Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - CMPT 419 D300

Special Topics in Artificial Intelligence (3)

Fintech and AI in Finance

Class Number: 4894

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Current topics in artificial intelligence depending on faculty and student interest.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is a research seminar on information technology for finance. Major topics include the following.

  1. Financial transaction and payment processing, including the blockchain and central bank digital currencies.
  2. Large language models for finance
  3. Optional topics (time permitting): Stability of the financial system, agent-based modelling
I do not plan to address applications of AI to asset trading and related topics such as valuing options.

Since the course is a seminar, most of the classtime will be devoted to discussions of the course material, with some lectures to provide necessary background. I expect participants to make presentations and to actively participate in class discussion. Regular class attendance is expected, especially for guest lectures. Since the course is a research seminar, the goal is to learn about current computer science research related to finance, from material such as tutorials and current research papers. Students will need to study course material outside of class time.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Introduce computer scientists to fundamental concepts in finance and financial transaction processing
  • Study major applications of computer science concepts to finance (e.g., blockchain, cryptography, large language models, machine learning)
  • Gain experience applying large language models to real-world problems (e.g., fine-tuning open-source models vs. optimizing proprietary closed-source models)
  • Ability to read and discuss critically recent research at the intersection of computer science and finance

Grading

  • Participation, Attendance, in-class quizzes 25%
  • Homework exercises 10%
  • Presentation on a Paper/Topic 25%
  • Final Project 40%

NOTES:

  • Presentations and projects can be done individually or in groups. All group members receive the same grade.

  • The following are policies in the School of Computing Science that I will follow in this course. 

    • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca). 
    • Use of AI tools by students for completing graded scholarly activities and course submissions that has not been explicitly authorized by the instructor  will be considered as plagiarism under SFU’s Code of Academic Policy (http://www.sfu.ca/policies/teaching/t10-02.htm).  Following this policy, instructors will report all instances of plagiarism to the academic integrity board.  

     

REQUIREMENTS:

No formal requirements. Intellectual curiosity.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Readings and relevant code will be distributed as the class progresses. Before deciding whether to take this course, I recommend reviewing the course notebook from last year.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.

  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a D or higher.

 

  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

 

  • Use of AI tools by students for completing graded scholarly activities and course submissions that has not been explicitly authorized by the instructor  will be considered as plagiarism under SFU’s Code of Academic Policy (http://www.sfu.ca/policies/teaching/t10-02.htm).  Following this policy, instructors will report all instances of plagiarism to the academic integrity board.  

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.