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ECO346Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Financial Institutions

This course introduces students to the theory and practices of the financial system, covering both capital and money markets. It explores the organization and functions of commercial, merchant, and microfinance banks, as well as insurance companies. Topics include central banking, comparative banking systems, international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, and their roles in the Nigerian financial landscape. The course aims to equip graduates with the tools to function effectively as managers and decision-makers in financial markets.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Financial SystemMoney MarketCapital MarketCommercial BanksFinancial Institutions

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Financial System

2

Money Market

3

Capital Market

4

Commercial Banks

5

Microfinance Banks

6

Insurance Companies

7

Central Banking

8

International Financial Institutions

9

International Monetary Fund

10

World Bank

11

African Development Bank

12

Comparative Banking Systems

Total Topics12 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Financial Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Bank Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Investment Banker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Loan Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Financial Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Economist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

BankingInsuranceInvestment ManagementFinancial ConsultingGovernment Financial Agencies

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

2h

Unit 1: The Meaning of Financial System

2 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to understand the scope and objectives of the course.
  • •Define financial system and identify its key components.
  • •Discuss the attributes of an ideal financial system.
Week
2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 2: The Money Market

2 study hours
  • •Define money market and explain its role in the financial system.
  • •Analyze the features of a developed money market.
  • •Discuss the reasons for the establishment of the Nigerian money market.
Week
3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: The Capital Market

2 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of the capital market and its importance.
  • •Clarify the segments of the capital market: primary and secondary markets.
  • •Outline the functions of an active capital market.
Week
4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Organisation and Functions of Commercial Banks

2 study hours
  • •Define commercial banks and explain their role in the financial system.
  • •Explain the organization and structure of commercial banks.
  • •Outline the primary and secondary functions of commercial banks.
Week
5

Module 1:

2h

Unit 5: Operating Bank Account

2 study hours
  • •Explain the steps to open a bank account.
  • •Discuss the advantages of opening a bank account.
  • •Differentiate between saving, current, fixed deposit, and recurring deposit accounts.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Organisation and Functions of Merchant Banks and Development Banks

2 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of merchant banks.
  • •Trace the development of merchant banking in Nigeria.
  • •Analyze the functions of merchant banks.
Week
7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: The Microfinance Banks

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the meaning of microfinance and its role in economic development.
  • •Explain the emergence of microfinance banks in Nigeria.
  • •State the objectives of the National Microfinance Policy.
Week
8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Insurance Companies

2 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of insurance and its importance in risk management.
  • •Describe the development of insurance business in Nigeria.
  • •State the different classes of insurance in Nigeria.
Week
9

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: The Central Bank

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the origin and evolution of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
  • •State the functions of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
  • •Analyze the policy implementation of the CBN.
Week
10

Module 2:

2h

Unit 5: Comparative Banking and Financial System

2 study hours
  • •Discuss unit banking, branch banking, group banking, chain banking and universal banking
  • •Explain advantages and disadvantages of each banking system.
Week
11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: International Financial Institutions

2 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of international financial institutions.
  • •Describe a multilateral development bank.
  • •List the Bretton Woods institutions.
Week
12

Module 3:

4h

Unit 2: The International Monetary Fund (IMF)

2 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
  • •Analyze the functions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
  • •Explain IMF surveillance of the global economy.

Unit 3: The African Development Bank (AFDB)

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the African Development Bank Group (AFDB).
  • •State the history of the African Development Bank (AFDB).
  • •Describe the group entities of the African Development Bank Group (AFDB).
Week
13

Module 3:

4h

Unit 4: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) or the World Bank

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the formation of the World Bank or the IBRD.
  • •Analyze the functions of the World Bank.
  • •State the purposes of the World Bank.

Unit 5: The World Bank Group

2 study hours
  • •Discuss agencies of the World Bank Group.
  • •Explain the meaning and formation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
  • •State the purpose and objectives of IFC.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a detailed study schedule, allocating specific time slots for each unit.

2

Focus on understanding the key concepts and definitions related to financial institutions and markets.

3

Practice applying financial theories to real-world scenarios and case studies.

4

Review past assignments and tutor-marked assignments to identify areas of weakness.

5

Create concept maps linking different financial institutions and their roles in the economy.

6

Pay close attention to the functions and regulations of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

7

Familiarize yourself with the structures and operations of international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

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