Learning plan cover

How global banking works

LEARNING PLAN

How global banking works

Global banking influences everything from the interest rate on your mortgage to international trade and economic crises that affect millions. This learning plan is essential for finance professionals, business leaders, policymakers, and anyone seeking to understand how money flows through our interconnected world and shapes economic outcomes.

ByCommunity User
3 h 7 m
12 coursesUpdated 8 days ago
The Ascent of MoneyBroken MoneyKnights Templar: Medieval Banking Empire to Fiery End12 sources

How This Learning Plan Was Made

This plan was crafted by BeFreed’s proprietary AI to help you learn How global banking works with ease. It is curated from in-depth research on the topic and structured around the most effective learning journeys proven by BeFreed users.

Each episode delivers bite-sized, high-impact lessons distilled from world-class sources — bestselling books, research papers, and expert insights. Together, they form a sophisticated yet accessible path to mastering How global banking works.

What You'll Learn

  • Trace the evolution of money and banking from ancient times to today's interconnected financial systems
  • Master how central banks use monetary policy tools to control inflation, interest rates, and economic stability
  • Understand how investment banks and financial markets move capital across borders to fuel global trade
  • Analyze historical financial crises to identify systemic risks and evaluate regulatory frameworks
  • Gain practical knowledge of how international banking institutions shape the global economy

Discover how money and banking evolved from ancient civilizations to modern financial systems, understanding the core principles that underpin global finance today.

The Ascent of Money cover
The Ascent of Money

A riveting exploration of financial history, revealing how money and banking shaped civilization and continue to drive global events.

9 m
Broken Money cover
Broken Money

A comprehensive analysis of the evolution and flaws of the modern monetary system.

9 m
podcast cover
Knights Templarsource 2The Knights Templar - The Rise and Fall of the Greatest Crusader Ordersource 4
6 sources
Knights Templar: Medieval Banking Empire to Fiery End

From nine impoverished warrior monks to Europe's first multinational corporation, the Knights Templar revolutionized medieval banking before their dramatic destruction by a debt-ridden French king in 1314.

27 m

Explore how central banks manage economies through monetary policy, interest rates, and financial stability, shaping everything from inflation to global economic growth.

The End of Alchemy cover
The End of Alchemy

An insightful exploration of global finance, examining how banking systems shape economies and proposing reforms for a stable future.

9 m
podcast cover
America’s BankThe Creature from Jekyll IslandThis Time Is DifferentThe Ascent of Money
19 sources
Birth of the Fed: America's Banking Evolution

This episode explores the Federal Reserve's creation in 1913 following financial panics, its unique decentralized structure, and how it evolved from crisis response to become America's central banking system.

27 m
Tower of Basel cover
Tower of Basel

Banking's secret power elite: where unelected money masters rule finance.

9 m

Understand how investment banks, financial markets, and international institutions facilitate global capital flows, trade, and economic integration.

podcast cover
10 fintech trends that define the industry's future - Plaid7 Biggest Innovations Shaping the Payments Industry in 20252025 Cross-Border Payments Trends for Financial Institutionssource 4
6 sources
Fintech Revolution: How Banks Are Experimenting with Tomorrow

Explore the dramatic transformation reshaping banking as financial institutions experiment with AI, real-time payments, stablecoins, and embedded finance. Discover key trends driving innovation from mobile-first banking to cross-border payment solutions.

10 m
What Happened to Goldman Sachs cover
What Happened to Goldman Sachs

Wall Street's golden empire: how Goldman Sachs lost its soul

9 m
podcast cover
Global Content MarketingThe Culture MapStrategy SafariHow to Run the World
25 sources
Navigating the Global Business Web

Explore how international trade shapes everything around us, from coffee mugs to smartphones, and discover the complex interplay of cultural intelligence, technology, and geopolitics reshaping global commerce.

20 m

Learn from history's banking crises and regulatory responses to understand systemic risks, financial stability mechanisms, and the future of global banking regulation.

This Time Is Different cover
This Time Is Different

Exploring 800 years of financial crises, debunking the 'this time is different' myth.

10 m
podcast cover
CrashedShutdownThis Time Is DifferentThe Only Game In Town
17 sources
Financial Crises: History's Recurring Nightmare

Explore the cyclical nature of economic disasters, from the Tulip Mania of 1637 to the 2008 crash and beyond, examining common patterns, warning signs, and how to protect yourself when the next crisis inevitably arrives.

38 m
podcast cover
Credit Risk Management: Understanding Counterparty Credit RiskISDA Master Agreement: A Comprehensive GuideCredit Support Annex (CSA) ExplainedGlobal Master Securities Lending Agreement (GMSLA)
6 sources
The Hidden Architecture of Financial Trust

Explore the sophisticated legal frameworks protecting our financial system from collapse. Discover how ISDA agreements, Credit Support Annexes, and close-out netting prevent another 2008-style crisis through invisible risk management architecture.

10 m

Users also liked

Financial policy

Financial policy

LEARNING PLAN

Financial policy

This learning plan is essential for policymakers, financial professionals, and economists who need to understand how governments and institutions shape economic outcomes. It provides the analytical framework to evaluate financial policy decisions, from central bank interventions to international coordination efforts. Whether you're working in government, financial services, or economic research, this knowledge is critical for navigating today's interconnected global economy.

2 h 11 m4 Sections
Global history & politics

Global history & politics

LEARNING PLAN

Global history & politics

This learning plan provides essential context for understanding today's complex global landscape by combining historical perspective with contemporary geopolitical analysis. It's ideal for professionals in international business, policy, journalism, or anyone seeking to make informed decisions in an interconnected world where global events increasingly affect local realities.

1 h 57 m4 Sections
Finance, Geopolitics & Key Knowledge Areas

Finance, Geopolitics & Key Knowledge Areas

LEARNING PLAN

Finance, Geopolitics & Key Knowledge Areas

This integrated learning plan is designed for ambitious professionals and lifelong learners who want to understand how the world really works. It's particularly valuable for those seeking to make better investment decisions, understand global trends, and build systems for sustained personal and professional growth while connecting insights across disciplines that are rarely taught together.

1 h 55 m4 Sections
History and finance

History and finance

LEARNING PLAN

History and finance

This learning plan bridges the critical gap between historical context and modern financial literacy, essential for anyone seeking to make informed investment decisions or understand economic forces shaping our world. It's ideal for aspiring investors, finance professionals, entrepreneurs, and curious learners who want to understand why markets behave the way they do by studying centuries of financial evolution and recurring patterns.

3 h 22 m4 Sections
Best ways to manage money

Best ways to manage money

LEARNING PLAN

Best ways to manage money

Effective money management is the cornerstone of financial security and freedom, yet most people never receive formal education in personal finance. This learning plan is ideal for anyone looking to take control of their financial future—whether you're just starting your career, struggling with debt, or ready to accelerate your path to financial independence.

2 h 20 m4 Sections
Learn econ frameworks for investing

Learn econ frameworks for investing

LEARNING PLAN

Learn econ frameworks for investing

This learning plan is essential for anyone seeking to make informed financial decisions by understanding the complete economic picture—from global markets to personal portfolios. It's ideal for aspiring investors, finance professionals, or individuals who want to move beyond surface-level financial advice and develop a systematic, theory-grounded approach to building wealth. By connecting macroeconomic principles to practical investment strategies, learners gain the critical thinking framework needed to navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence.

2 h 28 m4 Sections
Manage money better

Manage money better

LEARNING PLAN

Manage money better

Financial stress affects millions of people who lack the foundational knowledge to manage money effectively. This learning plan is ideal for anyone feeling overwhelmed by debt, struggling to save consistently, or uncertain about how to build wealth for the future. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to optimize your existing finances, these modules provide a clear path from basic money management to advanced wealth-building strategies.

2 h 27 m4 Sections
Money, psychology and human behavior

Money, psychology and human behavior

LEARNING PLAN

Money, psychology and human behavior

This learning plan bridges the gap between knowing what to do with money and actually doing it by addressing the psychological roots of financial behavior. It's ideal for anyone who has struggled with money decisions despite understanding basic financial principles, professionals seeking to improve their financial outcomes, and individuals curious about why they repeat the same financial patterns. Whether you're an investor, saver, or simply want to make smarter money choices, understanding the psychology behind your decisions is the key to lasting financial transformation.

1 h 52 m4 Sections

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

See More Stories?

How people are talking about BeFreed across the web
Start your learning journey, now