Core and Capstone Courses

This course provides a historical overview of the evolution of financial markets. Students will examine, compare and contrast the origins of securitisation and the gradual spread of credit, banking, and investment instruments across different regions of the world. Students will investigate the role of key historical events and figures in shaping financial markets and the impact of globalisation and technological advancements on family wealth management, exploring the historical origins of financial crises and the effects of financial policies on society. In addition, students will acquire an understanding of the ethical implications of family wealth management and financial practices from a historical perspective to make informed decisions about financial practices.

This course investigates the economic, social, and cultural history of societies from the lens of family structures around the world. Through in-depth case studies and discussions of historical family organisation and structure, students will gain insights into the factors that have influenced the rise and fall of family businesses. These factors include the complex relationships between family dynamics, business practices, inheritance laws, leadership and governance, succession planning, and cultural traditions, among others, and how they have influenced the broader economic landscape.

This course offers a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of asset allocation and investment management for high-net-worth individuals and family businesses, covering key topics such as portfolio design, risk management, performance evaluation, and other critical aspects of investment management that are essential for family wealth professionals. Students will learn how to develop and implement sustainable, responsible, and impact investing strategies that align with individual investors' and family offices' goals and risk tolerance. Students will also gain practical skills and knowledge to manage assets and minimise risk while maximising returns. Assessment: 100% coursework

This course emphasises the modern fundamentals of corporate financial decision-making, focusing on investment, financing, and dividend distribution with a specific reference to family businesses. Building upon introductory courses in accounting, economics, and quantitative analysis, this course develops distinct conceptual frameworks and specialised tools for solving real-world financial problems at both the individual and corporate levels. The course covers specific topics such as financial mathematics, security valuation, techniques for capital investment decisions, financial decision-making under uncertainties (portfolio theory and capital market theory), corporate capital structure, cost of capital, dividend decision, and policy. Additionally, the course will cover business models that are relevant to family businesses.

This course examines the legal and financial aspects of estate planning. It provides an extensive exploration of the different legal know-how and strategies used for managing and transferring assets, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. The course also covers critical aspects such as tax implications, philanthropy, and other essential considerations for preserving and transferring wealth. Through classroom discussions and case studies, students will gain the expertise and skills to provide sound advice to families on complex wealth management matters.

This course covers essential aspects of managing family offices for high-net-worth individuals. It explores key topics such as wealth planning, investment management, tax planning, governance, risk management, and philanthropy. It aims to equip students with the expertise to manage family offices and offer tailored solutions to families. Additionally, the course examines the unique challenges and opportunities that family offices face in the current economic and business landscape. Students will acquire practical skills and knowledge to tackle the intricate issues that family offices confront, enabling them to excel in their roles.

The compulsory capstone project is designed to provide students with an opportunity to conduct research in groups and propose possible solutions to a contemporary issue faced by family offices and wealth managers. The main objective of this course is to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of research and analysis and develop research and analysis skills in a selected area of family wealth management. Students can address and propose possible solutions to a contemporary issue in family wealth management in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. This course serves to develop analytic, critical thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills that will contribute directly to effective family wealth management. The capstone project can also be an internship experience, subject to the approval of the Programme Director/Chairman of the programme. Throughout the course, students will receive guidance from experienced faculty and/or professional practitioners.