Innovation Strategy: Developing Your Fintech strategy from Coursera

Welcome to Innovation strategy: Developing your Fintech Strategy! As you probably know, this is the third course in a three-part specialization focused on the digital transformation of finance.

In this course, we'll aim to bring you insights about how business strategy intersects with innovation in finance. I'm excited to have you in the class and look forward to helping you learn more about this important topic.

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 understood the job your Fintech innovation strategy should solve and mastered both internal and external innovation tools to solve the problem. You will also have been exposed to how some of the world’s leading financial companies work with innovation and seen inspirational examples from the digital masters, such as Google, Apple and Amazon. You'll be introduced to the Capstone Project for the specialization and have a chance to form some preliminary solutions for a financial company that needs to re-think its Fintech innovation strategy.

The course has a primary focus on the banking sector, with insurance as a secondary area of concern. Most examples are rooted in the North American and European financial markets.

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

What's inside

Syllabus

Innovation Strategy: Developing your FinTech Strategy

Welcome to "Innovation strategy: Developing your Fintech strategy". I am excited to have you in the class and look forward to your contributions to the learning community. To help you understand how the course will be structured, we would suggest that you go to the 'Start Here' tab first. After that, feel free to explore the rest of the course including the lectures, readings and quizzes. We would also encourage you to interact with each other on the Discussion Forums. This is a great way of hearing from others and discussing particular topics. So please go and introduce yourself on the 'Introduce Yourself' thread. So let’s get started!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops advanced skillset in fintech strategy

Taught by Stefan Henningsson and Jonas Hedman, renowned experts in fintech

Suitable for professionals in the banking and insurance sectors

Focuses on the practical application of fintech innovation

Capstone project provides hands-on experience in developing a fintech strategy

Assumes prior knowledge of the financial industry

Reviews summary

Fintech innovation strategy: structured overview

According to learners, this course offers a highly insightful and structured framework for developing a fintech strategy. Students frequently highlight the value of the examples from leading companies and case studies, finding them helpful for illustrating core concepts and understanding how traditional finance adapts. For many who completed the full specialization, this course serves as a great culmination, effectively tying together previous concepts and providing excellent preparation for the Capstone project. While the reception is largely positive, a few reviewers noted that the course can feel somewhat theoretical, suggesting a desire for more practical tools or hands-on exercises rather than just a strategic overview. Some also mentioned the focus primarily on North American and European markets and large, established companies as a potential limitation.

Examples centered on specific regions/types.

"the lack of diverse geographical focus (mainly N. America/Europe) made some parts less relatable for me."

"The case studies were relevant, although mostly centered on large, established players."

More strategic overview than deep dive.

"The content was okay, but it felt a bit theoretical at times. I was hoping for more practical tools or hands-on exercises..."

"Found this course to be less impactful... The content felt a bit high-level and lacked actionable frameworks."

"It is definitely for someone looking for a strategic overview rather than technical deep dives."

Ties together concepts from earlier courses.

"As part of the specialization, it ties everything together nicely."

"Excellent capstone prep. The course material helps crystalize the concepts from the earlier courses..."

"Great culmination of the specialization."

Uses helpful examples from companies.

"The examples from leading companies were particularly helpful in illustrating the concepts."

"The case studies were relevant..."

"While the examples were good, they didn't fully compensate for the lack of practical application."

Provides a structured approach to strategy.

"This course was highly insightful and provided a structured framework for developing a fintech strategy."

"The structured approach to innovation strategy was something I could immediately see applying in my work."

"The course material helps crystalize the concepts... provides a good structure for thinking about real-world fintech strategy problems."

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 Innovation Strategy: Developing Your Fintech strategy with these activities:

Review financial concepts and methodologies

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Review financial concepts and methodologies to refresh your knowledge and ensure you have a solid foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Financial Concepts

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Review textbooks and online resources on financial concepts.
Practice solving financial problems and case studies.

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Career center

Learners who complete Innovation Strategy: Developing Your Fintech strategy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Chief Innovation Officer

Chief Innovation Officers are responsible for leading innovation within their organizations. This course may be particularly helpful for Chief Innovation Officers who work in financial institutions. The course's focus on developing a fintech strategy may be particularly relevant for Chief Innovation Officers who want to drive innovation within their organizations and stay ahead of the competition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Innovation Officer

Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officers are responsible for leading technology within their organizations. This course may be particularly helpful for Chief Technology Officers who work in financial institutions. The course's focus on developing a fintech strategy may be particularly relevant for Chief Technology Officers who want to drive innovation within their organizations and stay ahead of the competition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Technology Officer

FinTech Consultant

Fintech Consultants advise financial institutions on how to use technology to improve their operations and services. This course may be particularly helpful for Fintech Consultants who want to learn more about the latest trends in innovation and fintech. The course's focus on developing a fintech strategy may be particularly relevant for Fintech Consultants who want to help their clients implement successful new technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for FinTech Consultant

FinTech Entrepreneur

Fintech Entrepreneurs start and run their own financial technology companies. This course may be helpful for Fintech Entrepreneurs who want to learn more about the latest trends in innovation and fintech. The course's focus on developing a fintech strategy may be particularly relevant for Fintech Entrepreneurs who want to launch successful new businesses.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers help companies raise capital and advise them on mergers and acquisitions. This course may be helpful for Investment Bankers who work in the financial technology industry. The course's focus on innovation strategy and fintech may help Investment Bankers understand the latest trends in the industry and how to advise clients on new technologies.

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Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies with high growth potential. This course may be helpful for Venture Capitalists who invest in the financial technology industry. The course's focus on innovation strategy and fintech may help Venture Capitalists identify and invest in successful new companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Venture Capitalist

Financial Planner

Financial Planners help individuals and families plan for their financial future. This course may be helpful for Financial Planners who want to learn more about the latest trends in innovation and fintech. The course's focus on developing a fintech strategy may be particularly relevant for Financial Planners who want to help their clients invest in new technologies.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify and manage risks for businesses. This course may be helpful for Risk Managers who work in the financial services industry. The course's focus on innovation strategy and fintech may help Risk Managers understand the latest trends in the industry and how to use technology to manage risks.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for developing and launching new products. This course may be helpful for Product Managers who work in the financial technology industry. The course's focus on innovation strategy and fintech may help Product Managers develop successful new products that meet the needs of customers.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts help businesses understand their operations and improve their efficiency. This course may be helpful for Business Analysts who work in the financial services industry. The course's focus on innovation strategy and fintech may help Business Analysts understand the latest trends in the industry and how to use technology to improve business processes.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be helpful for Data Analysts who work in the financial services industry. The course's focus on innovation strategy and fintech may help Data Analysts understand the latest trends in the industry and how to use data to drive innovation.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course may be helpful for Software Engineers who work in the financial technology industry. The course's focus on innovation strategy and fintech may help Software Engineers develop innovative new software applications that meet the needs of customers.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. This course may be helpful for Quantitative Analysts who work in the financial services industry. The course's focus on innovation strategy and fintech may help Quantitative Analysts develop new models that can be used to make better investment decisions.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts help companies make informed decisions about investments and financial plans. The insights gained from this course on innovation strategy and fintech may be useful for informed decision making relating to technology in the financial sector.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise businesses on how to improve their performance. This course may be helpful for Management Consultants who work with financial services companies and need to understand the latest trends in innovation and fintech. The course's focus on developing a fintech strategy may be particularly relevant.

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