Course Catalogue

Module Title:             Money and the Financial System

Programme:               BA Economics / BA (Hon) Economics

Module Code:            ECF 201

Credit Value:             12

Module Tutor:           Sonam Cheki

 

General Objectives

This course exposes students to the theory and functioning of the monetary and financial sectors of the economy. It highlights the organization, structure and role of financial markets and institutions. It also discusses interest rates, monetary management and instruments of monetary control. Financial and banking sector reforms and monetary policy with special reference to Bhutan are also covered. 

 

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, the students are expected to be able to:

·         Present opinions and ideas on basic theoretical issues related to finance and banking 

·         Critically evaluate the current policy debate in the areas of monetary and financial system

·         Analyze the impact of central bank monetary policy on financial systems and the overall economy. 

·         Appraise the roles of financial intermediaries as both brokers and asset transformers. 

·         Evaluate the different financial intermediation and risk management services that financial institutions provide and the need for governmental regulation. 

·         Assess the development of financial markets and securities in response to market participant requirements. 

 

Learning and teaching approach:

Lectures (60 hours in 15 weeks)

Tutorials (15 hours in 15 weeks)

Discussions (10 hours in 15 weeks)

Assignments (20 hours in 15 weeks)

 

Assessment:

Semester end examination (60%)

Assessments (2 x 15%)

Assignment (5%)

Presentation (5%)

 

Subject Matter

1.      Money                                                                                                 (10 hours)

Concept, functions, measurement, theories of money supply determination.   

 

2.      Financial Institutions, Markets, Instruments and Financial Innovations

Role of financial markets and institutions; problem of asymmetric information (adverse selection and moral hazard); financial crises; Money and capital markets: organization, structure and reforms in Bhutan; role of financial derivatives and other innovations.                                                                          (15 hours)

 

3.      Interest Rates                                                                                      (10 hours)

Determination; sources of interest rate differentials; theories of term structure of interest rates; structures of interest rates in Bhutan (deposit & bank rate), RMA (CRR & SLR).

 

4.      Banking System                                                                                  (10 hours)

Balance sheet and portfolio management; Bhutanese banking system: Changing role and structure; banking sector reforms. 

 

5.      Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan and it’s Monetary Policy        (15 hours)

Roles and Functions, balance sheet, goals, targets, indicators and instruments of monetary control; monetary management in an open economy; current monetary policy of RMA (Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan).

 

Reading list

Essential Reading:

  1. Mishkin, F. (2012). Economics of Money, Banking and Financial Markets, 10th edition, Prentice Hall.
  2. Lehn, B., Julia, S. R., & Zielenbach, S. (2004). Community development financial institutions: Current issues and future prospects. Journal of Urban Affairs, 26(2), 177-195.
  3. Piazzesi, M., & Schneider, M. (2010). Interest rate risk in credit markets. The American Economic Review, 100(2), 579-584.

4.      Mishkin, F. S., & Eakins, S. G. (2009). Financial Markets and Institutions. (6th edition). Pearson Education.

  1. Bhole, L., M. & Mahukud, J. (2011). Financial Institutions and Markets. (5th edition). Tata McGraw Hill.

 

Suggested reading:

  1. Baye, M. R., & Jansen, D. W. (1996). Money, Banking and Financial Markets. AITBS.
  2. Ghatak, S. (1995). Monetary Economics in the Developing Countries. (2ndedn.). McMillan
  3. Mohan, R. (2011). Growth with financial stability: Central banking in an emerging market. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.

4.      Annual Report of RMA (latest version)

5.      http://global.oup.com/uk/orc/busecon/economics/gillespiebusiness/01student/cases/

6.      http://www.rma.org.bt/

 

(Updated June, 2013)