This semester, GBS, in cooperation with FIRM, has introduced a new elective titled Hot Topics in Practical Risk Management. Tailored for students in the part-time Master in Finance program, the course provides an opportunity to explore highly relevant and current challenges in the field of risk management. One of the course’s instructor, Dr. Til Bünder, Partner and Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group, comments:
“The new elective is another expression of the long-standing partnership between FIRM and Goethe Business School. We are pleased to contribute to the education of the next generation in risk management through our network.”
This long-standing partnership also includes initiatives such as the FIRM scholarships, awarded to outstanding candidates applying for the Risk Management & Regulation specialization of the Master in Finance program, as well as the regular FIRM Kaminabend series at GBS – evening events featuring expert talks and valuable networking opportunities.
Advancing Risk Expertise through Collaboration
Launched for the first time in April 2025, the course sets out to cover emerging risk areas such as geopolitical risks, cyber threats, liquidity risks, and developments related to DORA. Gerold Grasshoff, Chairman of the Board at FIRM, emphasizes:
“The cooperation with Goethe Business School is a key pillar for FIRM in passing on practical knowledge directly to future leaders in the financial sector. With the new elective, we aim to convey current developments in risk management from a hands-on perspective. It’s not intended as a purely academic lecture, but as an opportunity to engage with real-world challenges.”
The practical nature of the course was also a key reason for students to enroll. As Amy Volkmann, FIRM Scholarship recipient and Master in Finance student, notes:
“I work in risk management at the Deutsche Bundesbank, so this topic is naturally close to home. I hope to gain insights that will support my career development and help me better understand the broader context of the daily work I do.”
Benefits for GBS Students and Alumni
Beyond the classroom, FIRM plays a key role in connecting students with the broader ecosystem of finance, research, and regulation. As a think tank and dialogue platform, FIRM brings together stakeholders from business, academia, and supervisory authorities. Its diverse membership includes 40 institutions and over 120 individual members across two advisory boards – one for practice with 34 representatives from banks, consultancies, and regulators, and one for academia with 46 members specializing in finance and risk.
FIRM supports more than 50 research projects – with four new projects added in 2024 alone – and hosts major annual events such as the Autumn Conference and the FIRM Research Conference. For Master in Finance students and alumni at GBS, FIRM offers even more: membership is free during the first year, providing access to exclusive networking events, thought leadership content, and direct interaction with experts shaping the future of risk management.
At Goethe Business School, we are proud to offer our students the opportunity to learn directly from leading professionals in the field. With the introduction of this new elective, GBS now offers four modules taught by FIRM experts – Alternative Investments, Risk Management, Bank Management, and Hot Topics in Practical Risk Management. This further reinforces our commitment to combining academic excellence with practical relevance and ensures our students are fully equipped to navigate the complexities of today’s financial landscape.