We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Andreas Park

This course explores the evolution of payments over time and its impact on the world economy by examining the interplay between payments and the economy, and delving into the role and legalities of payments in the international context.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Skills to recognize the functions of money.
  • The key elements of different types of payment transactions.
  • The specifics of know-your-customer (kyc), anti-money laundering (aml), and combating the financing of terrorism (cft) rules.
  • Actions that financial institutions must undertake to comply with international payment laws, and what that implies for businesses' cross-border payments.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops knowledge of different payment transaction types, which is core for careers in finance
Teaches skills to recognize the functions of money, which is relevant to personal finances
Examines the impact of payments on the world economy, which is valuable knowledge for economists
Explores the interplay between payments and the economy, which is relevant to business
Teaches the key elements of different types of payment transactions, which is relevant to professionals in finance and commerce
Delves into the role of payments in the international context, which is useful for those working in international business or finance

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Evolution of payments: regulations & global impact

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and well-structured overview of the payment landscape, from historical context to modern regulations. Students particularly praise its deep dive into KYC/AML and international payment laws, finding it highly relevant for professionals in finance, banking, and compliance. The instructors are consistently described as engaging and expert, making complex topics accessible. While it offers a strong foundational understanding, some reviews indicate a desire for more in-depth coverage of emerging payment technologies like stablecoins or modern fintech solutions, suggesting it leans more towards traditional and regulatory aspects than cutting-edge innovations.
Provides a solid base, but may not be for advanced technical insights.
"Good for a foundational understanding, but perhaps not for those seeking advanced technical insights into payment systems architecture."
"It's a good foundation, but be prepared to seek additional resources if you're interested in truly 'next-gen' payments."
"The course has some interesting historical context but feels a bit basic at times."
Instructors are experts; quizzes and readings reinforce learning.
"The instructors were engaging and clearly experts in their field. The weekly quizzes were challenging but fair, and the readings provided excellent supplementary material."
"The instructor's passion for the subject was evident, making the lectures very engaging."
"The quizzes reinforced learning effectively."
Provides a thorough and clear understanding of payment evolution.
"The content was incredibly comprehensive, covering everything from the historical context of money to the latest trends in digital payments and blockchain."
"The material is well-structured and presented clearly. I found the segments on cross-border payments and the legal frameworks particularly insightful."
"Very informative course... The historical perspective was also valuable for context. Overall, a very worthwhile learning experience."
Excellent coverage of KYC, AML, and international payment laws.
"I especially appreciated the deep dive into KYC/AML regulations, which is directly applicable to my job in compliance."
"The focus on compliance (AML, CFT) was a huge plus for my career development."
"An incredibly insightful course! The depth of knowledge shared on international payment laws and the intricacies of the financial system was outstanding."
"The emphasis on KYC/AML was very relevant for my work."
Less focus on modern fintech and future payment innovations.
"I was hoping for more depth on emerging payment technologies like stablecoins or central bank digital currencies."
"It focuses heavily on traditional payment systems and regulatory compliance... I felt it lacked sufficient coverage of disruptive technologies."
"A solid course... I sometimes wished for more practical case studies or examples related to modern fintech solutions."

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 The Evolution of Payments with these activities:
Cross-Border Payments Tutorial
Follow online tutorials and resources to gain practical knowledge on the processes and challenges of cross-border payments.
Show steps
  • Identify the different types of cross-border payment methods.
  • Compare the costs and timelines of different payment methods.
  • Explore the regulatory and compliance considerations for cross-border payments.
Review: International Payment Systems
Read and analyze a book on international payment systems to deepen your understanding of the global payment landscape and its complexities.
Show steps
  • Read and summarize key chapters of the book.
  • Identify the major themes and insights presented in the book.
  • Relate the book's content to the course material.
Payment Regulations Database
Compile a database of relevant payment regulations from different jurisdictions to enhance your understanding of the legal landscape.
Show steps
  • Identify key regulatory authorities and their websites.
  • Gather and organize payment regulations from different sources.
  • Create a structured system for accessing and referencing the regulations.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
KYC/AML Case Study Analysis
Engage in group discussions and case study analysis to develop a deeper understanding of KYC/AML regulations and their impact on payments.
Show steps
  • Review real-world KYC/AML case studies.
  • Analyze the effectiveness of different KYC/AML measures.
  • Discuss best practices for implementing KYC/AML policies.
Create a Mock Financial Institution
Construct a mock bank or payment processor to better understand the flow of payments between different stakeholders, and the regulations that govern them.
Show steps
  • Choose a type of financial institution to simulate.
  • Research the applicable regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Design the mock institution's structure, processes, and systems.
  • Test and simulate different payment scenarios.
Payment Scenarios Analysis
Analyze various payment scenarios to improve your decision-making and problem-solving skills in handling different payment transactions.
Show steps
  • Identify common payment scenarios.
  • Analyze the different factors that influence payment choices.
  • Develop strategies for optimizing payment efficiency and reducing risks.
Payment Technology Workshop
Attend a workshop to explore emerging payment technologies and their impact on the future of payments.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant workshops.
  • Register and attend the workshop.
  • Actively participate in discussions and demonstrations.
Payment Ecosystem Whitepaper
Write a whitepaper that explores a specific aspect of the payment ecosystem, such as the impact of blockchain technology on payments or the role of artificial intelligence in fraud detection.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic within the payment ecosystem.
  • Research and gather relevant data and insights.
  • Analyze the data and develop key findings.
  • Write a well-structured and informative whitepaper.

Career center

Learners who complete The Evolution of Payments will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 48 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Evolution of Payments.
Provides a broad understanding of AML regulations and their practical implementation. It's a useful reference tool for understanding how rules apply to real-life scenarios and offers actionable guidance for combatting money laundering challenges. It is often cited as a comprehensive guide in the field.
Offers a comprehensive treatment of AML/CFT and sanctions compliance programs, focusing on key problems and practice areas. It is particularly useful for understanding the risk-based approach and the challenges of compliance within the financial industry. Often used in academic and professional programs.
A foundational text in economics, this book offers a deep dive into the theoretical underpinnings of money, banking, and financial markets. It's essential for a thorough understanding of how these institutions function within the broader economy. This commonly used textbook in undergraduate and graduate economics and finance programs.
This reference provides comprehensive guidance on Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) within the BSA/AML framework. It's a practical tool for compliance professionals needing detailed information on CDD and EDD processes.
Focuses specifically on the management of financial institutions with a strong emphasis on risk management. It's crucial for understanding the challenges and strategies involved in running these complex organizations. Often used as a textbook for finance majors, it provides practical knowledge for aspiring professionals.
A widely used textbook covering the management and financial services offered by banks and other financial institutions. It provides a detailed look at the operations and strategies of these entities. This comprehensive resource for understanding the practical aspects of managing financial institutions.
Tells the story of the investigation into the Panama Papers, exposing the world of offshore finance and tax evasion. It's highly relevant to understanding the mechanisms used for hiding illicit wealth and the importance of transparency.
Focusing on the core concepts and techniques of financial risk management, this book is essential for understanding how institutions identify, measure, and manage various types of financial risk. It covers lessons learned from past crises, making it highly relevant for current practice. This key text for those seeking to deepen their understanding of risk in finance.
Drawing from extensive experience, Cassara examines traditional and emerging money laundering methodologies. offers a law enforcement perspective on the fight against financial crime and explores innovative solutions. It's particularly useful for understanding the practical challenges of tracing illicit funds.
Offers a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of modern banking. It covers key areas such as bank regulation, risk management, and lending. It solid resource for gaining a broad understanding of how banks operate. This useful text for both students and professionals in the banking sector.
Examines the impact of technology and changing consumer behavior on the banking industry. It explores the future of financial services and the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation. This is highly relevant for understanding contemporary trends and the future of financial institutions.
This e-book explores the role of technology, including AI and machine learning, in enhancing AML compliance. It addresses contemporary challenges in navigating the evolving financial crime landscape and how technology can help. Relevant for understanding current trends and future directions in AML.
Offers a concise yet comprehensive treatment of US banking regulation, risk management, and compliance. It provides a broad perspective by comparing US regulations with international standards. It's designed for professionals and graduate students and serves as a useful reference for understanding the interconnectedness of regulation, risk, and compliance.
Provides a comprehensive review of ML and TF mechanisms, methods, and techniques. It includes case studies and approaches to implementation, making it a valuable resource for gaining a detailed understanding of the ecosystem of financial crime.
Likely a comprehensive guide covering both AML and CFT, this book would be valuable for professionals seeking to understand the interconnectedness of these two areas. It would provide a deeper understanding of the regulatory landscape and practical applications.
Offers a sweeping history of finance, tracing the evolution of financial institutions and markets from ancient times to the present. It provides a broad cultural and historical context for understanding the development of the financial system. This is excellent for gaining a wide perspective on the topic.
Michael Lewis's account of the housing bubble and the 2008 financial crisis from the perspective of those who predicted it. It sheds light on the complexities of financial instruments and the behavior of market participants. is excellent for illustrating the real-world consequences of financial practices and is highly engaging additional reading.
Investigates the world of offshore finance and how it facilitates illicit financial flows. It provides a broad understanding of the global systems that enable money laundering and the challenges in combating them.
Explores the growing field of sustainable finance, covering the products, instruments, and trends related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in finance. It's crucial for understanding a major contemporary development impacting financial institutions and markets. This provides valuable insights into the future direction of finance.
Provides practical guidance on navigating the complex world of financial regulation and compliance. It's crucial for understanding the legal and regulatory environment in which financial institutions operate. This useful reference tool for professionals and advanced students.
This investigative work delves into the inner workings and controversies surrounding a major global bank. It highlights issues of governance, risk, and the intersection of finance and politics. provides a contemporary and often critical perspective on the challenges faced by large financial institutions.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book provides a historical perspective on the role of central bankers during the lead-up to the Great Depression. It offers valuable insights into the impact of financial institutions and policy decisions on global events. While not a textbook, it's essential additional reading for understanding the historical context of financial crises.
Explores how criminals exploit financial systems for various illicit activities, including money laundering. It provides real-world case studies and insights into the mechanisms used. This is valuable for gaining a deeper understanding of the 'why' and 'how' behind the need for AML measures.
An authoritative examination of trade-based money laundering (TBML), this book discusses common techniques and the challenges in detecting them. It's valuable for understanding a specific and growing area of money laundering. Provides insight into TBML methods and using analytics for detection.
A monumental work examining wealth and income inequality over centuries, this book provides crucial context for understanding the role of capital and financial systems in shaping economic disparities. While not solely focused on institutions, it's vital for comprehending the broader economic environment in which they operate. is highly influential and important reading for graduate students and professionals.
A critical look at the role of the UK in facilitating global money laundering. offers a specific case study of how a developed nation can become a hub for illicit finance, adding depth to the understanding of the global AML landscape.
Illuminates the massive scale of global money laundering and how criminal and terrorist organizations infiltrate legitimate systems. It covers sophisticated methods used to clean money, including cyber laundering, and discusses AML strategies. Useful for understanding the broader context and impact of money laundering.
Delves into the intricate realm of modern financial crime combating from a legal perspective. It is valuable for understanding the legal frameworks and challenges associated with AML and other financial crimes.
Considered the bible of value investing, this book outlines fundamental principles for successful long-term investing. While focused on the stock market, its core tenets about analyzing value and managing risk are broadly applicable to understanding money and financial markets. It classic 'must-read' for anyone interested in investing.
This anthropological perspective on debt challenges conventional understandings of economic history and the role of financial systems. It provides a broad historical and cultural context for the concept of debt and its impact on societies. offers a unique and thought-provoking lens through which to view the origins and evolution of financial relationships.
This compendium provides a collection of key international conventions and agreements related to AML. It vital reference tool for understanding the legal and regulatory framework governing AML efforts globally. Useful for academic and professional research.
Provides a historical and theoretical overview of the economics of payments, discussing topics such as the evolution of money, the role of banks in the payments system, and the impact of new technologies.
Specifically examines the experiences of legal professionals in complying with AML regimes. It highlights the challenges faced by the legal sector and provides insights into compliance issues, risk assessment, and reporting. Useful for those in or dealing with the legal profession.
Delves into how the U.S. has become a significant player in illicit offshore finance. It highlights the role of certain states in facilitating the creation of shell companies. This provides a contemporary and critical perspective on AML challenges within a major global economy.
A guide specifically for criminal investigators, this book delves into the methods of money laundering from an investigative perspective. It offers insights into identifying and proving money laundering activities, valuable for those interested in the enforcement side of AML.
A gripping true story that highlights the real-world consequences of money laundering and the fight against illicit finance at a geopolitical level. While a narrative, it provides valuable context and motivation for AML efforts.
Offers a controversial but insightful look into the world of international finance and the alleged use of financial institutions to exert political and economic influence. It provides a critical perspective on the global impact of financial activities. This can be valuable supplementary reading for sparking discussion and considering ethical dimensions.
Provides a framework for analyzing the potential of blockchain technology to improve the efficiency and security of payment systems.
This historical account of hyperinflation in Weimar Germany illustrates the critical importance of sound monetary policy and the stability of financial systems. It serves as a stark warning about the potential consequences of financial mismanagement. This is valuable historical context for understanding the role of central banks and financial stability.
Offers a concise overview of AML awareness and compliance, suitable for those new to the topic or in roles requiring a foundational understanding. It provides practical guidance for financial personnel and business managers.
A seminal work in monetary economics, this book provides a detailed empirical analysis of the role of money and monetary policy in the U.S. economy. It is crucial for a deep understanding of monetary history and its impact on economic cycles. While historically focused, its analysis of monetary phenomena is highly relevant for contemporary issues.
Explores the impact of rare and unpredictable events (black swans) on financial markets and other areas. It challenges conventional risk management theories and encourages thinking about the limitations of models. It's highly relevant for understanding market volatility and unexpected financial crises.
Presents a case for Bitcoin as a potential alternative to traditional forms of money and central banking, viewed through an Austrian economics lens. It is highly relevant for understanding digital currencies and the economic theories behind them. It offers a specific, in-depth perspective on a contemporary topic.
This classic narrative non-fiction book that provides an insider's look into the world of bond trading at Salomon Brothers during the 1980s. While a historical account, it offers valuable insights into the culture and practices of Wall Street and financial markets. It's more valuable as additional reading for context on financial careers and market behavior.
This novel presents a fictional account of an economic collapse in the United States and its impact on a family. While fiction, it explores potential consequences of financial instability and provides a thought-provoking perspective on the fragility of financial systems. It offers a unique, albeit fictional, look at the societal impact of financial events.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to The Evolution of Payments.
Banking and Financial Institutions
Most relevant
How Software Ate Finance
Most relevant
Fraud Analytics, Internal Control, Audit & Risk Management
Most relevant
Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics - The Big Picture
Most relevant
The Modern React 18 Bootcamp - A Complete Developer Guide
Most relevant
Complete Vietnamese Course - Lower Intermediate (B1)
Most relevant
NodeJS - The Complete Guide (MVC, REST APIs, GraphQL,...
Most relevant
Master FINRA Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Training
Most relevant
Global Wealth Management and Private Banking
Most relevant

edX Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

World-Class University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

Free Audit Track Available

Free audit track available for most courses, giving open access to video lectures, course readings, and assignments at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Full Refund Window

14-day full refund available up to 14 days after course start or 14 days after payment (whichever comes second, up to 6 months max), provided verified certificate has not yet been earned.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

University-backed credentials authored by elite institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Oxford, with tamper-proof certificate verification.

Key Purchase Protections
Free audit track for open learning access
14-day money-back guarantee on verified certificates
Prestigious university credentials (Harvard, MIT)
Automatic unenrollment refund process via dashboard
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser