This programme aims to impart inter-disciplinary knowledge of quantitative finance and machine intelligence to students who are interested in financial analytics and algo trading. It examines contemporary elements in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing, financial risks and investment portfolios. It also discusses the applications of computational tools to analyse quantitative data and qualitative data, build financial models, perform financial analysis and text analytics to assist investment decision making. The programme illustrates the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to perform financial analytics as well as the usage of algo trading in implementing quantitative investment strategies.
 
 
 

 Programme Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the programme, students should be able to
1. apply quantitative methods to analyse financial data and build financial models; 

2. explain the applications of artificial intelligence in financial data processing, text and financial analytics and algo-trading;

3. discuss and evaluate a wide range of ESG factors and financial risks, and integrate them in the investment strategies;

4. critically interpret financial performance, optimise investment portfolios and formulate quantitative investment strategies; and

5. use computational tools to perform financial analytics, implement algo-trading as well as solve finance and investment problems.

Programme Structure 

Module 1: AI and Financial Computing (42 hours)

Module 2: Financial Analysis and ESG Investing (33 hours)

Module 3: Financial Risk Analysis and Portfolio Optimisation (33 hours)

Module 4: Machine Learning for Financial Analytics (33 hours)

Module 5: Web Scraping and Text Analytics in Quantitative Finance (33 hours)

Module 6: Algo Trading and Quantitative Investment Strategies (42 hours)

 

Application Code	2265-FN092A	-

Venue

• HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College (HPSHCC) Campus
• Kowloon East Campus
• Kowloon West Campus
• United Learning Centre
• Admiralty Learning Centre
• Island East Campus
• Fortress Tower Learning Centre

Module 1: AI and Financial Computing 

• Principles of finance
• Overview of AI in finance
• Introduction to Python programming
• Mathematical and computational methods for finance

 

Module 2: Financial Analysis and ESG Investing 

• Introduction to financial analysis
• Evaluation of financial performance
• Introduction to ESG and the ESG market
• ESG factors, engagement and stewardship
• ESG analysis, valuation and integration
• ESG integrated portfolio construction and management
• Investment mandates, portfolio analytics and client reporting
• Integrated financial analysis and ESG investing

 

Module 3: Financial Risk Analysis and Portfolio Optimisation

• Overview of financial risk analysis
• Interest rate risks
• Market risks
• Credit risks
• Portfolio optimisation

 

Module 4: Machine Learning for Financial Analytics 

• Introduction to machine learning and financial analytics
• Machine learning and algorithms
• Financial modelling and financial analytics

 

Module 5: Web Scraping and Text Analytics in Quantitative Finance 

• Web scraping and data wrangling
• Text analytics and text mining
• Applications of web scraping and text analytics for quantitative finance

 

Module 6: Algo Trading and Quantitative Investment Strategies 

• Introduction to algorithmic trading
• Technical analysis and algorithmic trading
• Performance evaluation and strategy optimization
• AI, algo trading and quantitative investment strategies

 

 

 

1. Mr. Hong Lin

Mr. Lin graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Managerial Economics Development under Trade and Development of Agricultural Commodities, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with a Master of Science degree in Business Analytics. Mr. Lin is passionately sharing his Fintech knowledge and contributing to the digital progress of Hong Kong’s banking and finance industry.

 

2. Mr. Stephen Chan

Mr. Stephen Chan has more than 20 years of experience as a professional accountant and business consultant. He holds his BSc degree in Science in Economics awarded by the University of London and the Professional Diploma in Accountancy awarded by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Also, he is a graduate of the Executive MBA from the City University of Hong Kong. He started his first auditing job at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Moreover, he has served the Hong Kong SAR Government, the Jockey Club, banks, airlines and various listed companies. In recent years, he has offered advisory services for various companies on compliance, corporate finance and taxation. He has also worked as a lecturer at various universities and tertiary institutions.

 

3. Mr. Ken Liu

Mr. Liu, co-founder and CTO of Datatact Ltd, a startup focus on AI, Machine Learning and Big Data analytics. He is a hands on expert in his specialized area for over 10 years.  Prior to Datatact, Ken worked at Citi, HSBC, Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse as Algo-Trading developer. Mr. Liu earned a Master in Computer Science from USC and a Bachelor in Computer Science from University of Warwick.

 

4. Dr. Simon Yiu

Dr.Yiu has over 20 years' IT experience of quantitative algorithmic trading design (data-feed, strategy, back-test, porfolio monitoring and execution), infrastructure management (low latency trading and network, OS and application), implementation, project management to formulate and development business strategic and operation management.

 

5. Mr. Ferrix Lau

Mr Lau has over 10 years’ teaching experience in business, accounting and finance modules at tertiary level. He teaches Financial Analysis, Financial Risk Management, Quantitative Analysis, Financial Accounting, Cost and Management Accounting as well as Corporate Governance. Moreover, he is a co-author of a Statistics book, Quantitative Analysis for Professional Studies and Projects. Furthermore, he has strong interests in the areas of Statistical Analysis, Quantitative Finance and Machine Intelligence. Mr. Lau has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Science from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, major in Economics and minor in Computer Science. Besides, he holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration with Distinction from The University of Hong Kong, concentrating on the theme of Accounting Control and Financial Management.

 

6. Mr. Benjamin Lee

Mr. Benjamin Lee is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Holder and currently serves as the Head of Investment Department at a international financial institution. He has over 15 years of experience in asset management and has previously held the position of Fund Director at a private equity fund, managing assets for international high-net-worth clients and professional investors. Mr. Lee is an EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst® (CESGA).He specializes in integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainable development concepts into investment decision-making. 

 

Award

Students who complete all six modules with over 70% attendance and pass all individual assignments and group presentations will be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Analytics and Algo Trading within the HKU system through HKU SPACE.

 

 

Class Schedule (Jan 2024)

Class Schedule (Mar2024)

 Class Schedule (May 2024)

Class Schedule (Jul 2024)

Class Schedule (Sep 2024)

Class Schedule (Oct 2024)

Class Schedule (Jan 2025)

Remark: Tentative timetable is subject to change and module commencement is subject to sufficient enrollment numbers.

Application Fee

HK$150 (Non-refundable)

Course Fee

• Module fee: $11,000 (course fees are subject to change without prior notice)
  2 installment-:1st- three modules: $33,000 and 2nd- three modules: $33,000

Applicants shall hold a bachelor’s degree in quantitative or computational areas (e.g., economics, finance, mathematics, statistics, science, computer science, IT or engineering) awarded by a recognized institution or equivalent.

 

If the degree or equivalent qualification is from an institution where the language of teaching and assessment is not English, applicants shall provide evidence of English proficiency, such as:

1. an overall band of 6.0 or above with no subtests lower than 5.5 in the IELTS; or
2. a score of 550 or above in the paper-based TOEFL, or a score of 213 or above in the computer-based TOEFL, or a score of 80 or above in the internet-based TOEFL; or
3. HKALE Use of English at Grade E or above; or
4. HKDSE Examination English Language at Level 3 or above; or
5. equivalent qualifications.

 

Applicants without the above qualifications but have substantial work experience will be considered on individual merit.

Applicants who do not have a background in quantitative or computational areas are required to take the Certificate for Module (Quantitative Methods in Finance) as the bridging course. They must complete and pass the module before the commencement of the programme.

 

• The CEF Institution Code of HKU SPACE is 100

CEF Courses
AI and Financial Computing (Module from Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Analytics and Algo Trading)
COURSE CODE 33Z144216	FEES $11,000	ENQUIRY 2520-4612
Financial Analysis and ESG Investing(Module from Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Analytics and Algo Trading)
COURSE CODE 33Z144224	FEES $11,000	ENQUIRY 2520-4612
Machine Learning for Financial Analytics (Module from Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Analytics and Algo Trading)
COURSE CODE 33Z144232	FEES $11,000	ENQUIRY 2520-4612
Algo Trading and Quantitative Investment Strategies (Module from Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Analytics and Algo Trading)
COURSE CODE 33Z144240	FEES $11,000	ENQUIRY 2520-4612

	Continuing Education Fund Reimbursable Course (selected modules only) Some modules of this course have been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund.
	Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Analytics and Algo Trading This course is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level [6])

Application Form Application Form

Enrolment Method Payment Method

Students under this programme are eligible to apply free membership for Hong Kong Internet and Ecommerce Association (HKIECA).

The association offers talks, workshops and/or seminars related to the Internet and Ecommerce as well as Big Data.

Link of HKIECA: www.hkieca.org