Carnegie Mellon University

Financial Regulation in the Digital Age

Course Number: 45923

Both the financial crisis (2008–2009) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020– ), as well as the digitalization of financial markets (e.g., the prevalence of big data, digital assets, and electronic algorithms, products, and platforms), have drawn increased attention to the role of regulation in the financial system (and related property rights) and its impact on the broader economy.

This course will explore the foundations of regulation ("Why regulate?") from various perspectives within the context of a market economy. It will highlight sources of market failure—such as externalities, adverse selection, incentive conflicts, and natural monopolies—and examine potential remedies, including taxes and fees, price regulation, disclosures, guarantees, and bans.

The course will also consider the conflicting goals among regulators, why multiple regulators exist, and how these dynamics shape the meaning and effectiveness of regulation, including the implications of regulatory competition and arbitrage.

Degree: MBA
Concentration: Finance
Academic Year: 2025-2026
Semester(s): Mini 1
Required/Elective: Elective
Units: 6

Format

Lecture: 100min/wk and Recitation: 50min/wk