditional finance including inefficiency, limited access, opacity, centralised control, and lack of interoperability which DeFi intends to solve, and evaluate risk associated with DeFi including but not limited to smart contract, governance, oracle, scaling, DEX, custodial, environmental risk and regulatory risk.

Digital Banking [60 hours]

In the new digital economy, the digitalisation of banking services trend is greatly influenced by FinTech, which is much more agile and adept in leveraging on advancement in technology, and meeting changing consumer preference, and accelerated by regulatory changes. Digital Banking is the provision of traditional banking services by traditional online channel, such as internet and mobile banking apps, and non-traditional channel including, but not limited to, embedded finance and banking-as-a-service (BaaS). In this CmU, learners will be equipped with the knowledge towards the drivers for change in the delivery of banking and financial products and services, the various technologies powering digital banking, the impact of regulations such as Open Banking initiatives in UK and Europe and issuance of Digital Banking licenses on the development of digital banking, and how the banking sector leverages the human centred approach to design a more engaging customer experience.

Digital Economy Project (WIU) [30 hours]

In a fast-paced business environment, employers are looking for graduates who can plan and implement inclusive digital transformation strategies for organisations or segments of society effectively. In this WIU, learners will synthesise their knowledge and devise digital transformation strategy for a business case or project. Specifically, learners will demonstrate competencies in areas such as digital readiness, digital wellness, data analytics, trust technologies, digital and decentralised finance as well as digital banking.

Fund Fundamentals & Asset Management [30 hours]

As a key sector of the financial services industry, Singapore’s asset management industry is a global hub for investors and managers and is central to the local financial services industry. In a competitive business environment, employers are looking for graduates who have good understanding of the fund management industry, as well as the principles and practices to best serve customer needs and maximise shareholders’ value. In this CmU, learners will be equipped with knowledge to appreciate the importance of asset and fund management sector to the Singapore economy, the different types of fund structures by considering the fund’s organisational set-up, and the regulatory and contemporary issues faced by the fund management industry with consideration given to global current affairs and regulatory reforms.

Marketing [60 hours]

Good marketing is no accident, but a result of careful planning and creative execution. Companies are constantly looking for marketing professionals who can help them to analyse the business environment, build strong brands and achieve profitable customer relationships. In this CmU, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to conduct market research, glean market insights and make the best possible tactical and strategic decisions for brands based on the company’s business objectives.

Sustainability in Business Project (WIU) [30 hours]

In a fast-paced business environment, employers are looking for graduates who can plan and implement sustainability strategies for companies effectively. In this WIU, learners will synthesise their knowledge and devise sustainability strategy for a business case or project. Specifically, learners will demonstrate competencies in areas such as sustainability readiness assessment, synthesising sustainability-related risks, opportunities, and market development, and conducting organisational sustainability report analysis.

CmUs/WIUs in Year 3

Corporate & Investment Banking [45 hours]

In the financial services industry, corporate and investment banks provide products and services to companies, large corporates, governments, and their agencies. The corporate and investment banking division of a bank plays a critical role to support the financing needs of companies and corporates. They offer a wide range of services which include trade finance, treasury solutions and advisory for mergers and acquisitions. In this CmU, learners will learn how corporate and investment banking facilitate international trade, manage risks, evaluate and structure debt facilities, and advise on merger and acquisition transaction, for their corporate clients.

Financial Inclusion and Innovation Project (WIU) [45 hours]

Based on statistics by the World Bank, there are about 1.7 billion unbanked adults globally. These unbanked individuals are more likely to be financially challenged since they are excluded from financial products or services such as loans, mortgages and insurance. The relative nascent crypto economy with its alternative financial and technological infrastructure offers benefits such as programmable "money” and more, which can potentially lead to financial inclusion of these under- and un-banked individuals through provision of simple and low-cost financial services at scale. In this WIU, learners will synthesise their knowledge and devise inclusive innovation strategy for a business case or project. Specifically, learners will demonstrate competencies in areas such as data analytics, trust technologies, digital and decentralised finance, and innovation problem solving.

Financial Planning [60 hours]

In a competitive financial services environment, employers are looking for graduates who have good understanding of the banking and finance industry and are able to play the critical role of a trusted advisor, guiding the client through a step-by-step process to achieve financial goals through the different life stages. Through this CmU, learners will be equipped with knowledge and skills to develop a comprehensive financial plan to guide prospective clients in attaining their financial goals while managing risks. Specifically, learners will be able to provide needs-based recommendation based on their assessment of client's requirements relating to retirement planning, estate planning and income tax planning.

Innovation & Viable Business Development [45 hours]

Studies have shown that although products and service innovation are essential for the initial success of a business, business model innovation can deliver more lasting competitive advantage, particularly in this disruptive era. This CmU aims to develop learners’ capability in business model innovation by applying Lean Business Model Canvas (LBMC) methodology on a business case. By analysing the evolving business models in terms of the integrated components of LBMC, learners develop in-depth knowledge and skills in enhancing business competitive advantage and value creation.

International Finance & Treasury [45 hours]

For an international hub like Singapore, international finance plays an important role in facilitating international trade and cross border exchange of goods and services. It is imperative for banking professionals to develop in-depth knowledge and be equipped with the tools and techniques to forecast exchange rates, raise capital in international debt and equities markets, and ascertain the economic performance of foreign markets to gain a competitive edge in the highly globalised world economy. Through this CmU, learners will develop competencies in evaluating the roles, operations, financing methods and instruments employed in international finance and treasury departments, performing the functions and operations of corporate treasury department by developing appropriate strategies to manage the risks and exposures faced, and applying various treasury products and strategies for hedging according to strategic goals of multinational firms. Learners will also be competent in analysing the behaviour of interest rates and exchange rates movement in the international financial system with reference to corporate objectives such as profit maximisation, risk management, and critical evaluation of the various methods of payment used in international trade by outlining the payment and goods flow in the documentary collection and documentary credit processes.

Internship Programme (WIU) [960 hours]

Internship provides valuable work experiences and opportunities to develop learners' competencies in a real work environment. This internship programme comprises a 24- week attachment to a local or overseas business, public or governmental organisation. The attachment provides learners with real-life working experiences and develops in them the right work attitude, a practice-oriented and hands-on mindset, and the ability to work with diverse people in an organisation. The learners' performance during their attachment is graded. Participating organisations will provide a detailed training programme, which may include project assignments and/or rotational on-the-job training.

Risk & Compliance Management [60 hours]

Financial institutions are increasingly operating in volatile and unpredictable business and regulatory environments. A confluence of factors and events such as trade war, Brexit, cyber hacking, and COVID-19, to name a few, have made it clear that firms should not treat risk management as an afterthought, but as a key pillar of their strategy. In addition, FinTech start-ups and digital banks are threatening existing incumbents in unprecedented ways. Major regulatory reforms that are introduced after recessions would typically lead to a spike in demand for risk management specialists. Through this CmU, learners will develop the competence in analysing risk faced by financial institutions and recommending risk management strategies, which include risk management framework and policies, to mitigate the effects of different risks. Learners will also gain competence in the use of tools such as Know-Your-Client (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) to combat financial crime.

The following list reflects the Competency Units and Work-Integration Units mapped under each Competency Canvas.

1. Digital Economy

· AI & Data Analytics in Finance

· Blockchain & Digital Finance

· Decentralised Finance

· Digital Banking

· Digital Economy Project (WIU)

· Sustainable Finance

2. Financial Inclusion & Innovation

· Blockchain & Digital Finance

· Decentralised Finance

· Financial Accounting & Interpretation

· Financial Inclusion & Innovation Project (WIU)

· Innovation & Viable Business Development

3. Sustainability (Finance)

· Application of Business Fundamentals

· Corporate Financial Management

· Professional Practice in Finance

· Strategic Business Communication

· Sustainability in Business Project (WIU)

· Sustainable Finance

Why Our Partners are On Board

Chia Hock LaiCo-Founder, Global Fintech InstituteThe implementation of the Professional Competency Model (PCM) is a significant stride towards empowering students with the essential skills and mindset needed to thrive in today’s dynamic economic environment. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to equip students with a strong foundation in finance and overlaying with fundamentals in ethics, digital and design principles. The capability to adapt and collaborate seamlessly across multi-faceted disciplines is pivotal to their career progression. Involving industry partners in the co-creation of the curriculum is key to ensuring that the students graduate with in-demand skill sets.

Shadab TaiyabiPresident, Singapore FinTech AssociationAs president of Singapore FinTech Association, I am proud to support Nanyang Polytechnic's PCM and the move towards a curriculum that is structured around building key competencies for the workplace. This will hopefully help to build generations of future-ready graduates equipped with the ability to excel and tackle challenges in the competitive banking and financial services industry. The course content is constantly updated to reflect the dynamic and fast-evolving nature of the industry, preparing students for an AI-driven industry through deep, specialised knowledge across core modules and a range of electives in FinTech, fund administration and wealth management.

Joanne KhewDirector, ESG Specialist, Eastspring InvestmentsSustainable finance and investment have moved from an emerging trend to a staple asset class within the global finance landscape. With Singapore seeking to play the role of a major green finance and carbon hub, it will need more graduates with expertise in sustainability concepts and their application in financing and investments, and making a material impact on the world. I am encouraged to see the integration of practical sustainable finance competencies in the Diploma in Banking & Finance. Its graduates will be skilled to define capital flows in the sustainable financing and investment space — a much-needed ability in this constantly evolving area.

Did You Know?

DBF Student Achieves Honour at CISI Educational Trust Award 2023

We are elated to announce that our DBF student, Rachel Goh Li Anne, has garnered the prestigious Runner Up (Asia Pacific) title in the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI) Educational Trust Award 2023. In addition to this stellar achievement, Rachel was also bestowed with the High Commendation Prize of £500.

Team CAKE LLC from DBF Triumphs with Dual Awards at Huawei Tech4City 2023

Competing against seven other finalists, Team CAKE LLC from DBF secured both the Popularity Award and the Commendation Award at the Huawei Tech4City Competition 2023. The Popularity Award, in particular, serves as a metric of public endorsement, with the team accruing over 2,000 votes on prominent public platforms. The team members, Cheng Jun Wei Ethan, Tan Ya Jing (Chen Yajing) Aleanor, Cassandra Soh, and Lim Dao Jun Kenny, have demonstrated commendable dedication. This recognition in a distinguished competition reflects the rigorous academic and innovative standards of the DBF team, particularly in technological domains where industry powerhouses like Huawei are influential.

Champions at the PolyFinTech 100 API Hackathon 2022

A cross faculty team from School of Business Management (SBM) and School of Information Technology (SIT) emerged as Champions for the category of Decentralised Finance at the PolyFinTech 100 API Hackathon 2022 that concluded at 24 Sep 2022. Led by students from the Diploma in Banking and Finance (DBF), the team was awarded $2,500 of prize money. The team comprises DBF students Tan Ya Jing Aleanor, Ho See Yang Lucas, and Jefferson Tan Junzun, and two students from NYP School of IT – Shang Jia Tong and Ng Cai Xian.

CDL-GCNS Young SDG Leaders Award 2022

A DBF team made a victorious podium finish for the CDL-GCNS Young SDG Leaders Award 2022, finishing 2nd Runner’s Up. For the win, the team was awarded $2,000 of prize money and each member granted the GCNS Youth Alliance memberships.

Jointly organised by City Developments Limited (CDL) and Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS), this annual case competition offers young people a platform to champion sustainable development and SDG integration into business for positive change. After an intensive Phase 1 of the competition comprising a virtual hackathon centred around the theme of the SG Green Plan 2030 and its five pillars, 10 teams were selected into Phase 2. From there they worked with assigned organisations to learn and devise implementable sustainability solutions.

NYP Overview

NYP Support Centre and Services

Nanyang Polytechnic International

Organisational Awards

School of Applied Science

School of Business Management

School of Design & Media

School of Engineering

School of Health & Social Sciences

School of Information Technology

Centre for Foundation & General Studies

Polytechnic Foundation Programme

Banking & Finance (C96)