Perry Mehrling's Columbia course on the 'money view' of the financial system — how money, banking and credit actually work. It is intellectually deep and genuinely changes how you see finance and crises. Take it for understanding rather than practical trading tips, and expect real thinking.
Good for: Learners who want a deep, conceptual understanding of money, banking and the financial system.
Less suitable if: You want practical personal-finance or investing tips, or a light overview.
You want to understand how the financial system works
You enjoy conceptual depth
You have some economics interest
Consider something else if you…
You want personal-finance or investing tips
You want a quick overview
You dislike theory
Requirements: Some economics interest helps; intermediate.
Realistic time: About 35 hours; several weeks part-time.
About this course
Economics of Money and Banking is unlike most finance courses. Columbia's Perry Mehrling teaches a 'money view' of the system — following the flow of payments, credit, and dealer balance sheets — that explains how banking really works and why financial crises unfold the way they do. It rewards careful attention and gives you a lens you won't get from standard textbooks.
What you'll learn
Trace how payments and credit flow through the banking system
Apply the 'money view' to read financial events
Understand the role of dealers and balance sheets in markets
Explain how central banks intervene and why
See the mechanics behind financial crises
Connect money-market plumbing to the wider economy
This course includes
Yes
Certificate
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language
What it costs
Free to audit on Coursera; the certificate needs a subscription, with financial aid available.
Comparison · LBS
Compare alternatives for Economics of Money and Banking
Same topic, different options. We surface the trade-offs others hide so you can pick the course that actually fits your time, budget, and goals.
The certificate is issued through Coursera with Columbia University. The understanding you gain is the real value.
Last updated
Instructor
PM
Perry Mehrling
Coursera instructor
Perry Mehrling is a professor of economics known for his 'money view' framework and his book 'The New Lombard Street.' His teaching is a genuine intellectual perspective, not a survey — which is why this course has a devoted following.