FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services from Coursera

The FinTech revolution is rapidly transforming the financial industry. The use of digital technologies is the norm, and together with regulatory and market changes it is creating a revolution. After completion of the module, you'll be able to: describe the changes that influence the financial sector, understand the complexity of the payment infrastructure, identify and explain the key payment instruments and how they function, understand the types of money that exits, and recognize changes in the regulatory frameworks and how they inhibit or promote innovation.

To begin, I recommend taking a few minutes to explore the course site. A good place to start is the navigation bar on the left. Click Course Content to see what material we’ll cover each week, as well preview the assignments you’ll need to complete to pass the course. Click Discussions to see forums where you can discuss the course material with fellow students taking the class. Be sure to introduce yourself to everyone in the Meet and Greet forum!

This course should take about four weeks to complete. You can check out the recommended course schedule below to see a quick overview of the lessons and assignments you’ll complete each week.

By the time you finish this course, you’ll have mastered mastered the transformational forces of digitalization and the new competitive dynamics it gives rise to, learned from leading financial companies and seen inspirational examples from the digital masters.

Good luck as you get started. I look forward to seeing you in class!

What's inside

Syllabus

FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services

The FinTech revolution is rapidly transforming the financial industry. The use of digital technologies is the norm, and together with regulatory and market changes it is creating a revolution. To begin, we recommend taking a few minutes to explore the course site. A good place to start is the navigation bar on the left. Click 'Course Content' to see what material we will cover each week, as well preview the assignments you will need to complete. Click 'Discussions' to see forums where you can discuss the course material with fellow students taking the class. Be sure to introduce yourself to everyone in the 'Meet and Greet' forum! This course should take four weeks to complete. You can check out the recommended course schedule below to see a quick overview of the lessons and assignments you will complete each week. After completion of the course, you'll be able to: describe the changes that influence the financial sector, understand the complexity of the payment infrastructure, identify and explain the key payment instruments and how they function, understand the types of money that exits, and recognize changes in the regulatory frameworks and how they inhibit or promote innovation.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for those with an interest in financial services or the financial technology industry

Beginner-friendly course suitable for those with little or no experience or prior knowledge in financial technologies

Taught by Stefan Henningsson and Jonas Hedman, recognized academics and industry experts in financial technologies

Course explores key concepts essential to financial technologies, including regulatory changes and market challenges

Offers a practical approach, with insights from leading financial companies and real-world examples

Recommended course schedule provided, allowing learners to plan their time effectively

Reviews summary

Fintech: basic overview with dated content

According to learners, this course provides a good overview and structured introduction to the basics of FinTech. However, a significant number of recent students report that the content is outdated, lacking coverage of modern topics like cryptocurrency and current regulations. Many also noted poor production quality in the videos, with lecturers appearing to read from scripts. While useful as a starting point, it may require supplementary learning to gain a current understanding of the rapidly evolving FinTech landscape.

Course organization is clear and logical.

"The course structure itself was logical and easy to follow."

"I appreciated how the modules were organized, it flowed well."

"The way the topics were laid out made sense and built upon each other."

Helpful as a starting point for FinTech.

"A good introduction to the world of FinTech!"

"It provides a solid starting point for understanding the FinTech landscape."

"I got a helpful basic understanding of the field from this course."

Lectures have technical issues.

"The video quality is very poor, bad audio and lighting."

"It seemed like the lecturers were just reading from a teleprompter."

"Production quality was low, which was distracting and unprofessional."

Too basic, doesn't cover key topics well.

"Information was very general and lacked depth, especially for someone looking for more than a basic introduction."

"I was disappointed it didn't cover Cryptocurrency or Blockchain sufficiently."

"It stays on a high level, not enough detail for someone already familiar with finance."

"Too generic, felt more like a long presentation than a detailed course."

Information and examples are not current.

"The content felt outdated, especially concerning recent developments in areas like PSD2 and Neobanks."

"Many examples and statistics are from several years ago... The information doesn't feel current."

"Content is old, does not cover current aspects which is crucial in FinTech."

"I was expecting more up-to-date examples and trends."

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 and the Transformation in Financial Services with these activities:

Organize Course Materials for Future Reference

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Stay organized by compiling and structuring your course materials for easy access and future revision.

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Create a dedicated folder or notebook for the course.
Organize your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams systematically.
Categorize and label materials based on topics or modules.
Use color coding, highlights, or annotations to emphasize key concepts.

Review Essential Mathematics

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Review fundamental mathematical concepts to strengthen your understanding of key principles used in financial modeling and analysis.

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Review basic arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Brush up on algebra, including solving equations and inequalities.
Revisit calculus concepts, such as derivatives and integrals.
Practice applying mathematical formulas to financial scenarios.

Join a Study Group with Classmates

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Enhance your learning through collaboration by joining or forming a study group with classmates.

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Connect with classmates through the course platform or social media.
Establish regular meeting times and a communication channel.
Review course materials together, discuss concepts, and clarify doubts.
Work on assignments or projects collaboratively, sharing insights and perspectives.

Five other activities

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Explore Online Tutorials on Payment Systems

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Delve deeper into payment systems and mechanisms by following guided tutorials and online resources.

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Identify reputable online platforms or MOOCs offering tutorials on payment systems.
Select tutorials that align with your learning objectives and skill level.
Follow the tutorials diligently, taking notes and practicing the concepts demonstrated.
Engage in discussion forums or online communities related to payment systems to clarify doubts.

Attend a FinTech Industry Workshop

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Expand your knowledge and connect with professionals by attending a FinTech industry workshop.

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Identify upcoming FinTech workshops or conferences in your area or online.
Register for the workshop and prepare for the sessions.
Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and take notes.
Network with industry experts, professionals, and fellow attendees.

Solve Financial Modeling Exercises

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Sharpen your financial modeling skills by practicing exercises that simulate real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

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Access online platforms or textbooks that provide financial modeling exercises.
Select exercises that cover different aspects of financial modeling, such as budgeting, forecasting, and valuation.
Build financial models in Excel or other software tools, applying the concepts and formulas learned in the course.
Analyze the results and identify areas for improvement in your modeling skills.

volunteer with a FinTech Startup or Nonprofit

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Apply your knowledge and skills practically by volunteering with a FinTech startup or nonprofit organization.

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Identify FinTech startups or nonprofit organizations that align with your interests.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteering opportunities.
Participate in projects, assist with research, or provide support based on your skills and the organization's needs.
Gain hands-on experience in the FinTech industry and make a meaningful contribution.

Develop a Case Study on a FinTech Innovation

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Solidify your understanding of FinTech by creating a comprehensive case study that analyzes a specific FinTech innovation.

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Identify a FinTech innovation or company that interests you.
Research the innovation, its market impact, and the underlying technology.
Develop a framework for your case study, outlining the key elements you will analyze.
Gather data from various sources, such as company reports, news articles, and industry research.
Analyze the data and present your findings in a clear and concise report.

Career center

Learners who complete FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

FinTech Consultant

FinTech Consultants advise FinTech companies on a variety of topics, including strategy, operations, and technology. The FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course can provide FinTech Consultants with a deep understanding of the FinTech industry and its unique challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for FinTech Consultant

FinTech Entrepreneur

With the rapid growth of the FinTech industry, entrepreneurs are finding new opportunities to create innovative financial products and services. The FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course can provide FinTech Entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this dynamic industry.

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Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers are responsible for ensuring that FinTech companies comply with all applicable laws and regulations. The FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course can provide Compliance Officers with a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape of the FinTech industry.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers advise FinTech companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions. The FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course can provide Investment Bankers with a deep understanding of the FinTech industry and its unique challenges.

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Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage FinTech companies. The FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course can provide Venture Capitalists with a deep understanding of the FinTech industry and its investment opportunities.

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Academic

Academics research the FinTech industry and teach courses on FinTech. The FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course can provide Academics with a deep understanding of the FinTech industry and its latest developments.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying and mitigating risks within the FinTech industry. The FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course can provide Risk Managers with a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with FinTech and how to manage them effectively.

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Financial Journalist

Financial Journalists write about the FinTech industry for a variety of publications. The FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course can provide Financial Journalists with a deep understanding of the FinTech industry and its latest developments.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers play a key role in promoting and selling FinTech products and services. The FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course can help Marketing Managers develop a deep understanding of the FinTech industry and its target market.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for developing and launching new financial products and services. The FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course can provide Product Managers with a comprehensive understanding of the FinTech industry and its unique challenges.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers are in high demand in the FinTech industry. The FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course can provide a solid foundation for Software Engineers who want to specialize in the development of financial software solutions.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist plays a significant role in the FinTech industry, where they analyze vast amounts of data to uncover patterns and trends. By combining the knowledge gained from the FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course with their technical skills, Data Scientists can add even more value to their work.

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Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors play a crucial role in guiding individuals and organizations in making informed financial decisions. The FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course can provide valuable insights into the latest financial technologies and their impact on the industry, allowing Financial Advisors to stay ahead of the curve.

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Financial Analyst

In the era of FinTech, Financial Analysts are responsible for understanding the complexities of the financial markets and providing valuable advice to clients. Taking the FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course can provide a solid foundation for those seeking to enter this field.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst may play a significant role in the FinTech industry, where they can provide valuable insights by analyzing financial data and business processes. The FinTech and the Transformation in Financial Services course may be helpful in developing the skills needed to identify and solve business problems in the FinTech sector.

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