FIN - Finance

Types of securities and basic methods of valuation. Valuation and selection of physical and intellectual assets. Operation of asset markets and market efficiency. Risk measures and risk reduction methods. Financing policy, including choices between debt and equity financing. Note: Students are expected to have basic familiarity with microcomputer applications. Prerequisite: STAT 161 or equivalent. Pre- or corequisites: MGTSC 212 or 312, ACCTG 200 or 300 or ACCTG 211 or 311. Students may not receive credit for both FIN 201 and FIN 301.

This course examines securities and securities markets with emphasis on stocks and bonds. Topics include information, interest rates, risk-return relationships, efficient markets, diversification, portfolio performance measurement, and the application of financial theory to investment decisions. Prerequisite: FIN 201 or 301 and MGTSC 212 or 312. Students may not receive credit for both FIN 312 and ECON 442. Students may not receive credit for both FIN 312 and FIN 412.

Capital budgeting and the determination of the cost of capital to the firm. Prerequisite: FIN 201 or 301 and MGTSC 212 or 312. Students may not receive credit for both FIN 322 and FIN 422.

This course examines the markets and valuation models for options and future contracts, and their application to hedging and the valuation of the other financial contracts. Prerequisite: FIN 301.

Well-functioning capital markets are essential for economic growth. The allocation of scarce resources requires accurate prices and this includes accurate prices for investment capital (i.e., the cost of capital). This course examines the roles played by various financial intermediaries as they engage in activities that enhance the functionality of capital markets, the risks faced as they do so, and the ways that these risks are managed. At the end of this course you should understand the economic role of financial intermediaries in general, the risks faced by specific types of financial intermediaries as they fulfill their roles, and techniques for measuring and managing the risks. Success in this course requires a sound grasp of business fundamentals, critical thinking and problem solving, communication skills, and the application of quantitative methods. Prerequisite: FIN 301. Students may not receive credit for both FIN 414 and ECON 341.

This course will discuss the functioning of global financial markets and trading and price determination in these markets. Topics covered will include order submission and trading strategies, market structure, transaction cost and liquidity measurement, price formation, and technical analysis. The lectures will draw on academic and practitioner research as well as information from financial markets. Prerequisites: FIN 301, FIN 412, MGTSC 312.

Recent theoretical and empirical developments in portfolio management are covered with an emphasis on investment strategy and the evaluation of investment performance. A student project makes extensive use of microcomputing, spreadsheets and financial market data. Prerequisite: FIN 301, 412.

The valuation and management of interest-rate contracts. The main focus is on the behaviour of bond portfolios and related risk-management techniques. The institutional features of North American fixed-income markets complete the course. Prerequisites: FIN 301, 412.

Advanced discussion of valuation and financial policies. Prerequisites: FIN 412. Restricted to 4th year students.

This course covers selected advanced topics in finance. Current topics on the frontiers of financial research and on the frontiers between finance and economics, history, political science, and psychology are explored. Topics may include finance and development, the political economy of finance, finance and institutional economics, inefficient markets, behavioral finance, macro-finance, fintech, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and comparative financial systems, but may vary from year to year in response to recent developments. Prerequisite: FIN 301 and MGTSC 312.

This course provides students with experience managing an institutional asset portfolio, the PRIME FUND. Students interact with investment professionals in making asset acquisition and divesture decisions within the institutional framework of the fund. This course draws on and unifies skills related to investment analysis and portfolio theory. It combines traditional academic objectives with the practical demands of hands-on investment analysis and portfolio management. The students learn by actually using the tools of the trade. These include printed materials, real-time computerized sources of information and, most importantly, access to practising analysts and managers. Students also learn about the differences between institutional and personal investment decisions, the mechanics of trading, the different providers of trading services, and cash management. Prerequisite: FIN 312. Pre- or co-requisite: FIN 416. Open only to students in the PRIME.

This course provides students with experience managing an institutional asset portfolio, the PRIME FUND. Students interact with investment professionals in making asset acquisition and divesture decisions within the institutional framework of the fund. This course draws on and unifies skills related to investment analysis and portfolio theory. It combines traditional academic objectives with the practical demands of hands-on investment analysis and portfolio management. The students learn by actually using the tools of the trade. These include printed materials, real-time computerized sources of information and, most importantly, access to practising analysts and managers. Students also learn about the differences between institutional and personal investment decisions, the mechanics of trading, the different providers of trading services, and cash management. Prerequisite: FIN 312. Pre- or co-requisite: FIN 416. Open only to students in the PRIME.

This course reflects the aspects of a trader development program in industry with a strong trading analytics base consistent with today's marketplace requirements. You are expected to learn analytical concepts using the R language and become proficient in your ability to implement them with real world data. The skills set is transferable to any analytically based job, such as risk management, trading analytics, and/or quantitative trading including fundamentals. Prerequisites: FIN 312 and FIN 450.

An overview of the international financial environment and the financial function in the multinational corporation. Its purpose is to provide decision-making skills in international money and capital markets. Prerequisite: FIN 301.

Capital market participants around the world are increasingly focusing on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) issues to manage risks and capitalize on new opportunities. This course provides a conceptual and theoretical framework of how ESG issues affect corporations, investors, governments, NGOs, society, and other stakeholders. The goal is to critically assess the motivations and actions of the various agents regarding ESG policies as well as the resulting consequences. This course will be useful for a wide range of finance (and other) professions. Prerequisite: FIN 301.

A course for students who wish to build strong fundamentals for the modern Finance industry. Beginner-friendly introduction to programming. Good for digital entrepreneurs and industry innovators who wish to build technological awareness. Indispensable for those who want to fill in gaps in their background. The course has two tracks, one focusing on learning to program from scratch, and one focusing on understanding what drives Fintech. The two tracks run in parallel, in alternate weeks during the semester. Grades earned throughout the semester via short assignments and a group project. No final exam. Finance background assumed, in the form of FIN 312 as a corequisite. Prerequisite: FIN 201. Pre- or co-requisite FIN 312.

This course provides data science skills that are needed to implement financial concepts and theories. Topics covered include data wrangling, visualization, web scraping, machine learning, and natural language processing. Students gain an ability to draw informed insights from data for identifying business's needs, and to articulate solutions with effective visualization supporting business communication and discussions. Prerequisite: FIN 312 (Credit in FIN 449 is recommended).

Data science expertise is increasingly sought after in the Finance industry, requiring a vast range of skills spanning many disciplines. The core objectives of this class are to: build Data Science tools necessary for operating in Finance at Enterprise level (Business Concepts and Theories / Teamwork), become able to confidently navigate all entrepreneurial activities from identifying market needs to creating business solutions (Entrepreneurial Thinking / Business Concepts and Theories / Teamwork) and learn how to communicate complex ideas with modern visualization techniques (Business Communication / Teamwork). Prerequisite: FIN 450.

This course is designed to apply strong analytical skills learned in FIN 450 and deploy them in real markets. Students will be immersed in the dynamic world of algorithmic trading and portfolio management, akin to a professional environment in hedge funds or active asset management. Prerequisite: FIN 450. FIN 440 is recommended.

Financial models are important in financial statement preparation, cash flow analysis, capital budgeting, business valuation, risk management, performance analysis, and many other management decision processes. In this course you will learn to construct financial spreadsheet models using current best practices with the functionality available in Excel. Topics include modelling basics, spreadsheet operations, financial statement models, valuation models, cost of capital, corporate transactions, sensitivity and scenario analyses, aesthetics and visualization, time series models, and an introduction to advanced Excel features. The emphasis is on building good models that help in decision making, with examples and exercises from the breadth of corporate finance. Prerequisite: FIN 201.

Private Market Finance applies the material learnt in FIN 301 to practical problems, primarily from the standpoint of private corporations and their investors. Topics covered include the valuation and financing of private companies, with a special focus on the private equity (PE) industry from both the target firm's and the PE funds' perspective. Prerequisite: FIN 312.

Financial and economic aspects of corporate mergers, asset restructuring, downsizing, and financial restructuring are examined. Particular attention is paid to valuation and shareholder wealth effects of mergers. Relations between corporate ownership and financial structure and performance are investigated. The course also examines anti-takeover devices and their effect on corporate performance. Finally, international mergers are examined from a strategic perspective. Prerequisite: FIN 412.

Preparation of the honours essay required for students in the Finance Honours program. Prerequisite: consent of the Department.

Normally restricted to third- and fourth-year Business students. Prerequisites: FIN 301 or consent of Department. Additional prerequisites may be required.

Special study for advanced undergraduates. Prerequisites: consent of Instructor and Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Program.

Special Study for advanced undergraduates. Prerequisites: FIN 495, consent of Instructor and Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Program.

Special Study for advanced undergraduates. Prerequisites: FIN 496, consent of the Instructor and Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Program.

Fundamental concepts in asset valuation are discussed within the context of simple asset pricing models and efficient financial markets. This course introduces the valuation of financial assets such as bonds and stocks. Further topics include the issuing of financial securities, leverage, dividend policy, cash management, and derivative securities. Credit will not be given for FIN 501 when FIN 503 has been completed. Prerequisites: ACCTG 501, BUEC 503, and MGTSC 501.

Fundamental concepts in asset valuation are discussed within the context of simple asset pricing models and efficient financial markets. This course introduces the valuation of financial assets such as bonds and stocks. Further topics include the issuing of financial securities, leverage, dividend policy, cash management, and derivative securities. Credit will not be given for FIN 501 when FIN 503 has been completed. Prerequisites: ACCTG 501, BUEC 503, and MGTSC 501.

Fundamental concepts in asset valuation are discussed within the context of simple asset pricing models and efficient financial markets. This course introduces the valuation of financial assets such as bonds and stocks. Further topics include the issuing of financial securities, leverage, dividend policy, cash management, and derivative securities. Credit will not be given for FIN 501 when FIN 503 has been completed. Prerequisites: ACCTG 501, BUEC 503, and MGTSC 501.

This course is concerned with the organization, evolution and structure of, and functions performed by, investment banks. Specifically, the course will cover topics such as the offering of securities to the public, the underwriting process, normal course and short form prospectus offerings, and private placements. In addition, exchange listings, maintaining exchange trading status, the role of research analysts and insider trading regulation will be studied. Co-requisite: FIN 501 or FIN 503.

This course is concerned with investment in stocks, bonds and other financial assets. Topics include, but are not limited to, interest rates, risk-return relationships, investment valuation, and market information and efficiency. Co-requisite: FIN 501 or FIN 503.

This course will discuss the functioning of global financial markets and trading and price determination in these markets. Topics covered will include order submission and trading strategies, market structure, transaction cost and liquidity measurement, price formation, and technical analysis. The lectures will draw on academic and practitioner research as well as information from financial markets. Prerequisite: FIN 501 or FIN 503. It is recommended the student have credit in FIN 614.

Well-functioning capital markets are essential for economic growth. The allocation of scarce resources requires accurate prices and this includes accurate prices for investment capital (i.e. the cost of capital). This course examines the roles played by various financial intermediaries as they engage in activities that enhance the functionality of capital markets, the risks faced as they do so, and the ways that these risks are managed. At the end of this course you should understand the economic role of financial intermediaries in general, the risks faced by specific types of financial intermediaries as they fulfill their roles, and techniques for measuring and managing these risks. Success in this course requires a sound grasp of business fundamentals, critical thinking and problem solving, communication skills, and the application of quantitative methods. Prerequisite: FIN 501 or 503.

This course covers markets for interest rate-paying securities. The valuation of such securities will be covered, as will tools and techniques for the management of interest rate risk. This will include a discussion of the pricing and uses of various interest rate derivative securities, such as swaps, options on swaps (swaptions), futures, and forward rate agreements. Further, aspects of the underwriting process, of interest to potential issuers of such securities, will be discussed. Prerequisite: FIN 601 or FIN 501 or FIN 503.

Intended for students pursuing the CPA designation, this course looks at derivatives, hedging, risk management, financial statement analysis and valuation. Open to students enrolled in the MAcc program only.

Advanced discussion of asset choice and financial structure. Supplemental case study. Prerequisite: FIN 501 or FIN 503.

Covers the theory and practice of venture capital financing of entrepreneurial firms. Topics to be discussed include, but are not limited to, the following areas: venture capital fundraising (labour-sponsored venture capital corporations, limited partnerships and corporate venture capital) characteristics of entrepreneurial ventures (including agency problems, firm valuation) at different stages of development (seed, start-up, expansion, mezzanine, buyout, turnaround), the structure of venture capital financial contracts (staging, syndication, forms of finance), restrictive covenants, investment duration, and venture capital exits (IPOs, acquisitions, secondary sales, buybacks, write-offs). Prerequisite: FIN 501 or 503.

This course reflects the aspects of a trader development program in industry with a strong trading analytics base consistent with today's marketplace requirements. You are expected to learn analytical concepts using the R language and become proficient in your ability to implement them with real world data. The skill set is transferable to any analytically based job, such as risk management, trading analytics, and/or quantitative trading including fundamentals. Prerequisites: FIN 501. Corequisite: FIN 654.

The objective of this course is to acquaint students with macro and micro aspects of international finance. At the macro level coverage will include theories of direct investment, the international monetary mechanism, foreign exchange markets, and repercussions from balance of payments difficulties. Micro level materials will include problems of doing business internationally and a survey of public and private foreign and international finance institutions. The final part of the course will review Canada's role in international business. Prerequisite: FIN 501 or 503.

Futures, options, and other derivative securities. Markets, valuation models, application to risk management through hedging, and the application of pricing models to the valuation of financial contracts. Prerequisite: FIN 501 or FIN 503. It is recommended the student have credit in FIN 614.

This course combines tools from financial theory/analysis and entrepreneurship and stakeholder theory and applies them to the analysis, valuation, and financing of new ventures. It balances learning of concepts, development of qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, and practice in decision making. It also provides opportunities to apply learning to cases & exercises as well as to learn about real world financing situations. The course is designed to help students learn about venture formation, development of a viable business model, early-stage financing, and management of massively scalable ventures though a series of close interactions with early-stage technology companies and their potential mentors and investors. This course is suitable for students pursuing careers in strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and finance. Due to the course's special requirement to work closely with early-stage ventures: students must commit to signing a program- wide non-disclosure agreement, students must be flexible to accommodate meetings with ventures, and students must apply and be accepted into the program. Open to first or second year MBA students.

Application of financial and entrepreneurial theory and analysis to the development of new ventures, focusing on developing an effective scale up model, establishing effective governance structures, negotiating with venture capitalists, and developing an exit strategy. Course balances learning of concepts, development of analytical skills, and practice in decision-making. Opportunity to apply learning to cases, exercises and to learn about real world financing situations. This course is designed to help students learn about the formation, financing, and management of massively scalable ventures though a series of close interactions with early-stage technology companies and their potential mentors and investors. This course is suitable for students pursuing careers in strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and finance. Due to the course's special requirement to work closely with early-stage ventures: students must commit to signing a program-wide non-disclosure agreement, students must be flexible to accommodate meetings with ventures, and students must apply and be accepted into the program. Pre-requisite: FIN 657.

Financial and economic aspects of corporate mergers, asset restructuring, downsizing, and financial restructuring are examined. Particular attention is paid to valuation and shareholder wealth effects of mergers. Relations between corporate ownership and financial structure and performance are investigated. The course also examines anti-takeover devices and their effect on corporate performance. Finally, international mergers are examined from a strategic perspective. Prerequisite: FIN 501 or FIN 503.

Topics may vary from year to year. Students should check with the MBA Office for pre/corequisites of specific sections.

Provides an introduction to theoretical and empirical work in asset pricing and market microstructure. Topics covered include market efficiency, time varying expected returns and volatility, tests of asset pricing models, and models and analysis of price formation. Prerequisite: Open to doctoral students in the Faculty of Business, the Department of Economics and the Program of Mathematical Finance. For all other students, written permission of instructor required. Approval of the Business PhD Program Director is also required for non-PhD students.

Introduces students to theoretical and empirical research in corporate finance. Potential topics include contracting theory, the theory of the firm, corporate governance, capital structure, and dividend policy. Prerequisite: Open to doctoral students in the Faculty of Business, the Department of Economics and the Program of Mathematical Finance. For all other students, written permission of instructor required. Approval of the Business PhD Program Director is also required for non-PhD students.

Provides advanced mathematical coverage of important topics in finance. Potential topics include continuous-time models of asset pricing and portfolio choice, pricing and hedging of derivative securities, and the applications of contingent claim pricing models to the valuation of real assets and corporate liabilities. Prerequisite: Open to doctoral students in the Faculty of Business, the Department of Economics and the Program of Mathematical Finance. For all other students, written permission of instructor required. Approval of the Business PhD Program Director is also required for non-PhD students.

This seminar is a single-term course offered over two terms. Members of the faculty and visiting speakers will often present their research. Advanced students are expected to present original work related to their doctoral theses. Other students will discuss and critique papers on the frontiers of current research. Pre- or corequisites: FIN 701, 702, and 703. Open to doctoral students in the Faculty of Business, the Department of Economics and the Program of Mathematical Finance. For all other students, written permission of instructor required. Approval of the Business PhD Program Director is also required for non-PhD students.

This seminar is a single-term course offered over two terms. Members of the faculty and visiting speakers will often present their research. Advanced students are expected to present original work related to their doctoral theses. Other students will discuss and critique papers on the frontiers of current research. Pre- or corequisites: FIN 701, 702, and 703. Open to doctoral students in the Faculty of Business, the Department of Economics and the Program of Mathematical Finance. For all other students, written permission of instructor required. Approval of the Business PhD Program Director is also required for non-PhD students.

Understanding valuation, capital markets, venture capital, international markets, and corporate risk management. Restricted to students registered in the MBA China Program.

This course will introduce the perspective, required knowledge, skills, and context for the position of Chief Financial Officer. Ethical aspects of business situations and relationships will also be addressed. Restricted to students registered in the MFM Program.

Understanding cash flow analysis, short-term financing, pro formas, the assessment of financial performance, ratio analysis and the role of financial intermediaries. Restricted to students registered in the MBA China Program.

This course is concerned with the organization, evolution and structure of, and functions performed by, investment banks. Specifically, the course will cover topics such as the offering of securities to the public, the underwriting process, normal course and short form prospectus offerings, and private placements. In addition, exchange listings, maintaining exchange trading status, the role of research analysts and insider trading regulation will be studied. Restricted to students registered in the MFM Program.

This course is concerned with investment in stocks, bonds and other financial assets. Topics include, but are not limited to, interest rates, risk-return relationships, investment valuation, and market information and efficiency. Restricted to students registered in the MFM Program.

Advanced discussion of asset choice and financial structure. Supplemental case study. Restricted to students registered in the MFM Program.

Futures, options, and other derivative securities. Markets, valuation models, application to risk management through hedging, and the application of pricing models to the valuation of financial contracts. Restricted to students registered in the MFM Program.

Financial and economic aspects of corporate mergers, restructuring, downsizing, and bankruptcy are examined. Relations between corporate structure and performance are investigated. Specific attention is paid to the roles of top management and boards of directors. Special issues relating to privatization and restructuring in former socialist economies are studied. Restricted to students registered in the MFM Program.

A week-long intensive course. Understanding cash flow analysis, short-term financing, pro formas, the assessment of financial performance, ratio analysis and the role of financial intermediaries. Restricted to Executive MBA students only.

This course covers markets for interest rate-paying securities. The valuation of such securities will be covered, as will tools and techniques for the management of interest rate risk. This will include a discussion of the pricing and uses of various interest rate derivative securities, such as swaps, options on swaps (swaptions), futures, and forward rate agreements. Further, aspects of the underwriting process, of interest to potential issuers of such securities, will be discussed. Restricted to students registered in the MFM Program.

This course introduces key concepts in financial accounting. Topics include accounting principles, balance sheet, income and cash flow statements, and accounting standards and frameworks.

This course describes how to analyze and extract information from a firm's financial statements. Topics include cash flow analysis, pro forma statements, financial performance assessment, ratio analysis, forensic accounting, and financial reporting assessment.

This course discusses financial markets and asset classes. Topics include capital raising through debt and equity issuance, private debt and equity, venture capital, real assets, and financing and investing innovations.

This course provides frameworks to understand how sustainable finance (sometimes labeled ESG - environmental, social, and governance) affects companies, investors, and other stakeholders. Topics include ESG reporting and measurement, managing ESG risks, investing with an ESG focus, and capitalizing on new opportunities related to ESG.

Understanding valuation, capital markets, venture capital, international markets, and corporate risk management. Restricted to Executive MBA students only.

The objective of this course is to acquaint students with macro and micro aspects of international finance. At the macro level coverage will include theories of direct investment, the international monetary mechanism, foreign exchange markets, and repercussions from balance of payments difficulties. Micro level materials will include problems of doing business internationally and a survey of public and private foreign and international finance institutions. The final part of the course will review Canada's role in international business. Restricted to students registered in the MFM Program.

Financial market and institutional development are covered from a historical perspective. Asset pricing anomalies and bubbles are also examined. Restricted to students registered in the MFM Program.

Combination of comprehensive global financial management cases from the CFO perspective and presentations and discussions on current financial management topics including lectures from CFOs and others with significant expertise in global financial market and institutions. Prerequisites: FIN 806 and FIN 808. Restricted to students registered in the MFM Program.