DISCUSSION QUESTION
Question 1
Debate and experimentation are on-going, regarding the introduction of central bank issued digital currencies (CBDC) amongst central bankers. Some countries are more advanced in their
CBDC work while others are still on the drawing table.
Examine the pace of CBDC progress in these countries — Singapore, US and China and rank their relative progress.
Discuss and explain the factors behind the differences in pace of CBDC progress in these three countries.
Make good uses of examples, statistics and events to augment and conclude your discussion.
Word Limit: Less than 1000 words
(25 marks)

Question 2
Discuss the need and role of financial services in the society.
Based on your discussion, list two (2) basic financial services that should be available to every individual.
As an example, making a payment service available to everyone is realized to be a basic financial service because it allows a household to reach out to a greater support network in times of financial distress.
Make good uses of examples, statistics and events to augment and conclude your discussion.
Word Limit: Less than 1000 words
(25 marks)
Question 3
A robo-advisor made extensive of automation to made periodic purchases of stocks on behalf of her clients. Given the databases of clients’ portfolios, the trading prices of stocks, and the following Python inputs in Figure 1, Figure 1. Python inputs
Design and create Python code that can be used to evaluate the total units of target_stock to be purchased on purchase_date for all portfolios under management. You are reminded that integer units of target_stock must be acquired for each portfolio. Print the total units of target_stock to be purchased on purchase_date clearly in your script.
You are reminded that your code must be driven entirely off the inputs given in Figure 1.
Appendix A documents the working of the robo-advisor and Appendix B documents the data structure of the data files provided.