International Banking and Finance

Code:

2MBIMF03

Acronym:

BFI

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Economics

Instance: 2025/2026 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Agrupamento Científico de Economia
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Banking, Instruments and Financial Markets - Executive

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MBIMF-Ex	16	Plano Oficial MBIMF-E	1	-	3	21	81

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

This course unit aims to provide an understanding of the international dimensions of banking activities and financial markets.

Learning outcomes and competences

Upon completion of the course unit, the student will be able to:

a) Understand the functioning of the international monetary and financial system;

b) Familiarize themselves with the operation of the foreign exchange market and its different segments;

c) Comprehend the determinants of exchange rates;

d) Acquire knowledge of foreign exchange risk hedging instruments and their utilization;

e) Be acquainted with the activities of international banking and international financial markets;

f) Understand the benefits of international investment diversification;

g) Grasp the implications and challenges of increasing globalization, including the occurrence of global imbalances and financial crises.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

NA

Program

1. The international monetary and financial system

2. The foreign exchange market

3. Exchange rate behaviour and forecasting

4. Exchange rate risk management

5. International banking

6. International financial markets

7. International portfolio investments

8. Global imbalances and financial crises

Mandatory literature

Keith Pilbeam; International finance. ISBN: 978-0-230-36289-5
Maurice D. Levi; International finance. ISBN: 978-0-415-77459-8
Cheol S. Eun; International financial management. ISBN: 978-0-07-803465-7
Carmen M. Reinhart; This time is different. ISBN: 978-0-691-14216-6

Complementary Bibliography

Mulder, C., R. Perrelli, and M. D. Rocha; The Role of Bank and Corporate Balance Sheets on Early Warning Systems of Currency Crises - An Empirical Study, 2016 (Mulder, C., R. Perrelli, and M. D. Rocha (2016), “The Role of Bank and Corporate Balance Sheets on Early Warning Systems of Currency Crises - An Empirical Study”, Emerging Markets Finance and Trade 52 (7): 1542-1561.)

Comments from the literature

Additional mandatory and complementary bibliography: selection of articles and other bibliography to be indicated throughout the semester.

Teaching methods and learning activities

The course Monetary Policy and Banking will adopt an in-person teaching methodology with a distance-learning component, offering students flexibility in terms of time and location, allowing them to access course materials and participate in online debates and activities at their convenience. The online components may include recorded lectures, reading materials, interactive modules, and discussion forums.

The course will make use of real-life case analysis, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to analyze and solve complex problems interactively related to the international dimensions of financial markets and institutions. By studying and discussing these cases, students will be able to develop critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	60,00
Trabalho escrito	40,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	50,00
Frequência das aulas	21,00
Trabalho escrito	10,00
Total:	81,00

Eligibility for exams

Students can choose from the following options:

1) Final exam with a weight of 60% and a report with a weight of 40%.

2) Final exam only.

All enrolled students are eligible to take the final exam.

Calculation formula of final grade

Max (exam grade with a weight of 100%; exam grade with a weight of 60% + report grade with a weight of 40%)

Examinations or Special Assignments

NA

Internship work/project

NA

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

NA

Classification improvement

According to the FEP general regulation for the assessment.

Observations

Contact hours: 21h TP; work hours (total number of working hours): 81h; 3 ECTS. The 21 contact hours are divided in the following way: 12 face-to-face + 9 online.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
1 - No Poverty
8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
10 - Reduced Inequalities
17 - Partnerships for the Goals