EFN425 Financial Markets and Institutions
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | EFN425 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | EFX425 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,596 |
| International unit fee | $6,180 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EFN425 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | EFX425 |
| Coordinator: | Amy Zhang | xiqian.zhang@qut.edu.au |
Overview
In this unit you will be introduced to a range of key concepts and ideas in finance, giving students grounding in how financial markets operate and also the ability to critically apply knowledge and skills to address real world problems and issues arising in financial markets. Subsequent units in this course build on and integrate the foundational knowledge and skills introduced in this unit.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of domestic and international financial markets, products, institutions and regulatory authorities. [KS 1.1]Relates to: PG Business Capabilities: KS (1.1)
- Analyse key developments in financial markets and develop recommendations based on critical evaluation of finance theories and empirical evidence. [HO 2.1, HO 2.2]
- Evaluate the impact of regulatory changes on financial markets and the influence of ethical and socially responsible perspectives on the behaviour of participants in financial markets. [SE 5.1, SE 5.2]
- Communicate complex ideas effectively in written forms to a broad audience drawing on finance theory and empirical evidence. [PC 3.1]Relates to: PG Business Capabilities: PC (3.1)
- Exercise self-reflection and accountability in relation to professional practice in the field of finance. [TS 4.1]Relates to: PG Business Capabilities: TS (4.1)
Content
This unit aims to enable you to apply knowledge of major financial markets and institutions to critically analyse and evaluate how financial system operates under changing regulation and increasing awareness of financial ethics.
You will be introduced to the following topics in this unit:
- Professional Standards of Practice
- The Monetary System
- Currency Exchange Rates
- Equity Markets: Characteristics and Institutions
- Fixed Income Markets: Characteristics and Institutions
- Structured Products
- Types of Equity Securities and their Characteristics
- Types of Derivative Instruments and their Characteristics
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The unit takes a critical approach to explaining financial theories and their relationship to real world events. You will explore diverse thinking and insights with respect to financial markets and events and will focus on developing your own critical thought and skills drawing from text, readings, online resources and guided discussion.
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in weekly formal class contact time and appropriate self-study outside of class. Recording of formal classes and live online contact time will be available for external students. Classes will present material relevant to the understanding of domestic and international financial markets. In addition, recent developments in Australian and global financial markets will be reviewed. This will be done in conjunction with the required reading for the topic which will be complementary to the formal classes. You are expected to read further than the chapters in the text to gain further insight. This will be particularly relevant to the assessment of the unit. The classes are designed to be interactive with the aim of reinforcing students' knowledge and understanding of key concepts and providing them with opportunities to practice their critical thinking and critical writing skills.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the unit learning outcomes and course assurance of learning goals. The assessment has been designed in order to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment);
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
There will be formative, self-assessment quizzes designed to help you gain confidence and prepare you for the graded assessment tasks.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Essay
You will apply theory and empirical evidence to investigate and critically evaluate a case-based real-world issue.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
Assessment: Reflective Journal
You will reflect on your developing sense of ethical and social responsibilities as future practitioners in finance service sector.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): TS (4.1), SE (5.1), SE (5.2)
Assessment: Final Exam
You will answer True/false and short answer questions covering all lectures.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
The late submission period does not apply, and no assignment extensions are available.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), HO (2.2), SE (5.1) SE (5.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Mishkin F., Eakins S., (2024). Financial Markets and Institutions, Global Edition (10th edition) ISBN-13: 9781292459547, Pearson.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Essay, Final Exam
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, Essay, Final Exam
KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Essay, Final Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO3, Reflective Journal, Final Exam
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO3, Reflective Journal, Final Exam
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO5, Reflective Journal
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Essay, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Reflective Journal, Final Exam - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Essay, Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, Essay, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Essay - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: ULO5, Reflective Journal - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO3, Reflective Journal, Final Exam
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Online
| Unit code: | EFN425 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | EFX425 |
Overview
In this unit you will be introduced to a range of key concepts and ideas in finance, giving students grounding in how financial markets operate and also the ability to critically apply knowledge and skills to address real world problems and issues arising in financial markets. Subsequent units in this course build on and integrate the foundational knowledge and skills introduced in this unit.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of domestic and international financial markets, products, institutions and regulatory authorities. [KS 1.1]Relates to: PG Business Capabilities: KS (1.1)
- Analyse key developments in financial markets and develop recommendations based on critical evaluation of finance theories and empirical evidence. [HO 2.1, HO 2.2]
- Evaluate the impact of regulatory changes on financial markets and the influence of ethical and socially responsible perspectives on the behaviour of participants in financial markets. [SE 5.1, SE 5.2]
- Communicate complex ideas effectively in written forms to a broad audience drawing on finance theory and empirical evidence. [PC 3.1]Relates to: PG Business Capabilities: PC (3.1)
- Exercise self-reflection and accountability in relation to professional practice in the field of finance. [TS 4.1]Relates to: PG Business Capabilities: TS (4.1)
Content
This unit aims to enable you to apply knowledge of major financial markets and institutions to critically analyse and evaluate how financial system operates under changing regulation and increasing awareness of financial ethics.
You will be introduced to the following topics in this unit:
- Professional Standards of Practice
- The Monetary System
- Currency Exchange Rates
- Equity Markets: Characteristics and Institutions
- Fixed Income Markets: Characteristics and Institutions
- Structured Products
- Types of Equity Securities and their Characteristics
- Types of Derivative Instruments and their Characteristics
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The unit takes a critical approach to explaining financial theories and their relationship to real world events. You will explore diverse thinking and insights with respect to financial markets and events and will focus on developing your own critical thought and skills drawing from text, readings, online resources and guided discussion.
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in weekly formal class contact time and appropriate self-study outside of class. Recording of formal classes and live online contact time will be available for external students. Classes will present material relevant to the understanding of domestic and international financial markets. In addition, recent developments in Australian and global financial markets will be reviewed. This will be done in conjunction with the required reading for the topic which will be complementary to the formal classes. You are expected to read further than the chapters in the text to gain further insight. This will be particularly relevant to the assessment of the unit. The classes are designed to be interactive with the aim of reinforcing students' knowledge and understanding of key concepts and providing them with opportunities to practice their critical thinking and critical writing skills.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the unit learning outcomes and course assurance of learning goals. The assessment has been designed in order to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment);
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
There will be formative, self-assessment quizzes designed to help you gain confidence and prepare you for the graded assessment tasks.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Essay
You will apply theory and empirical evidence to investigate and critically evaluate a case-based real-world issue.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
Assessment: Reflective Journal
You will reflect on your developing sense of ethical and social responsibilities as future practitioners in finance service sector.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): TS (4.1), SE (5.1), SE (5.2)
Assessment: Final Exam
You will answer True/false and short answer questions covering all lectures.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
The late submission period does not apply, and no assignment extensions are available.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), HO (2.2), SE (5.1) SE (5.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Mishkin F., Eakins S., (2024). Financial Markets and Institutions, Global Edition (10th edition) ISBN-13: 9781292459547, Pearson.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Essay, Final Exam
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, Essay, Final Exam
KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Essay, Final Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO3, Reflective Journal, Final Exam
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO3, Reflective Journal, Final Exam
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO5, Reflective Journal
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Essay, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Reflective Journal, Final Exam - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Essay, Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, Essay, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Essay - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: ULO5, Reflective Journal - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO3, Reflective Journal, Final Exam