This unit provides an overview of the Australian and global financial systems and the management of financial institutions. Topics may include: the objectives and performance of financial institutions; risks and their controls; asset and liability management; credit evaluation; capital adequacy and regulations; informal money lenders and microfinance institutions; and shadow banking. The unit pays particular attention to the events and circumstances that, in recent times, have caused great difficulties in the financial sector, as well as the lessons learnt as a consequence.