FinTech Law and Policy from Coursera

Being a successful FinTech firm requires more than just great technology; it also requires an understanding of the laws and regulations applicable to your business. This course will provide you with that understanding. You will learn about the critical legal, regulatory, and policy issues associated with cryptocurrencies, initial coin offerings, online lending, new payments and wealth management technologies, and financial account aggregators. In addition, you will learn how regulatory agencies in the U.S. are continually adjusting to the emergence of new financial technologies and how one specific agency has proposed a path for FinTech firms to become regulated banks. You will also learn the basics of how banks are regulated in the U.S.

If you are unfamiliar with how these new financial technologies work, fear not. We will begin each new course section with a high-level overview of the underlying technology. While the course is principally focused on the U.S. FinTech industry, we cannot possibly cover every relevant legal and regulatory issue. Therefore, this course should not be construed as legal advice. Rather, the goal of the course is to familiarize you with the key legal and regulatory challenges FinTech firms in various sectors face, as well as the critical policy debates that are occurring in Washington D.C. and state capitals across the country.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to FinTech Law and Policy

In this course, you will learn about the critical legal, regulatory, and policy issues associated with cryptocurrencies, initial coin offerings, online lending, new payments and wealth management technologies, and financial account aggregators. In addition, you will learn how regulatory agencies in the U.S. are continually adjusting to the emergence of new financial technologies and how one specific agency, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, has proposed a path for FinTech firms to become regulated banks.

The Evolving Relationship Between FinTechs, Regulators, and Traditional Financial Institutions

This module begins with a preview of the key regulatory challenges facing FinTech firms and provides several examples of what can happen when FinTech firms fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations. We then look at how the FinTech industry has evolved post-2008 - from a disrupt mentality to one of “strategic partnership” - along with corresponding FinTech industry investment trends. Next, we examine the challenges regulators face in responding to new FinTech developments and detail how several U.S. regulatory agencies have adjusted thus far. We conclude this module by exploring one specific regulatory approach, known as a “sandbox,” that has been deployed in other countries and in one U.S. state.

Cryptocurrency and Initial Coin Offerings

This module first provides an overview of cryptocurrencies and distributed ledger technology, and then examines how cryptocurrency is regulated by various state and federal agencies. You will also learn how cryptocurrency is regulated as: money, a commodity, and property. The module concludes with an examination of initial coin offerings and their regulatory treatment.

FinTech Lending

This module will introduce you to the various types of FinTech lending models and the regulatory treatment of these lenders. You will learn how many FinTech lenders are partnering with regulated banks to get around the state-by-state restrictions that apply to non-bank lenders.

Banking Regulation in the U.S.

Many FinTech firms are interested in becoming regulated banks. This module will teach you about the process of becoming a bank and the government agencies responsible for regulating banks in the U.S. We will look at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s proposal to grant a new type of bank charter specifically for FinTech firms and the options currently available to FinTech firms that would like to become a bank.

FinTech Payments, Wealth Management, and Account Aggregation

The final module begins with an overview of the legal framework applicable to legacy payment systems in the U.S., followed by a review of how some FinTech firms are building on top of these systems to provide faster, more convenient, consumer payments while other FinTech firms are bypassing these systems all together by utilizing distributed ledger technology. From there we examine new technologies being deployed in the wealth management industry, including the use by some firms of “robo-advisors” to allocate investors’ portfolios using algorithms based on the investors’ data and risk preferences. You will see that robo-advisors are subject to the same oversight as traditional investment advisers. The module concludes by exploring the legal issues surrounding FinTech companies that allow consumers to aggregate the information from their various financial accounts.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Lee Reiners, CFA, who are recognized for their work in financial technology

Develops skills that are core for working with modern payment systems, wealth management, emerging FinTech services, and the regulatory environment that surrounds them

Highly relevant to senior executives, managers, and compliance professionals at financial technology companies as well as those at traditional financial services institutions

Includes several case studies to underscore key concepts and explain how FinTech firms today operate

Provides insight on how FinTech firms navigate the laws and regulations applicable to their business

Offers a comprehensive grounding in emerging FinTech services that learners can apply immediately

Reviews summary

Understanding fintech law and policy

Learners say this course provides an insightful overview of the laws and regulations governing FinTech. According to students, instructor Lee Reiners does a great job explaining complex legal topics in an easy-to-understand way. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the history of FinTech, the different types of FinTech companies, and the regulatory challenges that FinTech companies face. While the course is primarily focused on the US regulatory framework, it also provides a comparative perspective on the regulatory frameworks of other countries.

Difficult and challenging.

"Challenging and helpful."

"Very informative and challenging. "

"Very interesting course not to easy."

Practical learning experience.

"VERY INFORMATIVE COURSE"

"Great Learning Experience!"

"Very informative and interactive course. "

"Practical."

Clearly explained concepts.

"very good"

"informative"

"Easy to understand"

"very clear explanation"

"Excellently designed."

"well explained"

Excellent content.

"GOOD"

"Great"

"thanks"

"Good learning opportunity"

"Excellent course"

"very useful"

"great. "

Needs to be updated.

"Needs updated."

"Needs to be updated."

"content is outdated"

"Biggest weakness is lack of updates in the past two years."

"it cover mostly the U.S, not they global business"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in FinTech Law and Policy with these activities:

Seek Mentorship from FinTech Professionals

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Connect with experienced professionals in the FinTech industry to gain guidance and insights.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Identify potential mentors through your network or online platforms.
Reach out to them and express your interest in mentorship.
Establish regular communication channels and schedule meetings.

Research Introduction to FinTech Concepts

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Prepare for success in this course by building your foundational understanding of FinTech concepts such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and the regulatory landscape.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Read introductory articles on FinTech concepts from reputable sources.
Watch videos or attend webinars that provide an overview of FinTech.
Consider enrolling in a free online course or workshop on FinTech basics.

Practice Cryptocurrency Trading Simulation

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Enhance your understanding of cryptocurrency trading by participating in a simulated trading environment.

Browse courses on Cryptocurrency Trading

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Identify and sign up for a reputable cryptocurrency trading simulator.
Learn about the different types of cryptocurrencies and their trading pairs.
Practice placing buy and sell orders using virtual funds.

One other activity

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Analyze Case Studies of FinTech Disruptions

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Deepen your understanding of the impact of FinTech by examining real-life examples of its disruptive effects.

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Identify case studies of successful FinTech disruptions.
Analyze the key factors that contributed to their success.
Consider the regulatory challenges and opportunities involved in each case.

Career center

Learners who complete FinTech Law and Policy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

FinTech Policy Analyst

This course provides a thorough overview of the legal and policy issues affecting FinTech firms. Graduates will understand how to analyze these issues and how to develop policy recommendations that can help shape the future of the FinTech industry.

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Financial Regulator

The course provides a deep dive into the legal and regulatory frameworks governing FinTech. Graduates will be well-prepared to develop and implement policies that protect consumers and promote innovation in the financial services industry.

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FinTech Consultant

FinTech Consultants advise FinTech companies on a variety of legal and regulatory matters. This course will provide them with the knowledge they need to understand the legal and regulatory landscape governing their clients' businesses.

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FinTech Entrepreneur

FinTech Entrepreneurs will find this course to be very helpful, as it will provide them with the knowledge they need to navigate the legal and regulatory landscape governing their businesses. This knowledge will help them to avoid costly mistakes and to position their businesses for success.

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Compliance Lawyer

This course will be very useful for aspiring Compliance Lawyers, as it will provide them with a comprehensive overview of the legal and regulatory landscape governing FinTech companies. This knowledge will be essential for helping clients to navigate the complex legal issues involved in this industry.

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Corporate Lawyer

This course will be beneficial for Corporate Lawyers who advise FinTech clients. It will provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory issues that these companies face. This knowledge will enable them to provide better advice to their clients and to help them to avoid costly mistakes.

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AML Analyst

AML Analysts play a vital role in helping financial institutions to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. This course will provide them with the knowledge they need to understand the legal and regulatory requirements for AML compliance.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts play a vital role in identifying and mitigating risks within the financial services industry. This course will help them to understand the risks associated with FinTech companies and to develop strategies to manage these risks.

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KYC Analyst

KYC Analysts verify the identities of customers and assess their risk profiles. This course will provide them with the knowledge they need to understand the legal and regulatory requirements for KYC compliance.

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Bank Compliance Analyst

Bank Compliance Analysts play a crucial role in ensuring that the regulations are being followed within any given financial institution. Having a solid understanding of FinTech laws and policies is vital in order to excel in this career path. This course will help build a foundation for compliance in the FinTech industry.

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Identity Verification Analyst

Identity Verification Analysts verify the identities of individuals and businesses. This course will provide them with the knowledge they need to understand the legal and regulatory requirements for identity verification.

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Venture Capitalist

For those pursuing Venture Capital, this course will provide them with the knowledge they need to evaluate the legal and regulatory risks associated with FinTech investments. This knowledge will help them to make better investment decisions and to avoid costly mistakes.

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Fraud Analyst

Fraud Analysts investigate and prevent fraud. This course will provide them with the knowledge they need to understand the legal and regulatory requirements for fraud prevention.

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Investment Banker

This course will provide Investment Bankers with a valuable overview of the legal and regulatory issues involved in FinTech transactions. This knowledge will help them to provide better advice to their clients and to execute transactions more efficiently.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts will benefit greatly from this course, as it will help them to stay up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations affecting the financial services industry. This knowledge will enable them to provide better advice to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst