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Accounting & Finance FinTech and Financial Analytics

Executive Diploma in Financial Analytics
行政人員文憑《金融數據分析》

Course Code
EP148A
Application Code
2260-EP148A
Study mode
Part-time
Start Date
09 Dec 2024 (Mon)
Next intake(s)
Feb 2025
Duration
2 months to 4 months
Language
English
Course Fee
$9,200 per module; $18,400 per programme (Course fees are subject to change without prior notice)
Deadline on 25 Nov 2024 (Mon)
Enquiries
2867 8331 / 2867 8424
2861 0278
Apply Now

Today and Upcoming Events

02
Dec 2024
(Mon)

Web3 and Blockchain - Session IX (2 Dec 2024)

Join us for an exhilarating online talk show titled "Web3 and Blockchain IX". This session is designed to take you on a journey through the transformative landscape of blockchain technology, which is at the heart of a decentralized digital ecosystem—a significant leap from the interactive platforms of Web2. Bitcoin ETF Approval by the SEC: The crypto community is abuzz with the news that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has given the green light to a Bitcoin ETF. This approval is expected to drive significant institutional investment into the cryptocurrency market, potentially boosting Bitcoin's price and bringing it further into the financial mainstream. Hong Kong's Push for Virtual Asset Regulations: In a recent move, Hong Kong has unveiled a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets, aiming to bolster investor protection and foster innovation. The new guidelines provide clear rules for cryptocurrency exchanges and digital asset service providers, signaling Hong Kong's commitment to becoming a leading hub for blockchain and fintech development. China's Digital Yuan Gains Traction: China's central bank digital currency, the digital yuan, is gaining significant traction as more businesses and consumers adopt it for everyday transactions. This development is seen as a major step towards mainstream acceptance of digital currencies and is influencing global financial systems to consider their own digital currency initiatives. Hong Kong Steps Boldly into the Cryptocurrency Spotlight: In an exciting development, Hong Kong has given initial approval to its first bitcoin and ether spot ETFs. This pioneering move paves the way for a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies within the region’s mainstream financial systems, underscoring a significant shift towards more regulated and accessible digital asset investments. Bitcoin Halving Event: The crypto community is abuzz as the Bitcoin halving is done; this is a critical event that historically triggers a surge in Bitcoin's price by reducing the reward for mining new blocks by half. This anticipated change is stirring discussions about potential impacts on market dynamics and investment strategies. Innovative Regulatory Sandbox by HKMA: In a stride towards fostering innovation while ensuring security, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is set to introduce a "sandbox" for entities interested in issuing stablecoins. This initiative will allow participants to test their business models and risk management systems under manageable conditions, enhancing investor protection and promoting responsible business practices in the digital currency sphere. Join Our Captivating Session to delve deeper into the essence of Web3 and blockchain technologies with us. Discover how these advancements are reshaping the internet and what they mean for the future of finance, privacy, and online interaction. This is more than just a talk – it's an opportunity to be part of the next digital revolution. Register now and be part of this transformative journey into Web 3.0. Language: Cantonese (Supplemented with English)  

Accept new applications for Feb 2025 intake (Module 1) and accept new applications for Mar 2025 intake (Module 2)! There are practical classes in the computer laboratory. Python is a high-level programming language for tackling data science and computational problems. Investment professionals use Python programming to build financial models and perform financial analytics. Machine Learning algorithms are commonly used in computerized programs. Also, our professional lecturers will discuss the logic and operation of algorithmic trading and the implementation of trading strategies. To apply Python programming, Machine Learning, and Algorithmic Trading, you are welcome to enrol Executive Diploma in Financial Analytics programme.

Highlights

This programme aims to provide students with the knowledge to investigate financial data which influences finance and investment decisions. Computer coding using Python will be discussed to handle data, build models and perform financial analysis quantitatively. The programme covers the applications of AI, Machine Learning and computerized algorithms to analyze trends and predict financial data.
 

EDFA

 

Programme Details

On completion of the programme, students should be able to

  1. use computer programs to handle financial data and perform financial analytics; (Module 1)
  2. apply mathematical and statistical methods to solve finance and investment problems; (Module 1)
  3. explain financial models and simulations as well as algorithmic trading; (Modules 1 and 2)
  4. examine applications of AI and machine learning to facilitate investment strategies; (Module 2)
  5. analyze financial data and trends to facilitate investment decision making. (Module 2)
Application Code 2260-EP148A Apply Online Now
Apply Online Now

Days / Time
  • Mon, Thu, 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Venue
  • Kowloon East Campus
  • Kowloon West Campus
  • Hong Kong Island Campus

Modules

Module 1: Python for Financial Analytics (30 hours)

  1. Introduction to Python programming
    1. IDLE environment for Python
    2. Python modules and library
    3. Data Structures, conditional execution and iterations
  2. Mathematics and Statistics for Financial Analytics
    1. Mathematical computation using Python
    2. Statistics using Python
    3. Data Visualization using Python
  3. Applications of Financial Analytics for Modelling and Simulation
    1. Introduction to Financial Analytics
    2. Regression model for predictive analytics
    3. Binomial model for bond and option pricing
    4. Black–Scholes model and option implied volatility
    5. Risk modelling for financial risk management
    6. Monte Carlo Simulation for asset pricing
    7. Simulations using time series models

Assessment method:  In-class exercise + group presentation

 

Module 2: Machine Learning and Algorithmic Trading (30 hours)

  1. AI and Machine Learning
    1. Development of AI and Machine Learning (ML)
    2. Mathematical concepts for Machine Learning
    3. Applications of Machine Learning and Deep Learning: Natural Language Processing, Sentimental Analysis
  2. Learning Algorithms and Models
    1. Supervised Learning: Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Regression
    2. Unsupervised Learning: Clustering, Neural Networks, Principal Component Analysis
    3. Reinforcement Learning: Markov Decision Processes, Q-Learning, Policy Gradients
    4. Illustration of computer coding about related algorithms and models for investment
  3. Algorithmic Trading
    1. Investment strategies for algorithmic trading
    2. Trading Execution Algorithms
    3. Strategy Implementation Algorithms
    4. Stealth/Gaming Algorithms
    5. Arbitrage Opportunities
    6. Illustration of computer coding of trading algorithms

Assessment method:  In-class exercise + group presentation

The Executive Diploma will be conferred to candidates who have attained PASS grade and achieved at least 70% attendance of the programme.

Students completing Module 1 can exit the programme with the intermediate award, Executive Certificate in Financial Analytics.
For students completing both Modules 1 and 2, they can get the award of Executive Diploma in Financial Analytics.

 

Teacher
(1) Mr. Kevin Chung
Mr. Chung is a specialist in Machine Learning, Statistical Analysis and Data Science. He received his Bachelor and Master Degree in Mathematics from the University of Toronto. He had been a Mathematics and Statistics lecturer in HKUSPACE Community College for more than six years. Since 2013, he became interested and has been doing research in Data Science and Machine Learning. Coming from an academic background, and then working as a machine learning engineer and data scientist, Mr. Chung likes to discuss Data Science and Machine Learning from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
 

(2) 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. Ken earned a Master in Computer Science from USC and a Bachelor in Computer Science from University of Warwick.

(3) Mr. Stephen Cheng
Mr. Stephen Cheng has over 30 Years of experience in the IT industry, with senior positions at international corporations such as Oracle, Hewlett Packard, Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq Computer, Portal Software, Amdocs. Mr. Cheng’s broad industrial experience ranges from R&D, Software development, Consulting, Marketing, Pre-sales and Professional Services.  Stephen has a strong track record in delivering successful projects worldwide:  Swisscom, Vodafone, China Mobile, Smartone, HSBC, Telstra etc. Mr. Cheng holds a Bachelor of Arts (Physics) from Vassar College; MS and MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Babson College in the US. Mr. Cheng is currently working on a project at the Hong Kong Chinese University, applying Machine Learning and AI techniques on Traditional Chinese Medicine.

(4) Mr. Hong Lin
Mr. Lin has possessed fruitful experience in Fintech development and digital transformation across retail and institutional businesses in Citigroup. Over the past three years, Mr. Lin has acted as an innovator by promoting big data analysis and managing a series of automation projects, covering the full process from streamlining to solution delivery with Automation Anywhere, Python, and VBA. Recently, his primary task is to digitalize the business risk management for the bank’s prime brokerage business with data and automation technologies.
Mr. Lin started his career journey as a business intelligence engineer focusing on Fintech solution development and sales opportunities discovery thru data analysis. In 2017, he engaged in an AI Financial Advisory development by backward engineering trading strategies and analyzing financial news with Natural Language Processing techniques (NLP) in Ping An Securities. In 2018, Mr. Lin led a market research project to optimize product lines thru analyzing more than 100,000 lines of customer reviews on the Internet with web-scraping and NLP. 
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.

(5) Mr. Kevin Leung
Mr. Leung is a seasoned accountant with advanced data analytics and programming skills. He worked at several leading corporations in different industries and supervised teams to drive technological innovation in finance operations. He is also a lecturer, teaching financial analytics and business management courses. He holds an MSc (Distinction) in Business Analytics from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a BA (First Class Honours) in Integrated Business and Global Studies from Centennial College. He published a research paper on big data analytics in a reputable journal. Through his professional and academic background, he would like to share his experience in building financial and statistical models by spreadsheet and programming, applying ERP and BI software to data analysis and automating operational processes.

(6) Mr. Honcy Lee
Mr. Lee, founder and director of Oneness Capitals Co., Ltd., a company provides information technology and financial data analytics services. Prior to Oneness Capitals, Lee had worked in a private tech company as a managing director and several multi-national financial institutions over a decade. Apart from his above major works, he taught Python Data Analytics course in institutes. Mr. Lee holds BA in Accounting & Finance and studied PgD in Financial Analytics & Algo Trading.

Class Details

Timetable

Module 1: Python for Financial Analytics

Lecture Date Time
1 9 Dec 24 (Mon)

19:00-22:00

2 12 Dec 24 (Thu) 19:00-22:00
3 16 Dec 24 (Mon) 19:00-22:00
4 19 Dec 24 (Thu) 19:00-22:00
5 23 Dec 24 (Mon) 19:00-22:00
6 2 Jan 25 (Thu) 19:00-22:00
7 6 Jan 25 (Mon) 19:00-22:00
8 9 Jan 25 (Thu) 19:00-22:00
9 13 Jan 25 (Mon) 19:00-22:00
10 16 Jan 25 (Thu) 19:00-22:00


Module 2: Machine Learning and Algorithmic Trading 

Lecture Date Time
1 15 Mar 25 (Sat) 13:30 - 19:30
2 22 Mar 25 (Sat) 13:30 - 19:30
3 29 Mar 25 (Sat) 13:30 - 19:30
4 5 Apr 25 (Sat) 13:30 - 19:30
5 12 Apr 25 (Sat) 13:30 - 19:30

Remarks: Tentative timetable is subject to change, and course commencement is subject to sufficient enrollment numbers.

Fee

Application Fee

HK$150 (Student only needs to pay one time application fee for all EC in Big Data Series)

Course Fee
  • $9,200 per module; $18,400 per programme (Course fees are subject to change without prior notice)

Entry Requirements

Applicants shall hold:
a)    a bachelor’s degree awarded by a recognized University or equivalent; or
b)   an Associate Degree/ a Higher Diploma or equivalent, and have at least 2 years of relevant working experience.

Applicants with qualifications in quantitative areas (e.g., mathematics, engineering, statistics, computer science, economics, finance) are preferred. 

Applicants with other qualification and substantial senior level work experience will be considered on individual merit.

**Please upload copy of HKID and proof of degree while applying online

Apply

Online Application Apply Now

Application Form Download Application Form

Enrolment Method
Payment Method
1. Cash, EPS, WeChat Pay Or Alipay

Course fees can be paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay or Alipay at any HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres.

2. Cheque Or Bank draft

Course fees can also be paid by crossed cheque or bank draft made payable to “HKU SPACE”. Please specify the programme title(s) for application and applicant’s name. You may either:

  • bring the completed form(s), together with the appropriate course or application fees in the form of a cheque, and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres;
  • or mail the above documents to any of the HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres, specifying “Course Application” on the envelope. HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of personal information and payment sent by mail.
3. VISA/Mastercard

Applicants may also pay the course fee by VISA or Mastercard, including the “HKU SPACE Mastercard”, at any HKU SPACE enrolment centres. Holders of the HKU SPACE Mastercard can enjoy a 10-month interest-free instalment period for courses with a tuition fee worth a minimum of HK$2,000; however, the course applicant must also be the cardholder himself/herself. For enquiries, please contact our staff at any enrolment centres.

4. Online Payment

Online application / enrolment is offered for most open admission courses (enrolled on first come, first served basis) and selected award-bearing programmes. Application fees and course fees of these programmes/courses can be settled by using "PPS by Internet" (not available via mobile phones), VISA or Mastercard. In addition to the aforesaid online payment channels, new and continuing students of award-bearing programmes with available online service, they may also pay their course fees by Online WeChat Pay, Online Alipay or Faster Payment System (FPS). Please refer to Enrolment Methods - Online Enrolment  for details.

Notes

  • If the programme/course is starting within five working days, application by post is not recommended to avoid any delays. Applicants are advised to enrol in person at HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres and avoid making cheque payment under this circumstance.

  • Fees paid are not refundable except under very exceptional circumstances (e.g. course cancellation due to insufficient enrolment), subject to the School’s discretion. In exceptional cases where a refund is approved, fees paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay, Alipay, cheque, FPS or PPS by Internet will be reimbursed by a cheque, and fees paid by credit card will be reimbursed to the credit card account used for payment. 

  • In addition to the published fees, there may be additional costs associated with individual programmes. Please refer to the relevant course brochures or direct any enquiries to the relevant programme team for details.
  • Fees and places on courses cannot be transferrable from one applicant to another. Once accepted onto a course, the student may not change to another course without approval from HKU SPACE. A processing fee of HK$120 will be levied on each approved transfer.
  • HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of payment, receipt, or personal information sent by mail.
  • For payment certification, please submit a completed form, a sufficiently stamped and self-addressed envelope, and a crossed cheque for HK$30 per copy made payable to “HKU SPACE” to any of our enrolment centres.