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How Software Ate Finance

R. Martin Chavez and Jeffrey Conn

Software is eating the world, with radical consequences for financial services. This course gives you a foundation for understanding the future of financial services, and provides guidance for creating fintech businesses in the 2020s and beyond.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Section 1 - Intros/Overview, Money, and Digital Currency Innovation
Module 2: Capital Markets, Trading, and Risk
Module 3: Payments and PayPal
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers a good entry point for professionals looking to shift into fintech or banking
Taught by instructors who are established and respected fintech leaders with backgrounds in banking, investing, entrepreneurship, and technology
Introduces key fintech concepts, including digital currency, digital lending, payments, and asset management
Requires extensive background knowledge in finance and technology, suitable for experienced professionals seeking to advance their fintech knowledge
Provides case studies of successful fintech companies, such as PayPal, Goldman Sachs, and Affirm, offering practical insights into industry practices

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Reviews summary

Strategic overview of software's impact on finance

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive and strategic overview of how software is reshaping the finance industry. Many appreciate the valuable insights from industry leaders and the inclusion of practical case studies like Affirm and Marcus. While highly praised for its clarity and engaging lectures, students frequently note it provides a broad, high-level understanding rather than deep technical or coding instruction. It's particularly well-suited for finance professionals seeking a strategic perspective, though some older reviews mentioned potential content freshness issues, which newer reviews don't widely echo, suggesting updates or consistent value in its strategic focus.
Features invaluable insights from leaders and real-world case studies.
"The insights from industry leaders are invaluable. The case studies like Affirm were incredibly practical."
"I appreciate the insights into companies like PayPal and Marcus."
"The case studies were particularly strong, bringing theory to life."
"I learned so much from the practical examples and real-world applications discussed."
Provides a high-level, conceptual understanding of fintech trends.
"Absolutely brilliant! This course provides a fantastic overview of how software is disrupting finance."
"A very solid introduction to fintech. The breadth of topics covered is impressive from digital currencies to asset management."
"It's not a deep dive into coding, but rather a strategic overview, which is exactly what I needed as a finance professional."
"Insightful and well-delivered. This course provided the strategic framework I needed to navigate the fintech landscape."
Some older reviews cited content as potentially outdated, especially regarding digital assets.
"I found some of the material to be a bit outdated or not as cutting-edge as I expected for a course titled 'How Software Ate Finance'."
"Especially the digital asset section could use an update. It felt more like a history lesson at times."
"I was hoping for more on emerging tech, not just a history lesson."
"I felt certain parts could be refreshed to reflect the very latest industry trends."
Emphasizes strategic understanding over deep technical or coding skills.
"Some modules felt a bit high-level, and I wished for more technical depth in certain areas..."
"It leans heavily on high-level concepts and doesn't offer much in terms of practical application or 'how-to' specifics. If you're looking for coding or deep technical analysis, this isn't it."
"It's a high-level strategic course, not a technical deep dive."
"I found myself needing to do extra research for hands-on application."

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 How Software Ate Finance with these activities:
Organize and review course materials
Improves retention and understanding by organizing and revisiting course content
Show steps
  • Create a system for organizing notes, assignments, and other course materials
  • Regularly review and summarize key concepts from the lectures and readings
  • Identify areas where further clarification or reinforcement is needed
Review key financial concepts & theories
Refreshes foundational financial knowledge to prepare for the course's advanced material.
Browse courses on Financial Theory
Show steps
  • Review essential financial concepts such as time value of money, risk and return, and capital budgeting
  • Explore relevant theories in finance, including portfolio theory and efficient market hypothesis
Practice financial modeling exercises
Reinforces financial analytical skills through hands-on practice
Browse courses on Financial Modeling
Show steps
  • Build financial models using spreadsheets or online tools to analyze companies and investments
  • Evaluate financial ratios and metrics to assess financial performance and make informed decisions
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Develop a fintech business proposal
Fosters critical thinking and innovation by applying course concepts to real-world scenarios
Show steps
  • Identify a problem or opportunity within the fintech industry
  • Develop a novel solution and articulate its value proposition
  • Outline the target market, revenue model, and competitive landscape
  • Create a mock pitch or presentation to showcase your business proposal
Build a fintech resource hub
Enhances knowledge and understanding of fintech by creating a comprehensive resource repository
Show steps
  • Collect and curate articles, videos, podcasts, and other resources related to fintech
  • Organize the resources into categories and subcategories for easy navigation
  • Share the resource hub with classmates, colleagues, or the wider fintech community
Become a mentor for aspiring fintech professionals
Strengthens understanding of fintech concepts by assisting and guiding others
Show steps
  • Join online communities or platforms that connect mentors with mentees in the fintech industry
  • Provide guidance on career paths, skill development, and industry trends to mentees
  • Review mentees' work and provide constructive feedback to enhance their learning

Career center

Learners who complete How Software Ate Finance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
FinTech Entrepreneur
Fintech Entrepreneurs lead the development and growth of innovative financial products and services, often leveraging technology to disrupt traditional financial systems. The course's exploration of fintech investing, digital lending, and regulatory considerations would provide you with essential knowledge and insights for building a successful fintech venture.
See salaries and explore the career path for FinTech Entrepreneur
Risk Manager, Financial Services
Risk Managers in Financial Services are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks across various financial activities. The course's focus on risk management, capital markets, and clearing and settlement would provide you with a comprehensive understanding of risk management principles and practices in the financial industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager, Financial Services
Product Manager, Financial Services
Product Managers in Financial Services are responsible for driving innovation and delivering new products and services that meet the needs of customers. This course's focus on software and finance integration, digital currency innovation, and payment systems would provide you with a solid foundation for understanding the industry and developing successful financial products.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager, Financial Services
Data Scientist, Finance
Data Scientists in Finance use data analysis and modeling techniques to identify trends, patterns, and risks in financial markets. The course's coverage of topics such as capital markets, trading, and risk, as well as digital asset management, would provide you with valuable knowledge and skills for success as a Data Scientist in Finance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist, Finance
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts apply advanced mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze and model financial data, providing insights and recommendations that support investment decisions. The course's focus on topics such as risk management, digital currency innovation, and software investing would provide you with a solid foundation for building a successful career as a Quantitative Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst
Forensic Accountant, Financial Services
Forensic Accountants in Financial Services investigate financial fraud and misconduct, providing expert testimony and analysis. The course's focus on risk management, digital asset management, and regulatory considerations would provide you with valuable knowledge and skills for building a successful career as a Forensic Accountant in Financial Services.
See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Accountant, Financial Services
Underwriter, Financial Services
Underwriters in Financial Services assess and evaluate financial risks associated with lending and insurance products. The course's focus on risk management, capital markets, and clearing and settlement would provide you with a deep understanding of underwriting principles and practices in the financial industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Underwriter, Financial Services
Compliance Officer, Financial Services
Compliance Officers in Financial Services ensure that companies adhere to regulatory requirements and ethical standards. The course's coverage of clearing and settlement, regulatory considerations, and digital asset management would provide you with essential knowledge and insights for building a successful career as a Compliance Officer in Financial Services.
See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer, Financial Services
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide expertise in evaluating and reporting on financial trends and performance across companies, acting as key advisors for investment opportunities and strategy. This course's comprehensive coverage of financial services, including capital markets, trading and risk, and digital asset management, would equip you with valuable knowledge and perspectives for success as a Financial Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers provide financial advisory services to companies and governments, helping them raise capital and execute mergers and acquisitions. This course's coverage of capital markets, trading, and regulatory considerations would provide you with valuable insights and knowledge for pursuing a career as an Investment Banker.
See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisors provide personalized financial planning and investment advice to individuals and families. The course's focus on asset management, digital lending, and regulatory considerations would provide you with essential knowledge and insights for building a successful career as a Financial Advisor.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Advisor
Financial Planner
Financial Planners develop and implement financial plans for individuals and families, helping them achieve their financial goals. This course's coverage of asset management, digital lending, and regulatory considerations would provide you with valuable insights and knowledge for building a successful career as a Financial Planner.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner
Auditor, Financial Services
Auditors in Financial Services review and evaluate financial records and statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. The course's focus on clearing and settlement, regulatory considerations, and digital asset management would provide you with valuable knowledge and skills for building a successful career as an Auditor in Financial Services.
See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor, Financial Services
Tax Accountant, Financial Services
Tax Accountants in Financial Services provide tax advisory and compliance services to businesses and individuals. The course's coverage of regulatory considerations, digital asset management, and capital markets would provide you with essential knowledge and insights for building a successful career as a Tax Accountant in Financial Services.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Accountant, Financial Services
Financial Consultant
Financial Consultants provide financial advice and guidance to individuals and businesses, helping them achieve their financial goals. This course's comprehensive overview of financial services would provide you with a solid foundation for building a successful career as a Financial Consultant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Consultant

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 How Software Ate Finance.
Cover image
The WEALTHTECH Book
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fintech industry, including its history, current state, and future prospects. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the fintech industry and its impact on the financial services sector.
The WEALTHTECH Book: The FinTech Handbook for...
Paperback
$$
The WEALTHTECH Book: The FinTech Handbook for...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Artificial Intelligence in Finance
Save
Provides a practical guide to using artificial intelligence in the financial services sector. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the potential applications of AI in finance.
Artificial Intelligence in Finance
Paperback
Check
Artificial Intelligence in Finance
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Stakeholder Capitalism
Save
Explores the potential impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the financial services sector. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the future of finance and the role that technology will play in shaping it.
Stakeholder Capitalism: A Global Economy that Works...
Hardcover
$$
(中文) Stakeholder Capitalism (Chinese Edition)
Hardcover
$$
Stakeholder Capitalism: A Global Economy that Works...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Blockchain Revolution
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology and its potential applications in the financial services sector. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the role that blockchain will play in the future of finance.
Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind...
Paperback
$$
Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind...
Paperback
$$
(Español) La revolución blockchain [The Blockchain Revolution]
Audible Audiobook
$$
Blockchain Revolution, Business Adventures Twelve...
Paperback
$$
(Português) Blockchain revolution (Portuguese Edition)
Kindle Edition
$
(Deutsch) Die Blockchain-Revolution: Wie die Technologie...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword
Save
Provides a framework for understanding how established companies can successfully innovate and avoid being disrupted by new technologies. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of innovation in the financial services sector.
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Hardcover
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Audio CD
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Save
Provides a framework for understanding the process of innovation and how companies can sustain successful growth. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of innovation in the financial services sector.
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Paperback
$$
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Kindle Edition
$$
Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to building a successful startup company. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the process of starting a fintech company.
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Hardcover
$$
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Effort
9 weeks of study, 3 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
Stanford University
Instructors
R. Martin Chavez
Jeffrey Conn
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers a good entry point for professionals looking to shift into fintech or banking
Taught by instructors who are established and respected fintech leaders with backgrounds in banking, investing, entrepreneurship, and technology
Introduces key fintech concepts, including digital currency, digital lending, payments, and asset management
Requires extensive background knowledge in finance and technology, suitable for experienced professionals seeking to advance their fintech knowledge
Provides case studies of successful fintech companies, such as PayPal, Goldman Sachs, and Affirm, offering practical insights into industry practices
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