Master of Science in International Banking and Finance

In today’s dynamic economic environment, cross-border business and investment plays an increasingly important part.

“For this reason, international banking and finance services will continue to grow significantly,” says Professor Kent Lai Wan-lung, managing director of the Master of Science in International Banking and Finance (MIBF) offered at Lingnan University. This, though, also means that Hong Kong should remain a key centre for global finance in the coming decades thanks to its reputation for efficiency, its strong infrastructure and geographical position.

“The industry will undergo great changes as it will increasingly rely on technology to improve efficiency and accuracy,” Lai says. “Also, clients will demand more comprehensive and tailored services.”

While some financial services related to mainland investment will no longer be exclusively available in Hong Kong, Lai believes the city still has a unique role to play.

“As long as China continues to uphold a system and practices that are significantly different from the West, there will always be room for Hong Kong to serve as the middleman,” he says.

Besides professional knowledge and ability to deal with clients, a global outlook is now a prerequisite for anyone looking to succeed in the field. That is where the Master of Science in International Banking and Finance programme comes in.

The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics and is taught in a multicultural environment. Students can benefit from internships and overseas study tours, and the department has generously set aside over HK$1 million for scholarships and allowances to subsidise membership of professional bodies.

“Graduates walk away with a strong sense of professional ethics and global citizenship, as well as a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory environment governing the industry,” Lai says.