FIN 421: Derivative Securities & Risk Management — Fall 2025, Spring 2026
Tue/Thu 3:30–4:45 pm and 5:00-6:15 pm:· Active Learning Classroom (ALC), LIB 166
FIN 421 has been a pioneer in integrating artificial intelligence into the teaching of derivative securities and risk management. The Spring 2026 (S26) offering represents a major enhancement of its cloud-based delivery, introducing student-led presentations, expanded Zoom support, and 24/7 Slack consultation. The revised framework extends cloud-based active learning through an intentional blend of moderated in-person, ubiquitous, synchronous, and asynchronous learning. New for S26, the eBook, Applied Risk Management: Valuation of Derivatives under AI and Data Science Technologies (ARMDAT), adds multimedia content, integrated generative AI, and new chapters leveraging the award-winning K4 neural network for market prediction and sustainability analytics. Computational support for ARMDAT is provided by the cloud-based WinORS platform, which combines an Excel-compatible spreadsheet front end with advanced business analytics spanning descriptive statistics, radial basis function neural networks, and multi-objective optimization for sustainable portfolio design. The overarching objective is to strengthen students’ critical thinking and analytical judgement in the application of financial derivatives and automated risk-management systems.
NOTE: Over the years, courses and course numbers of URI hosted classes may have changed
University of Rhode Island
- BUS 320h, Honors Financial Management
- BUS 320, Financial Management
- BUS 321, Security Analysis
- BUS 423, Student Investment Fund II
- BUS 425, Mutual Fund Management
- FIN 430x, Global Currency Valuation and Trading (experimental trading class)
- BUS 426, Commercial Bank Management
- BUS 428, Multinational Financial Management
- BUS 430, Basic Managerial Economics
Graduate Program (MBA & PhD)
- FIN 625, Advanced Financial Management
- FIN 633, Depository Financial Institution Management
- MBA 555, Managerial Economics
- MBA 566, Security and Investment Analysis
- MBA 570, Hedge Fund Management
Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program (INP)
- NEU 210, Neuroethics and Diversity
- NEU 587, Seminar in Neurobiology (Graduate only)
External Classrooms
- Advanced Financial Management, ISIDA, Italy (Graduate Professional Education)
- Derivatives, Bryant University, USA
- International Finance, International Management Institute, New Delhi, India (Graduate Professional Education)
- Advanced Portfolio Management (BSE Mumbai (Bombay), India (Professional Education)
Expectations:
- We meet biweekly, or as needed, (F2F or Zoom).
- Students maintains a living research log.
- Students share code and reports via a private repository.
- Projects adhere to open, reproducible practices.
Proposal process:
- One-page abstract with question, data, and methods.
- 15‑minute discussion to scope milestones.
- Draft timeline and IRB considerations if applicable.
Areas of interest - Computational Finance:
- Machine Learning (Neural Networks) and predictive analytics for financial markets.
- Classification and Mean-Reversion for predictive analytics in the capital markets.
- Nonlinear multi-objective optimisation for Investment Portfolios.
- Interpretative ML for derivatives.
- Computational approaches to risk/reward in behaviour.
Areas of interest - Computational Neuroscience
- Design of Rodent Studies for Translational Studies in Housing
- Multi objective Combinatorial Optimisation for Neuro-inspired Prosocial Apartment Assignment
- Environment and the Role of Flora and Fauna for Prosocial Communities (South Africa)
- Machine Learning and the Social Determinants of Health (Global)
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