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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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Module 4: Goldman Sachs Case Study - Marcus
Module 5: Software + Finance Investing
Module 6: Clearing & Settlement / Regulation
Module 7: Digital Assets
Module 8: Digital Lending and Affirm
Module 9: Asset Management, Conclusions

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

In-depth overview of software's impact on finance

Learners say this course provides a panoramic view of the financial industry and its shift towards software and technology. Instructor Marty Chavez, who has worked in finance for decades, gives learners valuable insights into the mechanics of financial markets and how technology has reshaped them. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of fintech on payments, asset management, and custody industries. While some learners found the course shallower than expected, others appreciated the historical context and real-world examples provided.
Course provides an overview of current and emerging trends in fintech.
"Fantastic research material and perspective from a leader and founder of the financial tech revolution."
"A​ panoramic view of the industry and trends....must watch for any professional in capital markets or fintech or any software professional...a very thought provoking course from a teacher who has lived through the evolution of the last 30 years."
"This was a very informative course focused on the instructor's decades long experience at Goldman Sachs."
Course provides valuable insights from an experienced industry professional.
"The lectures were shallow, rather than deep, but full of lots of potentially useful detail about the mechanics of financial markets and how software/information technology has changed financial markets over the past several decades."
"Great insight and historical - also hysterical references about software in the finance worldAwesome!!!"
"Having "Lived & Breathed" the industry myself, Marty is a fantastic instructor and seems like a really nice guy (which is sometimes hard to find on Wall Street) Great insight and historical - also hysterical references about software in the finance worldAwesome!!!"
Some learners felt the course had a bias towards Goldman Sachs.
"Excellent course overall covering so much material. However can't give 5 stars due to too much Goldman bias"
"The material of the course does not match neither the course title nor its description. 50% of the course is a very basic intro to finance, and the other 50% is a very lightly disguised marketing campaign for Goldman."
"Sadly much of the courses sounded like a rather smug commercial for Goldman Sachs and its PSI, rather than an unbiased asessment of the forces created by the fintech industry that are impacting part of the finance industry."
Some learners found the course lacked depth and was too introductory.
"Good but very out of date. Misleading course title."
"Okay as an introductory course for basic concepts of investmetn banks and where software helps. Lack of some depth or emerging trends in fintech"
"I found it very useful in terms of giving an idea on the current fintech/crypto landscape Marty is the kind of tutor that understands the basis but is also integrating future trends into the industry. However I wouldn't advise it as a beginners course, as some of the terms are very advanced for students who might not be that familiar with financial technology."

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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