LL4Z9 Half Unit
Banking Law
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Jo Braithwaite
Availability
This course is available on the LLM (extended part-time), LLM (full-time), MSc in Law and Finance and University of Pennsylvania Law School LLM Visiting Students. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to apply: Priority will be given initially to LLM, MSc Regulation and MSc Law and Finance students on a first-come-first-served allocation.
Spaces permitting, requests from all other students will be processed on the same first-come-first-served allocation from 10am on Thursday 2 October 2025
By submitting an application, students are confirming that they meet any pre-requisites specified. Providing an additional written statement will not aid a student's chances of being accepted onto a course, and statements are not read.
Deadline for application: Not applicable
For queries contact: Law.llm@lse.ac.uk
This course has a limited number of places and demand is typically high. This may mean that you’re not able to get a place on this course.
Course content
This course focuses on the private law of banking as it relates to the core banking activities. In particular, we look at the deposit-taking relationship, the legal issues surrounding bank payment services, and the inter-disciplinary debates about the changing nature of money and payments. The course aims to be both domestic and international in perspective, though the emphasis will be on English law. Topics include: 1. The deposit-taking relationship, including the duty of confidentiality; 2. Money, transfers of money and payment including the ongoing debates around/ development of new digital currencies by central banks and decentralised payment systems, including the debates about central bank digital currencies; 3. Bank payment methods: funds transfers and unauthorised payments including the debate around tackling ‘authorised push payment’ or APP scams; and 4. Bank payment services in an international context, letters of credit.
Teaching
20 hours of seminars in the Autumn Term.
2 hours of seminars in the Spring Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
Two hours of teaching content each week in Autumn Term and a two hour revision class in the Spring Term. There will be a Reading Week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
Formative assessment
Students will be asked to submit one essay, which may be written in exam conditions. Students will also be expected to take part in individual and group presentations during the course.
Indicative reading
For introductory purposes, students are referred to Cranston et al, Principles of Banking Law (OUP, 3rd ed, 2017). Full reading lists will be distributed during the course. Please note that students will be expected to locate, review and prepare answers for discussion in class based on primary legal sources including English cases and legislation for this course.
Assessment
Exam (100%), duration: 150 Minutes, reading time: 15 minutes in the Spring exam period
Key facts
Department: LSE Law School
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: Unavailable
Average class size 2024/25: Unavailable
Controlled access 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Communication
- Specialist skills