General Information

Program Overview

The Department of Finance and Banking at AYBU offers an English-medium undergraduate program designed to train professionals who are analytically competent, globally informed, and technology-oriented. The curriculum balances theory and practice across key areas such as financial institutions and markets, banking operations, risk management, portfolio and derivative instruments, fintech and data analytics, sustainable finance, and professional ethics.

The finance sector in Türkiye is not limited to commercial banks; investment and development banks, brokerage firms, portfolio management companies, insurance and pension institutions, auditing-consulting firms, and the rapidly expanding fintech ecosystem offer extensive career opportunities for our graduates. Through case studies, laboratory practices, industry projects, and guest speakers, students gain exposure to real-world financial problems from the early stages of their education.

Program Objectives

The primary aim of the department is to educate finance professionals who are ethical, innovative, entrepreneurial, and capable of creating value at both local and global levels. Our graduates are expected to:

  • Develop value-based strategies in financial decision-making,

  • Understand banking and capital markets within a global-local perspective,

  • Follow and apply trends in digital transformation (fintech, artificial intelligence, data analytics) and regulatory frameworks,

  • Demonstrate ethical awareness, accountability, and strong stakeholder orientation.

Fields of Study

  • Financial Institutions and Markets: Money and capital markets, financial instruments, and regulatory frameworks.

  • Banking Operations and Management: Credit processes, deposit-credit management, risk & compliance, operational banking.

  • Risk Management & Investment: Derivatives, portfolio theory, market/credit/operational risk, stress testing.

  • Financial Technologies & Data Analytics: Digital banking, payment systems, regtech, data-driven financial modeling.

  • International & Sustainable Finance: Global capital flows, foreign exchange and commodity markets, ESG and sustainability practices.

Language of Instruction and Learning Experience

The medium of instruction is English. Language proficiency is supported through preparatory education and English-based professional coursework. Students benefit from:

  • Practice-oriented classes (case analysis, simulations, Bloomberg/terminal-style tools),

  • Academic advising and small-group collaborative learning,

  • Flexible learning pathways through elective courses and interdisciplinary options.

Industry Collaboration and Practical Training

  • Mandatory internship and industry project opportunities,

  • Potential collaborative programs with banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and fintech organizations,

  • Guest speakers and applied sessions at the faculty’s BISTLAB (Borsa İstanbul Laboratory).

Internationalization & Exchange Programs

Students can participate in Erasmus+, Mevlana, and Farabi exchange programs, summer schools, and joint courses to gain global academic and cultural experience.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in:

  • Banking: Credit analysis, treasury, commercial/corporate/banking operations, risk and compliance, digital banking,

  • Capital Markets & Investment: Brokerage firms, asset/portfolio management, research analysis, corporate finance,

  • Insurance & Pension Systems: Actuarial support, product development, distribution management,

  • Audit & Consulting: Financial auditing, corporate risk management, valuation and restructuring,

  • Public Sector & Regulatory Agencies: Central Bank, BRSA, CMB, and other related institutions,

  • Fintech & Entrepreneurship: Payment systems, open banking, regtech, data-driven product design.

Graduate studies (MA/MSc/PhD) opportunities are also available for those pursuing an academic career.

Graduate Qualifications

Graduates of the program are expected to be:

  • Analytical and data-driven decision-makers in financial institutions and markets,

  • Financially and technologically literate, capable of interpreting financial data,

  • Ethical, transparent, and stakeholder-oriented in professional conduct,

  • Proficient in English communication and teamwork,

  • Adaptable to dynamic market conditions.