How Nanyang Business School’s MSc Finance Prepares You For The Future Of Finance

Nanyang Business School’s MSc Finance program prepares young executives for the global economy in one of the world’s top financial hubs, Singapore.

Fintech innovations are transforming financial services with innovative solutions and enhanced customer experiences. AI-powered tools are automating processes in banking, fraud detection, and even asset management – potentially displacing some human roles. Sustainability has gone mainstream in finance, driving developments like impact investing and ESG reporting.

In this fast-changing landscape, what does it take for a budding finance professional to stand out? The key lies in learning to be agile and adaptable.

“Finance professionals now need a combination of quantitative skills and soft skills like stakeholder management,” shares Associate Professor Tao Chen, Academic Director of the MSc Finance program at Nanyang Business School (NBS), part of Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU). “The future of finance isn’t just about numbers. It’s about navigating complexity with insight, agility, and hybrid skills in finance, technology, and sustainability.”

The MSc Finance program at NBS is designed to equip young professionals with these versatile skills. This intensive one-year program combines global exposure with a cutting-edge curriculum, getting graduates ready to lead change – not just keep up with it.

A Program That Stays Ahead Of Evolving Trends

As new financial trends emerge, the MSc Finance curriculum at NBS is constantly evolving to keep participants ahead of the curve.

One key shift in recent years has been the introduction of sustainability and fintech options. Participants can choose to explore sustainability in more depth and hone their skills in sustainability reporting, corporate strategy, and risk management. Meanwhile, those who opt to focus on fintech will build solid foundations in blockchain and machine learning.

These innovative courses equip participants to tackle the latest challenges in finance, providing them a competitive edge after graduation. “We’ve seen an increase in students securing jobs in the fintech and sustainability sectors,” Prof Chen shares. “We have more students joining tech giants like Alibaba, Tencent, and Amazon, as well as taking up roles in responsible investment and sustainability reporting.”

Another recent update has been the shift from a bilingual to English-only delivery. Previously, applicants needed to be proficient in both English and Mandarin. Now, the program is open to all English-speaking students.

“We wanted to make the program more accessible as the finance world becomes increasingly borderless,” explains Prof Chen. “I believe this will create a more diverse student population, enabling our students to hear and learn from more perspectives.”

Preparing Young Professionals To Be Global Leaders

The future of finance is indeed borderless. Trends such as open data-sharing and decentralized finance are making financial systems more connected and seamless. This makes it crucial for aspiring young leaders to gain global perspectives and think beyond traditional boundaries.

In the MSc Finance program at NBS, participants can take advantage of built-in opportunities for global exposure. This includes Overseas Student Industry Field Trips (SIFT), where students visit leading financial institutions to gain first-hand insight into how global markets move and evolve.  

“SIFT is a unique and integral part of our program,” says Prof Chen. “It enables students to learn about trends and opportunities in various industries. It’s also a good chance for students to interact with industry experts – including our alumni – and showcase themselves.”

From Singapore To The World

Even in day-to-day classes, participants have numerous opportunities to develop global agility. The MSc Finance faculty hail from diverse international backgrounds and industry experiences, which enrich the insights they bring to the classroom.

“Our faculty members bring unique viewpoints from their diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, broadening students’ understanding of global finance issues,” Prof Chen shares. “Their international connections can help students build global professional networks, facilitating career opportunities both abroad and within multinational organizations.”

Singapore’s status as a global financial hub makes it a powerful starting point for a career that spans the world. Singapore is home to a diverse range of financial institutions, including major global banks, asset management firms, and fintech startups. This means that students have no shortage of internships and networking experiences to explore.

“Studying in Singapore offers unparalleled access to industry leaders, innovation hubs, and a multicultural business environment,” explains Prof Chen. “At NBS, we organize guest lectures and industry partnerships to provide students with real-world insights into trade and innovation.”

So far, this immersive approach has paid off. “The MSc Finance program has consistently produced graduates who excel in global finance – securing prestigious roles across investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, and more,” Prof Chen adds.

Strong Support For Career Success

At NBS, preparing graduates for career success goes beyond the curriculum. The Graduate Studies Career Development Office (GSCDO) provides dedicated support to graduate students in NBS as they transition from classroom to career. As students prepare for their job search, they can attend curated GSCDO workshops to refine their networking, resume writing, and interviewing skills. 

Additionally, the GSCDO’s dedicated counselors assist graduates with career planning and connect them with the right industry or alumni contacts. With 25 batches of MSc Finance alumni – and counting – NBS’s strong alumni community has helped many budding professionals open doors locally and globally.

“Our finance alumni hold influential roles worldwide, serving as mentors and valuable referrals for current students,” Prof Chen says. “This also enables us to establish robust industry connections with leading financial institutions – both in Asia and abroad.”

In one recent instance, a graduate looking for Investment Banking Division roles in Hong Kong connected with an alumnus through NBS’s alumni LinkedIn group. “The alumnus is a Vice-President at a bulge-bracket bank, and referred the graduate to their HR team,” Prof Chen recalls. “This led to an interview and eventually, a job offer.”

Your Global Finance Career Starts Here

If you’re looking to break into the finance industry, a future-ready degree makes a world of difference. The MSc Finance program at NBS combines a dynamic curriculum with immersive opportunities for global exposure, strong career support, and a supportive alumni community. Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills and experiences to take your next step in finance with confidence.

Discover Nanyang Business School’s MSc Finance program here. 

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