Inside finance: regulation and systems
From central banking and supervision to financial regulation in Europe, students and graduates of the University of St Andrews Business School’s MSc Finance and MSc Banking and Finance programmes are working within the institutions that shape global financial systems.
Paula completed the MSc Finance in 2022-2023 and now works in Bank Resolution at BaFin, Germany’s financial supervisory authority. Her academic interests now sit at the centre of her professional work:
“Completing the MSc in Finance at St Andrews not only gave me the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in a wide range of fields in Finance. I also got to learn as part of a small, collaborative class and had the privilege of meeting amazing people and making long lasting memories. With an interest in the new regulatory measures introduced after the global financial crisis and my dissertation focusing on Basel III, I am happy to say that my degree in MSc Finance allowed me to now work in financial regulation.“
Suhayli Abdulvahhobov is a current MSc Banking and Finance student and Head of the Banking Analysis Division in the Banking Supervision Department at the National Bank of Tajikistan. For him, studying in St Andrews has involved both intellectual and linguistic transition:
“For me, as an international student without any previous experience studying science in English, it was very important to start with professors who understand and support me during the transition and adaptation period in the new environment. I’m very glad that I have started this path with you, as the Programme Director of our MSc and one of our professors who values diversity and has a deep sense of respect for every student. While my adaptation to studying financial science in English is still ongoing, I’m happy that I, along with other international students, have your support.”
Muhammad Atif Iqbal, also a current MSc Banking and Finance student, brings nine years of experience at the State Bank of Pakistan. He reflects on how academic study intersects with industry insight:
“Having spent nine years at the State Bank of Pakistan, I approached the industry speaker event with a structured understanding of financial systems and institutional practice. The session proved both refreshing and highly relevant. Vincent Press delivered an unfiltered and direct account of current market realities, offering candid insights into what professionals should realistically expect when navigating today’s job landscape. He also emphasised that every industry carries its own advantages and trade-offs, a perspective that provided meaningful clarity and reinforced the importance of informed, realistic career decision-making.”
Explore postgraduate finance programmes at the University of St Andrews Business School.