Innovative Finance

The Master’s degree programme in Innovative Finance focuses on asset and wealth management, risk management and international finance. The programme is characterised by its research orientation, strong international approach, CFA-, CAIA- and GARP-aligned curriculum and personal learning environment.

Each year, around 35–40 students from all over the world are admitted. The programme offers insights into current research topics in finance. It also helps students strengthen their skills in academic methods by carrying out research projects. Practice-oriented MasterLAB modules promote teamwork and leadership skills. Field trips and study tours, as well as the opportunity to spend a semester abroad, also provide insights into different cultures and international financial markets.

The programme is modular in structure, and lectures generally take place on three days per week. The entire programme is taught in English. Great importance is placed on teamwork in small groups, ensuring particularly close contact between lecturers and students.

This programme offers two specialised tracks: the Industry Track for professional requirements in the financial sector and the Research Track for a career in research and development.

Through a wide range of Core Electives in financial innovation such as sustainable finance, crypto finance or AI and machine learning, you can tailor the programme to your interests and career plans.

The programme can also be completed on a part-time basis, with the duration extended accordingly.

Curriculum MSc Innovative Finance

Programme Structure

If you gain work experience during your studies, you can not only earn additional money but also prepare for your career after graduation. Our students do this through part-time employment, internships during the holidays or a six-month internship during a study break.

After completing the programme, graduates are highly qualified for careers in finance – for example in financial risk management, asset, investment and wealth management, international financial management and portfolio management. We encourage our students to take an active part in extracurricular activities to strengthen their professional profile.

Graduates have excellent career prospects and are qualified for a wide range of leadership and specialist positions in the financial services industry or in the finance departments of internationally active companies. The unique strategic location of Liechtenstein also provides our master’s students with easy access to the Swiss and European financial job markets.

To apply for the Master’s degree programme in Innovative Finance at the University of Liechtenstein, you need to have successfully completed a relevant bachelor’s degree or another equivalent higher education qualification, as well as English language skills at level B2. The application is submitted online via our Application and Admission page – the earlier, the better. You will also find further information about deadlines there. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Admission Guidelines

Student life in the Master’s degree programme in Innovative Finance combines academic learning, practical experience and an active community. The student-founded initiative UniVision offers projects in strategy and process management, while START Vaduz fosters entrepreneurial thinking with pitch events and networking. “Spinnerei” shapes social life on campus and runs the “Red Cube Bar” as a popular meeting place. Numerous sports activities provide exercise and balance alongside your studies. This creates a campus environment that offers valuable connections, practical experience and a wide range of leisure opportunities. You can find more information and details on the Student Life page.

Each academic year, LGT awards two scholarships covering the tuition fees for the first two semesters (CHF 1,900). All students admitted to the first year of the Master in Innovative Finance at the University of Liechtenstein are eligible to apply for the LGT University Scholarship.

The Master’s degree programme in Innovative Finance is one of the few master’s programmes worldwide connected to all three major professional associations in the finance industry: CFA, GARP and CAIA.

To become a university partner of these associations, we had to demonstrate that our curriculum aligns with their bodies of knowledge.

Students who complete our Master’s programme in Innovative Finance can therefore expect to be well prepared for all three professional finance exams.

CFA

Our Master’s degree programme in Innovative Finance, which incorporates at least 70% of the CFA Programme Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) into its curriculum, has been accepted into the CFA University Affiliation Programme. Our courses provide students with a strong foundation in the CBOK and prepare them well for the CFA exams. The CFA is the most recognised qualification in global financial markets. It prepares candidates for careers in investment management, wealth management, portfolio management, institutional trading and market research. Completing two of the three CFA exam levels within the standard study period gives students interested in these careers a competitive advantage. Through our membership in the local CFA Society, students can also apply for one of the CFA scholarships awarded each year.

GARP

The Master in Innovative Finance covers at least 70% of the knowledge and 100% of the learning objectives in the area of ethics/professional ethics. This prepares students for the GARP Financial Risk Management (FRM®) exam. The FRM exam is recognised worldwide as the standard for professional risk management certification and prepares students for success in areas such as asset and liability management, enterprise risk management, credit risk, derivatives and exotics, quantitative analysis, and equities and fixed income. Students can apply for an FRM scholarship awarded annually.

CAIA

The MSc in Innovative Finance at the University of Liechtenstein covers at least 60% of the entire CAIA curriculum as outlined in the Core Knowledge Outline (CKO). CAIA has confirmed that the programme content meets this requirement. Holding the CAIA Charter provides a clear advantage in the market. In addition to developing knowledge of asset classes and strategies, charterholders gain a thorough understanding of the risk-return characteristics of alternative investments in portfolio construction, whether for wealth accumulation or preservation.

As part of our Core Electives, you have the opportunity to take part in the study trip during the summer semester.

The study trips usually lead to international financial centres in North America, for example New York and Washington, or in Asia, for example Singapore.

Over five days, we plan visits to financial institutions such as banks, family offices or consulting firms as well as to political institutions such as embassies.

A semester abroad broadens your horizons academically, culturally and personally.

In the Master in Innovative Finance, you have the opportunity to spend one semester at one of our more than 100 partner universities worldwide. Whether in Europe, Asia, North America or Oceania, the University of Liechtenstein offers a wide range of opportunities to gain international experience and to expand your global network.

The International Office supports you with the planning, preparation and organisation of your stay, from application to return.

Further information is available on the International Office page.