Financial Regulation in Emerging Markets and the Rise of Fintech Companies from Coursera

This course explores the developments that have fueled the emergence of fintech companies around the world. Following the changing regulatory environment, especially since the 1997 Asian and 2008 global financial crisis, governments have enacted far-reaching new financial regulations for safeguarding financial stability. However, banks and financial institutions have found it increasingly difficult to be profitable in these new regulatory environments. Technology is taking leaps forward in artificial intelligence and blockchain and this has created new opportunities for fintech entrepreneurs.

This course discusses fintech regulation using case studies from China and South Africa. The course pays special attention to the socioeconomic environment in emerging markets, as well as to political risk as a major source of uncertainty for fintech entrepreneurs. Peer-to-peer lending and remittances are used as leading examples for growing fintech innovation in emerging markets.

What's inside

Syllabus

Financial Crises

So you’re interested in the opportunities for fintech? I’ll be taking you back to the key events in the financial crises of the late 1990s and early 2000s in order to understand the growth of fintech in emerging markets. We’ll be looking at the basic mechanisms behind banking and what happened when the financial markets crashed. It’s essential for us to become familiar with the new financial regulations and how they create opportunities and constraints for fintech today. Over the four weeks of the course, you will be invited to think about how new financial regulations have spurred the rise of fintech companies in emerging economies.

Post-crisis regulations

We dive into details of financial systems this week - looking at how banks function and are regulated. Using the Great Depression as a starting point, I describe what caused the collapse of banks a century ago, to reflect on the impact of the post-depression financial regulations that followed. These regulations included the establishment of international financial institutions that controlled current monetary policies. Being familiar with the current financial regulatory framework and where it comes from provides the basis for understanding the disruptions from the fintech innovations we will be covering next week.

Fintech regulation in emerging markets

We've now reached the heart of the course - looking at the context of fintech in emerging economies and what makes them different. To begin we will look at Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) which are one of the key mechanisms used fintech companies to finance themselves. We are going to focus particularly on South Africa, China, and Brazil, and I have a number of interviews with people involved in banking, financial regulation and fintech from these countries.

Rise in Fintech Companies

In this last week of the course, we look at applications of fintech in emerging economies. I have selected two widely adopted applications to explore: peer-to-peer lending and remittances. Because of the costs of banking and the exclusion of millions from formal banking systems, entrepreneurs have been exploring innovative mechanisms to finance business by borrowing from peers. Fintech offers a fast and secure mechanism to transfer remittances that are being widely used across the world - and we will look at some examples. I also asked people from the banking sector to describe how large formal financial institutions are considering the impact of blockchain and other new technologies. At the end of this week, you will have a chance to apply what you’ve learnt in a final assignment.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops understanding of increasing financial regulation and its impact on fintech innovation

Taught by Pierre Georg, who is recognized for their work in financial regulation

Examines financial crises, which is highly relevant to the understanding of fintech emergence

Designed for learners interested in the growth opportunities for fintech in emerging markets

Uses case studies from China and South Africa to provide real-world examples of fintech regulation

Provides a comprehensive study of fintech regulation in emerging markets

Reviews summary

Well-received fintech course

Learners say this Excellent course offers a well-organized and informative overview of the emerging Fintech industry. Amazing learning experience has been reported by students who thoroughly enjoyed this well-thought-out content that includes interviews with industry leaders. Students have largely positive things to say about the course material, and one highly satisfied student says it helped them see a better path for the worldwide regulation of Fintech. However, one student thought that this difficult course was dry due to the droning of the instructor.

Course provides historical context of financial regulation formation through crises.

"Sets great context of financial regulation formation through crises ..."

"Excellent course ... very interest"

Learners say this course helped them to see a better path for their careers.

"I understood a better path of the worldwide regulation for fintech"

"Great insights in Fintech, well presented course focusing on the key aspects of Fintech disruption."

Course content includes interviews with industry leaders.

"Sets great context ... really liked the interviews with some of the leading Fintech companies"

The fantastic lecturer is highly regarded in their field.

"Excellent course, great material fantastic lecturer"

"Well Explained in detailed way and Experts Views where more helpful"

Students report a difficult but well-organized course.

"Well organized course but very difficult to complete"

"It was a pretty dry course with the same instructor droning on and on"

"It took me forever to complete this although it wasn't a very long course"

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 Financial Regulation in Emerging Markets and the Rise of Fintech Companies with these activities:

Review modern banking and finance concepts

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Prepare to better engage with the course by refreshing foundational banking and finance knowledge.

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Review basic financial concepts such as assets, liabilities, and equity.
Explore contemporary trends and challenges in the banking industry.
Research key developments in financial technology.

Read 'Fintech Revolution: Transforming Finance Through Technology' by Susanne Chishti

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Gain insights into the history, impact, and future of fintech with this thought-provoking book.

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Read and analyze key chapters on fintech growth, innovation, and regulation.
Make notes on important concepts and case studies.
Discuss your insights with a study partner or in online discussion forums.

Solve fintech-related case studies and simulations

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Test your problem-solving skills and apply your fintech knowledge to real-world scenarios.

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Work through case studies that explore challenges and opportunities in fintech.
Participate in online simulations that mimic real-life fintech transactions.
Develop financial models to evaluate fintech investment opportunities.

Two other activities

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Explore blockchain and cryptocurrency tutorials

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Enhance your understanding of emerging fintech technologies through guided tutorials.

Browse courses on Blockchain Fundamentals

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Enroll in online courses or tutorials on platforms like Coursera or edX.
Follow reputable industry experts on social media and subscribe to their newsletters.
Attend webinars and workshops on blockchain and cryptocurrency.

Develop a presentation on fintech case studies

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Solidify your comprehension and communication skills by creating a presentation on real-world fintech examples.

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Research and select successful fintech case studies in emerging markets.
Develop a presentation outline and gather relevant data and visuals.
Design slides that are engaging, informative, and visually appealing.
Present your case study to your peers or industry professionals.

Career center

Learners who complete Financial Regulation in Emerging Markets and the Rise of Fintech Companies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

FinTech Entrepreneur

Fintech Entrepreneurs are responsible for developing and launching new financial products and services. This course may be useful for Fintech Entrepreneurs as it covers the rise of fintech companies in emerging markets and the regulatory challenges they face. This can help Fintech Entrepreneurs understand how to develop and launch successful fintech products and services.

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Financial Regulator

Financial Regulators are responsible for developing and implementing regulations to ensure the stability of the financial system. This course may be useful for Financial Regulators as it covers the history of financial crises and the evolution of financial regulation. This can help Financial Regulators understand how to create effective regulations that promote financial stability.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide financial advice to corporations and governments on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions. This course may be useful for Investment Bankers as it covers the financial regulations that govern mergers and acquisitions and capital raising. This can help Investment Bankers understand how to structure and execute transactions in a compliant manner.

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Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies with the goal of generating capital gains. This course may be useful for Venture Capitalists as it covers the financial regulations that govern venture capital investments. This can help Venture Capitalists understand how to structure and execute investments in a compliant manner.

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Private Equity Investor

Private Equity Investors invest in private companies with the goal of generating capital gains. This course may be useful for Private Equity Investors as it covers the financial regulations that govern private equity investments. This can help Private Equity Investors understand how to structure and execute investments in a compliant manner.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use their knowledge to advise businesses, governments, and other organizations on economic policy. This course may be useful for Economists as it covers the history of financial crises and the evolution of financial regulation. This can help Economists understand how to develop and implement effective economic policies.

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Financial Consultant

Financial Consultants provide financial advice to individuals and businesses. This course may be useful for Financial Consultants as it covers the financial regulations that govern financial advice. This can help Financial Consultants understand how to provide compliant financial advice.

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Financial Risk Manager

Financial Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks for their organizations. This course may be useful for Financial Risk Managers as it covers the post-crisis regulations that were put in place to safeguard financial stability. This can help Financial Risk Managers understand how to develop and implement effective risk management strategies.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use their knowledge of economics to help guide investment decisions for banks, hedge funds, insurance companies, and corporations. This course may be useful to Financial Analysts as it covers the evolution of financial regulations and the impact on fintech companies. This can help Financial Analysts understand how to manage risk in an evolving regulatory landscape.

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Securities Analyst

Securities Analysts research and analyze companies to make investment recommendations. This course may be useful for Securities Analysts as it covers the financial regulations that govern the securities industry. This can help Securities Analysts understand how to conduct compliant research and make compliant investment recommendations.

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Financial Planner

Financial Planners provide financial advice to individuals and families. This course may be useful for Financial Planners as it covers the financial regulations that govern financial planning. This can help Financial Planners understand how to provide compliant financial advice.

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Insurance Actuary

Insurance Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess the risks associated with insurance policies. This course may be useful for Insurance Actuaries as it covers the financial regulations that govern insurance companies. This can help Insurance Actuaries understand how to develop and price insurance policies in a compliant manner.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess the risks associated with financial transactions. This course may be useful for Risk Analysts as it covers the financial regulations that govern financial transactions. This can help Risk Analysts understand how to develop and implement compliant risk management strategies.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data. This course may be useful for Quantitative Analysts as it covers the financial regulations that govern financial data. This can help Quantitative Analysts understand how to develop and implement compliant financial models.

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Auditor

Auditors examine financial records to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with applicable laws and regulations. This course may be useful for Auditors as it covers the financial regulations that govern financial reporting. This can help Auditors understand how to conduct compliant audits.

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