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‘Beyond Theory’: In NYC, IESE Students Explore The Future Of Finance
IESE NYC Module students. IESE photo
Cryptocurrencies. AI. Geopolitical pressures. New dynamics are constantly reshaping the finance industry, and MBA programs are always responding and anticipating, rethinking finance education to align with the current landscape. For top European B-schools, that often means hitting the road.
Spain’s IESE Business School recently completed an MBA module on the future of global finance hosted at the school’s New York City campus. The weeklong immersion for 48 MBA students featured a heavyweight lineup of prominent financial figures, led by Zoltan Pozsar, a former managing director of Credit Suisse and senior adviser to the U.S. Department of the Treasury known for his analysis of international monetary shifts and global economic pressures.
It is one of IESE’s most sought-after electives and an example of the kind of customizable offering found at elite European B-schools. By immersing students in a city’s unique business ecosystem — whether in New York, Nairobi, or Mexico City — IESE’s program helps them develop a deeper understanding of both local and global business trends.
‘A RICHER PERSPECTIVE’
IESE MBA student Toriola Kofoworola: NYC module “goes beyond theory, offering a hands-on approach that has expanded my understanding of global financial issues”
IESE’s New York module explores the future of finance from multiple angles — global markets, geopolitics, media & technology, ESG, business, and government. Students connect with leading market figures and gain a forward-looking perspective on finance through Pozsar’s “Bretton Woods III” model. Given the timing of the module, students also learned how everything they’d studied will be impacted by the U.S. presidential election.
Besides Pozsar, the roster of financial heavyweights included Ajay Rajadhyaksha of Barclays Capital, Brad Setser of the Council on Foreign Relations, Jim Grant of Grant’s Interest Rate Observer, and Bloomberg News Executive Editor Stephen Foxwell. Students also heard from influential figures from the New York Federal Reserve, Morningstar, Bank of New York Mellon, and the United Nations. Beyond discussions, the module involves visits to major financial institutions like Barclays and Citi — valuable perspective for students contemplating future roles in the world’s finance capital.
“The NYC module has exceeded my expectations, with two key aspects standing out: experiential learning and access to top speakers,” IESE MBA student Kofoworola Toriola tells Poets&Quants.
This module goes beyond theory, offering a hands-on approach that has expanded my understanding of global financial issues. We’ve covered a range of topics — from macro markets and China’s economic influence to Bretton Woods, EGS and Artificial Intelligence — giving me a comprehensive view of today’s financial landscape. Coming from a legal background, this practical experience has been invaluable.
“I’ve also had the rare opportunity to engage directly with top speakers who are shaping global finance, such as Ajay Rajadhyaksha, Chaiman of Barclays, former New York Fed trader Joseph Wang, and experts like Zoltan Pozsar, Michael Pettis, and Brad Setser. Hearing their insights has made a profound impact on my approach to finance, equipping me to navigate complex challenges with a richer perspective.”
FEELING ‘THE PULSE OF THE MARKET’
IESE student Mannan Pacha: Module spurred “candid and thought-provoking discussions that truly enriched the journey”
MBA student Mannan Pacha says the module occurring over the week of November 5, the date of the U.S. elections, added to its value for IESE students.
“Exploring macro-finance concepts and the pivotal role of money in driving global economics, especially against the backdrop of real-world tensions, has been an incredible learning opportunity,” Pacha says. “Having this module in NYC during election week added a unique layer, sparking candid and thought-provoking discussions that truly enriched the journey.”
MBA student Diana Melo says there is no substitute for getting out of the classroom and into the electric world of the market.
“This course offers a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world exposure,” she tells P&Q. “You’ll engage with influential figures in global finance, such as Zoltan Pozsar, Michael Pettis, and Aswath Damodaran, and gain exclusive access to major industry players, providing invaluable insights into the daily workings of these institutions and their impact on the global economy.
“Unlike a traditional classroom, being in NYC allows you to feel the pulse of the market, observe how events like presidential elections shape the economy, and understand the real-time implications of those decisions.”
MBA student Nicolás Rodríguez says participants in the module can expect to gain invaluable insights.
“The NYC module offers unparalleled access to top industry leaders and companies,” he says, “providing unique insights into the evolving macro-financial environment. Regardless of your finance background, you’ll engage in thought-provoking debates with world-class experts.
“This experience equips you with the analytical tools to shape and continually adapt your understanding of the financial landscape.”
IESE’s New York campus. IESE photo
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