Master in Banking and Finance (MBF)

In the fields of financial markets, financial institutions, corporate finance and quantitative methods, the M.A. HSG in Banking and Finance (MBF) offers high-quality education in both theory and practice. It prepares you for a successful career start with banks, consulting agencies, insurance companies and the finance departments of non-financial corporations, both in Switzerland and abroad.

Through an integrative approach of theory and application, the MBF programme aims to prepare the students for their ambitious professional careers in various industries. In addition to the three compulsory courses - Financial Markets, Financial Institutions, and Quantitative Methods - the students have the possibility to choose from a broad range of elective courses, with subjects ranging from corporate finance and alternative investments to insurance management. The courses enable students to develop a strong analytical skill set and a deep understanding of financial concepts. Furthermore, tailored events such as the MBF Integration Days, the MBF Research, the MBF Career Workshop Series and the Career Power Days, aim to foster the MBF community and offer great opportunities to develop effective practical skills.

The MBF programme has a clear and flexible structure. All the compulsory courses take place in the first semester and provide a solid basis for the core electives in the second and third semester. The choice of elective courses is wide, with subjects ranging from asset management to corporate finance and sustainable finance. All of our students participate in a research seminar off-campus and write a research-based Master's thesis.

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The MBF programme attracts ambitious, hard-working and skilled students, interested in the fields of finance, business and banking. Students typically have a strong academic background and are looking to deepen their technical skill set in finance, to be fully prepared for all future professional challenges. Indeed, they are usually highly interested in financial markets and financial institutions and eager to learn the quantitative methods related to them. Furthermore, prospective students should possess strong analytical skills and be keen to solve challenging tasks related to finance. Above all, we expect our students to be effective communicators who are able to thrive in an international environment.

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Upon graduation from the MBF, students are fully prepared to pursue exciting positions in top-tier companies in Switzerland and around the world. From internships to full-time positions, the students are offered many attractive opportunities after their studies in areas such as banking, finance and consulting. In particular, MBF students have the possibility to:

• take on jobs in financial institutions such as banks, insurance companies and asset management firms;
• work for large multinational investment banks or small M&A boutiques and venture capital firms;
• work as auditors in the fields of banking and insurance;
• work in the finance or strategy departments of industrial corporations;
• pursue an academic career in finance, in the context of doctoral studies (Ph.D.);
• engage as (FinTech) entrepreneurs;
• start a career in public financial institutions, such as central banks.

Companies are enthusiastic about welcoming MBF students and working together to face the challenges of the various industries. In terms of the number of hires, these are the top 10 employers of MBF graduates from 2021 - 2023: McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, UBS, Credit Suisse, KPMG, LGT, Partners Group, Deloitte, and J.P. Morgan.

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• A university degree that is recognized as equivalent, in the same or a similar major, with at least 180 credits.

Applicants are admitted on the basis of the assessment of the following criteria:

• GMAT* or GRE* (*non-mandatory for students with a Swiss Bachelor's degree)

• Average grade during undergraduate studies

• Extracurricular activities, including practical experience and exchange semester

• Motivation and aptitude for the programme as expressed in a binding letter of motivation

• Proficiency in the English language

• The MBF Integration Days are compulsory.

The admission criteria may be subject to change.

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CAIA, CFA and GARP

The MBF program is an official partner of the CAIA Association, the CFA Institute, and the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). Indeed, the MBF covers more than 70% of the candidate body of knowledge for all three levels of the CFA programme. These partnerships enable the MBF to award CAIA, CFA and GARP fellowships each year to outstanding MBF students who embark on the programme.