Sustainable & ethical use of technology A sustainable and ethical approach to engaging with technology is central to our ambition of transforming society for the better. As such, we place significant emphasis on the ethical challenges posed by blockchain technologies, including issues such as cyber crime, illicit financial transactions, fraud and consumer protection. Our curriculum delves into the specific vulnerabilities of various categories of digital assets, including stablecoins, smart contracts and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). It is crucial to understand the threats businesses may face when adopting blockchain-based applications, as well as the inherent risks associated with the technology itself and its computational protocols. Extra precautions must be taken to ensure that businesses can engage with these technologies securely. Interestingly, a majority of vulnerabilities stem from the codes and software used to record data on the blockchain. One critical area of concern involves transferring data between the real world and the blockchain, such as in the coding of smart contracts. Therefore, we strive to ensure that our executives are not only realistic and pragmatic about the potential benefits of adopting blockchain technology for their businesses, but also fully aware of the associated risks. By equipping them with this balanced perspective, we empower them to make informed, responsible decisions when integrating these transformative technologies. We also place significant emphasis on the environmental sustainability of blockchain technology. Some blockchain protocols are so computationally intensive that they require an astonishing amount of energy to maintain the network, with bitcoin being a well-known example due to its high energy and water consumption. Consequently, discussions around environmental concerns, mitigation strategies and cleaner alternatives for adoption form an important part of the learning journey. This topic often generates polarised and contradictory views within society, among regulators, industry leaders and investors. Our executives also bring diverse perspectives to this issue, which creates an excellent opportunity for meaningful debates and critical discussions. Crafting an inspiring learning experience In-class debates are one of the active learning experiences we offer to our executives. Interactive discussions are a cornerstone of every session, allowing executives to become co-creators of the content. Additionally, we incorporate in-class poster presentations, guest lectures and interactive panel sessions – everything designed to foster meaningful conversations between executives and tutors while making the sessions practical and engaging. We have recently moved to a new building, where all facilities are purposefully designed to encourage collaboration and dialogue. Executives can take advantage of various collaborative spaces to network, work on group assignments and meet with tutors to discuss their MBA projects. This environment supports
industry leaders and policymakers is absolutely essential to avoid being confined to an academic ‘bubble’ and to ensure our perspectives remain practical and relevant. The ethos of being a lifelong learner aligns closely with the mission of the MBA programme and it applies equally to the staff who teach its cohorts. Beyond academia, Yarovaya serves as an advisor to the British Blockchain Association, which acts as the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on blockchain technology. This role involves participating in numerous events, such as the parliamentary industry reception and roundtable discussions, which bring together global industry leaders, policymakers and financial regulators. These events provide invaluable opportunities to deepen knowledge about global blockchain adoption, challenge existing viewpoints and stay up to date with the latest developments. This continuous learning process not only enhances expertise but also allows the opportunity to bring fresh insights and perspectives back into the classroom, fostering rich debates and meaningful discussions with executives. Ultimately, the goal is to drive positive change in the industry, protect consumers and ensure the dissemination of unbiased, evidence-based information. By fostering collaboration and dialogue between researchers and practitioners, the aim is to contribute to a more transparent, ethical and consumer-focused fintech ecosystem. New MBA fintech pathway Building on the success of the fintech module and the programme receiving a five-year AMBA re-accreditation in 2022, we began to devise plans about how to realise the ambition to create a new MBA fintech pathway. Introduced in 2024 on the Southampton MBA (together with pathways in data analytics and project management), the fintech pathway is designed to equip MBA executives with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex blockchain ecosystem. With participants from a wide and diverse range of countries, the MBA fintech pathway appeals to professionals across various industries. Beyond financial services, it attracts executives from fields such as marketing, management, technology and logistics, all of whom face the challenge of understanding how emerging technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence can benefit their businesses. This pathway supports not only the individual career and skills development of those executives studying at Southampton, but also has a broader impact, enabling a wide range of businesses to innovate and adopt new technologies effectively.
36 Ambition • ISSUE 4 • 2025
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