Digital Finance

Study guide: first edition

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, accounting and finance professionals need to stay ahead of the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies and other digital disruptors. This subject explores the complex world of digital finance and provides you with the knowledge and tools needed to work with emerging technologies. More specifically, the subject covers the digital finance ecosystem and the future of money. It also examines technology and its use in finance, data analytics, interpretation and visualisation, as well as risk management, governance and regulation.

General objectives

On completion of this subject, you should be able to:

• examine where we are today and where we are headed soon with technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, big data, digital payments and digital currencies
• apply your knowledge to translate complex digital finance concepts and terminology to aid informed, strategic decision-making around the use of key digital finance technologies in business
• use your insights into digital finance technologies to navigate the changing technological environment in which accounting and finance professionals work
• examine the regulatory and organisational implications of digital finance technologies and how they can be applied in a range of settings including compliance in organisational contexts.

Exam structure

The Digital Finance exam comprises multiple-choice questions and extended-response questions.

Subject content

The subject is divided into five modules.

The weighting column in the following table provides an indication of the emphasis placed on each module in the exam. The proportion of study time is a guide for you to allocate your study time for each module.

Please note, completion of the Digital Finance micro-credential offer does not contribute towards your CPA Program. However, if you purchased and completed the Digital Finance (six) micro-credentials offer before November 2020 and are now an Associate member, please contact us so we can advise you of your options.

Learning support

Please note, as this is a new subject for Semester 2 2021, resources within Guided Learning will be released progressively throughout the semester. While the experience may differ slightly to other CPA Program subjects, you will still have access to a variety of resources each week.

Is this elective right for you?

Most Associate members are eligible to enrol in Digital Finance, and there are no prerequisites to enrol. If you're interested in this subject area and wondering whether to enrol, check our guide below.