Fintech: Overview of the Fintech Sector from edX

This is the first in a series of courses on financial technology, also called Fintech. The course provides an overview of the most recent technological advances that are radically changing the financial services industry. These technological breakthroughs offer new ways for people to save, invest, borrow, and transact.

The course is structured in three modules. In the first module, we will discuss the characteristics and trends in finance and how emerging technologies are changing the financial industry. We will begin by looking at how efficient (or inefficient) the financial sector is. We will then learn how firms in the financial industry create value by reducing unit cost, increasing transparency, increasing competition, creating network effects, leveraging economies of scales, and lowering asymmetric information. And finally we will introduce three main technologies that are disrupting the financial sector: blockchain technology, machine learning, and Internet-of-Things.

In the second module, we will learn about the regulatory landscape that financial and fintech firms face. We will begin with an overview of the regulatory framework of the financial sector the United States with the understanding that the approach to regulating the financial sector is for the most part similar around the world. We will then proceed to look at recent initiatives on how to regulate fintech firms. Finally, we will conclude the module by looking at recent regulatory changes in Europe with respect to Open Banking, and at the pros and cons of regulatory sandboxes.

In the last module, we will complete our overview of the fintech sector by reading several articles and reports on the fintech industry, and discuss a business case on Ant Financial.

After you complete this course, you will have a broad understanding of the fintech landscape, and you will be ready to dive deep into the other courses of the fintech certificate.

Financial professionals are often required or encouraged to continue their education to practice their profession. For some associations, this program may be used for Continuing Education Credits. Please check with your local or national organization if the program qualifies.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How financial institutions create value and build competitive advantage
How new technologies add value to financial products

How fintech firms navigate the complex regulatory environment
After the completion of this course, you will have a well-rounded understanding of the fintech industry. you will learn:

How financial institutions create value and build competitive advantage
How new technologies add value to financial products
How fintech firms navigate the complex regulatory environment
After the completion of this course, you will have a well-rounded understanding of the fintech industry. you will learn:

Syllabus

Week 1 : Module 1 - Introduction to the Fintech Sector

- The Financial Sector Today

- Value Creation in Finance

- Emerging Technologies in Finance

- How do Financial Institutions Create Value

Week 2: Module 2 & 3 – Financial Regulation and the World of Fintech.

- The Regulatory Environment in the U.S.

- Regulating Fintech Companies

- Fintech Companies of the Day

- Business Case on Fintech

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces new technological advances transforming financial services, which is standard in the broader financial industry

Taught by Cesare Fracassi, who is recognized for their work in financial technology

Examines how fintech firms navigate complex regulatory environments, which is highly relevant to those working in financial services and finance

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 Fintech: Overview of the Fintech Sector with these activities:

Review: Financial Services: Theory, Products, and Institutions

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This book will help familiarize you with the fundamentals of financial services and provide context to the concepts you will encounter in this course.

View EBOOK: Investments - Global edition on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3, focusing on the structure and regulation of the financial industry.
Read chapters 5-7, focusing on financial markets and institutions.

Discussion Forum Participation

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Participating in the class discussion forum allows you to engage with classmates, share thoughts, and clarify your understanding of key concepts.

Browse courses on Fintech

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Read the discussion prompts and respond with your thoughts.
Comment on and provide feedback to other students' responses.

Review: FinTech Revolution: Transforming the Future of Finance

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the fintech revolution and its impact on the financial industry. The authors explore the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of finance.

View The FINTECH Book: The Financial Technology... on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3, focusing on the history and evolution of fintech.
Read chapters 4-6, focusing on the impact of fintech on traditional financial institutions.

Five other activities

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Practice Applying Financial Concepts

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These exercises will help you develop a deeper understanding and strengthen your ability to apply financial concepts encountered in class.

Browse courses on Financial Services

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Solve practice problems on time value of money and risk-return analysis.
Apply financial ratios to analyze company performance.

Tutorial: Blockchain Technology

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This tutorial will provide you with a detailed understanding of blockchain technology, an essential concept covered in this course.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Watch videos or read articles about the basics of blockchain.
Explore different blockchain platforms and applications.

Volunteer at a Fintech Startup

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Volunteering at a fintech startup will provide you with hands-on experience in the industry and allow you to network with professionals.

Browse courses on Fintech

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Research fintech startups in your area.
Apply for volunteer positions that align with your interests.
Participate in projects and contribute to the startup's operations.

Case Study: Financial Technology Innovation

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This project will allow you to apply what you have learned and analyze a real-world example of financial technology innovation.

Browse courses on Fintech

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Research and select a case study of a fintech innovation.
Analyze the innovation's value proposition, market impact, and challenges.
Present your findings in a written report or presentation.

Project: Design a Fintech Solution

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This project challenges you to apply your knowledge and creativity to design a solution that addresses a real-world problem in the financial industry.

Browse courses on Fintech

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Identify a problem or opportunity in the financial industry.
Research and explore potential fintech solutions.
Develop a prototype or mock-up of your solution.
Present your solution to the class or a panel of experts.

Career center

Learners who complete Fintech: Overview of the Fintech Sector will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

FinTech Analyst

Fintech Analysts research and analyze the financial technology industry. The course's coverage of emerging technologies in finance will be useful for those interested in this career. Additionally, the course's discussion of the regulatory environment in the financial sector will help Fintech Analysts understand the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly changing industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for FinTech Analyst

FinTech Entrepreneur

Fintech Entrepreneurs start and run financial technology companies. The course's coverage of emerging technologies in finance will be useful for those interested in this career. Additionally, the course's discussion of the regulatory environment in the financial sector will help Fintech Entrepreneurs understand the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly changing industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for FinTech Entrepreneur

FinTech Product Manager

Fintech Product Managers develop and manage financial technology products. The course's coverage of emerging technologies in finance will be useful for those interested in this career. Additionally, the course's discussion of the regulatory environment in the financial sector will help Fintech Product Managers understand the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly changing industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for FinTech Product Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts play a key role in analyzing and interpreting financial data to make informed investment decisions. The course's coverage of value creation in finance and how financial institutions build competitive advantage will be useful for those interested in this career. Additionally, the course's discussion of emerging technologies in finance can help Financial Analysts stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers make investment decisions for clients, with the goal of maximizing returns while minimizing risk. The course's coverage of value creation in finance and how financial institutions build competitive advantage will be useful for those interested in this career. Additionally, the course's discussion of emerging technologies in finance can help Portfolio Managers stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers help companies and governments raise capital through the issuance of new securities. The course's coverage of value creation in finance and how financial institutions build competitive advantage will be useful for those interested in this career. Additionally, the course's discussion of emerging technologies in finance can help Investment Bankers stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Financial Planner

Financial Planners help individuals and families manage their finances and plan for the future. The course's coverage of value creation in finance and how financial institutions build competitive advantage will be useful for those interested in this career. Additionally, the course's discussion of emerging technologies in finance can help Financial Planners stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage financial risks for companies and other organizations. The course's coverage of value creation in finance and how financial institutions build competitive advantage will be useful for those interested in this career. Additionally, the course's discussion of emerging technologies in finance can help Risk Managers stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Credit Analyst

Credit Analysts assess the creditworthiness of borrowers. The course's coverage of value creation in finance and how financial institutions build competitive advantage will be useful for those interested in this career. Additionally, the course's discussion of emerging technologies in finance can help Credit Analysts stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Credit Analyst

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors provide financial advice to individuals and families. The course's coverage of value creation in finance and how financial institutions build competitive advantage will be useful for those interested in this career. Additionally, the course's discussion of emerging technologies in finance can help Financial Advisors stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Advisor

Auditor

Auditors examine financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. The course's coverage of value creation in finance and how financial institutions build competitive advantage will be useful for those interested in this career. Additionally, the course's discussion of emerging technologies in finance can help Auditors stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. The course's coverage of value creation in finance and how financial institutions build competitive advantage will be useful for those interested in this career. Additionally, the course's discussion of emerging technologies in finance can help Actuaries stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Tax Accountant

Tax Accountants prepare tax returns for individuals and businesses. The course's coverage of value creation in finance and how financial institutions build competitive advantage will be useful for those interested in this career. Additionally, the course's discussion of emerging technologies in finance can help Tax Accountants stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Accountant

Regulatory Affairs Manager

Regulatory Affairs Managers oversee the regulatory compliance of companies. The course's discussion of the regulatory environment in the financial sector will be helpful for those interested in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regulatory Affairs Manager

Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that companies comply with laws and regulations. The course's discussion of the regulatory environment in the financial sector will be helpful for those interested in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer