The Finanical Markets Suite (FMS) on Marylebone Campus was relaunched on 17 December following a renovation project boasting a new layout and improved facilities. The new room simulates a real-life trading environment in which students are immersed in real world learning in fields such as corporate finance, derivative markets, portfolio and risk analytics, with real time and historical data, investment simulations and case studies from the best minds in business.
The FMS at Westminster Business School was originally built in 2007 and has since allowed students to gain information and technology by applying knowledge gained in the classroom to real-life business, management and capital markets situations presented to them in two state-of-the-art purpose-built suites. At its inception, it had a capacity for just over 40 students and was the largest Bloomberg-driven virtual capital markets suite in any educational provider outside the US.
The suite has since been an integral part of the School's educational approach, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world financial practices. The FMS’s resources help students gain and harness the power and global knowledge needed in a rapidly changing business and financial landscape. Students can access any public information or news available about the global capital markets, financial institutions or the corporate world. Historical time series data can be accessed, downloaded and analysed using a range of conventional or proprietary financial models. These resources meet the expectations and aspirations of the next generation of computer-literate students and graduates, whose specialised skills are highly valued by employers.
When introduced, the Financial Market Suites at Westminster initially had 24 terminals. Later, an additional eight terminals were added. The second suite was implemented in 2022 adding an additional 24 terminals, resulting in a total of 60 terminals. The suites now allow 120 students to harness financial information, research and analytical databases through the Bloomberg platform.
A complete refurbishment was implemented in 2024 to create a trading desk environment and upgrade the facility. Dr Emma Elkington, Head of the School of Finance and Accounting along with Deirdre Sinclair, the School Director of Operations, led the design and layout of the refurbishment.
The Suite has been refurbished with updated computers and audio and video facilities. This enhancement is expected to make the teaching process even more interactive and immersive, allowing students to gain deeper insights and practical skills that employers highly value. More than 1200 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate students benefit from training in the suites annually across the Accounting, Finance, Economics and Fintech programmes offered by the School.
About the new transformation Dr Emma Elkington said: “The refurbishment of our Bloomberg-powered Financial Markets Suite marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing world-class financial education. We are excited about the new opportunities this transformation will bring to our students and faculty.”
The FMS’s refurbishment and upgrade directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out about Accounting and Finance courses at the University of Westminster.
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