Term projects prepared as part of the “Financial Literacy, Financial Diplomacy, and Security” course offered at Yıldız Technical University addressed topics such as global finance, geopolitical risks, and economic security through an interdisciplinary approach. Through this course, students gain a strategic perspective by analyzing the current dynamics of the international financial system. Prof. Dr. Güler Aras stated that their goal is to contribute to the development of well-equipped and visionary financial diplomats who will play an active role in Turkey’s international financial ecosystem.

Conducted in collaboration between Yıldız Technical University (YTÜ)’s Center for Finance, Corporate Governance, and Sustainability (CFGS) and the Capital Markets Board (SPK), the “Financial Literacy, Financial Diplomacy, and Security" course, conducted in collaboration between Yıldız Technical University (YTÜ) Center for Finance, Corporate Governance, and Sustainability (CFGS) and the Capital Markets Board (SPK), continues to prepare students for the changing dynamics of the global financial system.

The term projects prepared as part of the course, led by Buket Salkım—SPK Presidential Advisor and YTÜ Lecturer—drew attention with their interdisciplinary approach that brings together finance, geopolitics, national security, and international relations.

Financial diplomacy was addressed from multiple perspectives

These projects, which bridge academic knowledge with practical application, serve as pioneering examples in the field of financial diplomacy that meet international standards. The “Financial Literacy, Financial Diplomacy, and Security” course examines the transformation of financial systems within the context of international relations, geopolitics, and security.

Through this course, students learn about the global impacts of economic sanctions, the functioning of the reserve currency system, the geopolitical importance of financial infrastructure, the strategic value of data intelligence and financial data analytics, the effects of asymmetric information on economic sovereignty, and the transformation of the global financial architecture—all illustrated through current examples.

Each week, in line with the topic covered, senior executives from public institutions who are experts in their fields, experienced bureaucrats, and industry professionals share their knowledge, practical experience, and sector-specific perspectives with students.

The effects of geopolitical and military tensions on the financial system were assessed

In one of the standout term projects prepared as part of the course, the effects of rising geopolitical and military tensions in the Middle East on the financial system were comprehensively assessed.

The project analyzed international sanctions, international payment systems (including SWIFT), energy security, cyber threats, and the role of financial mechanisms in states’ foreign policy and security strategies, using concrete data to demonstrate how financial instruments are used as a geopolitical power tool today.

In another project, one of South America’s major economies was evaluated through a holistic approach, taking into account its internal political structure, macroeconomic vulnerabilities, defense industry, capital markets, and financial diplomacy.

“A strong and successful example of university-public sector collaboration”

Prof. Dr. Güler Aras, Founding Director of the YTÜ Center for Finance, Corporate Governance, and Sustainability (CFGS), noted that this course serves as a strong and successful example of collaboration between the university and public institutions.

Aras emphasized that academia is not merely a structure that produces academic knowledge but also one that develops strategic solutions capable of shaping global developments.

Noting that the SPK has implemented very important projects in the field of financial literacy both nationally and internationally, Aras emphasized that the synergy between the SPK’s approach—which treats financial literacy as a fundamental component of sustainable development and financial security—and YTÜ’s academic expertise will continue to produce high-quality work meeting international standards in the future.

“We are training qualified human resources in the field of financial diplomacy”

Aras recalled that in March, as part of Global Money Week (GMW), they organized an important program on financial literacy at the historic Otağ-ı Hümayun building, "Buket Salkım, who also serves as the National Coordinator of Global Money Week, is filling a significant gap with her work in financial literacy and financial diplomacy, while the financial diplomacy course teaches our students to combine finance and strategy," he stated.

Noting that the projects prepared by the students successfully reflect the university’s research capacity, analytical approach, and culture of interdisciplinary work, Aras added, “Students taking the ‘Financial Literacy, Financial Diplomacy, and Security” have gained the ability to evaluate global financial developments from multiple perspectives, develop analytical thinking skills, and acquire the capabilities needed to compete at the international level.”

Referring to the objectives of these initiatives, Aras said, “Our goal is to contribute to the development of well-equipped and visionary financial diplomats who will play an active role in Turkey’s international financial ecosystem. Buket Salkım said, “With an interdisciplinary approach, she prepares term projects for students to analyze the interaction between financial markets and international relations.”

“The impact of organized crime structures on the global financial system was assessed”

Aras noted that while preparing this project, students addressed current topics such as financial literacy, financial diplomacy, economic security, and global risk management from an academic perspective, and offered the following assessment:

"In the practical assignments given as part of the course, students were asked to analyze the strategies states employ during times of war and crisis to gain the upper hand not only through military force but also through financial sanctions, capital flows, payment systems, energy policies, and economic tools, assess, from an academic perspective, how finance has become one of the defining elements of modern warfare, as well as the impact of money laundering networks, rented IBAN structures, illegal online betting and gambling organizations, and organized crime structures on the global financial system and economic security."

A Call to YKS Candidates

Aras also addressed candidates who will be making their college choices following the announcement of YKS results, noting that human resources with an understanding of the transformation of global finance and a strategic perspective are becoming increasingly important with each passing day. Aras invited young people aiming for a career in finance to join YTÜ.

“We view financial literacy as a strategic security element”

Buket Salkım, the course’s founder and instructor—who serves as an Advisor to the Chairman of the Capital Markets Board (SPK) and a Lecturer at YTÜ—also commented on the subject, stating, “Financial literacy is more than just a competency that enables individuals to make informed financial decisions; we view it as a strategic element that strengthens national financial security by increasing societies’ resilience against financial risks and enables our country to conduct more effective financial diplomacy within the global financial system.”