There are several reasons why 2025 is a good year to consider studying for a Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance. This qualification will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to work in the Singaporean Financial sector. It is a sector that is rapidly growing and changing due to the impact of technology and AI. It is also a sector that will require knowledgeable and skilled employees as the effects of an aging workforce begin to impact the financial industry from 2026 onwards.
With a growing financial sector a Post Graduate Diploma in Finance is essential
In 2023, the financial sector accounted for about 14% of Singapore’s GDP, and employment in the sector grew by 4,800.
Speaking at the Institute of Banking & Finance (IBF) 50th anniversary evening gala on 13 September 2024, Gan, the Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), highlighted the financial sector's key role in the Singaporean economy. He also highlighted the need for upskilling and talent development as the local workforce dwindles.
Due to falling birth rates, Singapore is reportedly set to hit ‘super-aged’ status in 2026. This will result in a slowdown of the local labour force, creating opportunities for people with relevant qualifications such as the Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance and the skills that such a qualification provides to step into challenging, satisfying roles and contribute to Singapore’s status as a leading global financial hub.
With a growing and developing Banking sector, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance is crucial
Singapore’s digital banks, referred to as ‘digibanks,’ are financial institutions that operate entirely online without any physical branches. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) issued licences for digibanks in 2020. By mid-2022, banks like GXS Bank commenced operations focusing on underserved segments of the community, such as gig economy workers and young professionals. Other digibanks commenced operating in 2023.
Digibanks offers various services, including savings accounts, loans, and payment solutions, and it uses technology to provide seamless and efficient banking experiences.
Several factors are driving the growth of digibanks in Singapore.
Technological advances, such as the widespread adoption of smartphones and high internet penetration rates, have facilitated the growth of digital banking platforms, making financial services more accessible to the population.
MAS's proactive approach to issuing licenses has encouraged innovation and competition in the financial sector and fostered a conducive environment for digibanking to thrive.
Consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of online banking, valuing features that provide 24/7 access and quick transaction capabilities.
Because digibanks operate without physical branches, they have reduced overhead costs. This enables them to offer competitive rates and lower fees than traditional banks.
By focusing on underserved segments of the community, such as gig economy workers and small-to-medium enterprises, digibanks address specific financial needs that the traditional banking system may not meet.
These factors have resulted in the rapid growth and adoption of digital banking services, reshaping the financial landscape to be more inclusive and technologically driven. This provides new opportunities for employees who have a Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance.
However, growth in the finance and banking sectors isn't the only reason having a Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance is essential. The sectors will also face several challenges in 2025, making this qualification crucial.
Challenges in the Financial Sector that make a Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance essential
Some of these challenges include:
Geopolitical tensions that could impact economic stability
With the increase in geopolitical tensions, particularly between the major economies of the U.S. and China, supply chain disruptions and market volatility could impact the financial sector’s stability and growth prospects. Understanding and navigating these tensions from the perspective obtained from a Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance will be crucial.
Technological Advances and Cybersecurity Risks
While the rapid adoption of digital technologies has introduced opportunities, it has also brought challenges, particularly with the increased risks and evolving threats of scams. Financial institutions must keep current and invest in advanced security systems to safeguard sensitive data and maintain customer trust.
Rising Operational Costs and Uncertainty
The finance industry faces rising costs associated with investing in advanced security systems and increasing manpower costs. In a recent survey, 66% of companies stated that rising labour expenses were a primary challenge.
These factors mean companies in the financial industry must manage costs effectively while navigating unpredictable market conditions.
Heightened Regulatory Scrutiny and Enforcement
Recent data shows a significant increase in regulatory fines within Singapore’s financial sector. The Monetary Authority of Singapore has intensified its focus on compliance, particularly with Anti-Money Laundering and Know-your-customer regulations. As a result of this heightened regulatory scrutiny, the financial industry must adopt stricter oversight and enhance its compliance frameworks to reduce the risk of substantial penalties.
Addressing these challenges means Singapore’s financial sector must remain agile and invest in compliance, technology, and sustainable practices to navigate the evolving landscape. This makes it ideal for employees with the right academic qualifications and skills to contribute effectively to the sector.
Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance through TMC Academy
The Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance through TMC Academy is a comprehensive course designed to provide students with the advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career in the financial services industry.
The core modules that are covered in this course are:
Accounting
Statistical Techniques for Business
Business Finance
Business Economics
Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance - Accounting
This core module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to analyse, interpret, and use financial data for decision-making. It integrates financial and managerial accounting concepts, focusing on their practical application in the financial sector.
Topics that are covered in this module include:
Fundamentals of accounting, such as the principles, concepts, and conventions that apply, and an overview of national and international accounting standards.
Financial Accounting, including preparing financial statements and adjustments such as depreciation, accrued and deferred revenues and expenses, provisions and reserves.
How to analyse financial statements, including horizontal and vertical analysis and ratio analysis, such as profitability, liquidity and solvency.
Management Accounting includes understanding performance measurements and KPIs, managing working capital, and using decision-making tools such as marginal costing and contribution analysis.
Accounting Information Systems (AIS) examines the role of technology, cloud-based accounting systems, automation, and AI in accounting.
This module builds a strong foundation in accounting principles and their application in financial decision-making. It equips students for roles such as financial analysts, auditors, financial controllers, and finance managers.
Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance – Statistical Techniques for Business
This module teaches statistical methods and their applications in business decision-making and financial analysis. It gives students the analytical tools to interpret data and make predictions to solve real-world business problems.
Topics that are covered in this module include:
Basics of Statistics, such as the data types and various collection methods.
Understanding descriptive statistics, including range, variance, standard deviation and coefficient of variation.
Basic probability concepts, conditional probability and Bayes’ theorem.
Sampling methods include probability sampling, simple random, stratified and cluster sampling.
Correlation and regression analysis, as well as being able to interpret the strength and direction of relationships and how to conduct various types of regression analysis such as simple linear or multiple linear regression.
Developing the skill of decision-making under uncertain conditions, including understanding decision theory, expected value and utility theory and being able to conduct effective risk analysis.
Being able to use statistical software applications and data visualisation tools.
The module teaches students to apply statistical techniques to solve practical problems in financial forecasting, investment analysis, risk management, and market research.
Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance – Business Finance
This module focuses on how businesses manage their financial resources to achieve their objectives. It integrates the principles of corporate finance, financial decision-making and how to allocate resources effectively.
Some of the areas covered in this module include:
The difference between maximising shareholder wealth and profit maximisation.
Understanding the scope of business finance, including capital budgeting, working capital management and financial strategy.
The concept of the Time Value of Money (TVM) and the applications of Present Value, Future Value, annuities and perpetuities.
The cost of capital, including the concept of the cost of capital and the components such as cost of equity, debt, and preference shares.
Ability to evaluate potential projects and investments and conduct risk analysis in capital budgeting.
Understanding the different types of dividend theories, such as Walter’s Model, Gordon’s Model and Modigliani and Miller's irrelevance theory and the importance of dividend decisions
The ethical and governance aspects in business finance include transparency and accountability and balancing corporate social responsibility and sustainable finance.
Like all core units in courses run by TMC Academy, there is a strong emphasis on providing students with a good understanding of the theoretical framework of a subject and its practical application within the work environment. This ensures students can enter the workforce and immediately contribute because of their learning at the Academy.
Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance – Business Economics
The Business Economics module applies economic principles to business decision-making and financial management. The module provides a foundation in microeconomics and macroeconomics, which provides a framework for understanding economic forces and their impact on businesses and markets.
In this module, topics that are considered include:
The definition and scope of business economics and the key differences and applications of micro and macroeconomics.
The interaction of demand and supply, including the elasticity of demand and techniques to predict future demand.
The theory of production and the law of diminishing returns and returns to scale.
The types of market and pricing structures, such as cost-plus pricing and price discrimination.
The Macroeconomic principles and how business decisions are impacted by business cycles and fiscal and monetary policies.
The role of central banks in monetary policy and the tools they use.
International economics, including exchange rate systems, Trade theories and globalisation and its impact.
The business applications of economics include cost-benefit analysis, using economic models to forecast business trends and economic optimisation.
This module provides students with the ability and skills to analyse economic environments, anticipate trends, and make informed financial and strategic decisions. It is particularly relevant for careers in corporate strategy, consulting, financial analysis, and economic policymaking.
With all the growth, development and challenges within the financial sector in Singapore, 2025 is a great year to complete a Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance and boost your career opportunities in the financial sector.
For further information on this qualification, click here.