Fintech courses are sprouting up all over the internet—from Ivy League universities to fintech bootcamps. But with so many options, how do you decide which is right for you?
A research report found that the growth of the fintech industry in terms of investment is literally exponential—in 2010, fintech investments totaled $1.8 billion, and in 2015, they hit 19 billion. That’s a 1,056 percent increase in just five years!
And it’s not just investment that’s on the rise—fintech companies are popping up all over the globe, with Silicon Valley no longer the only hotbed for fintech startups. In fact, New York City now ranks as one of the top cities for fintech companies.
As a tech-savvy individual looking to stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to keep learning. The competition is stiff, and you’ll need to not only use the latest tools but also understand the complex financial concepts that drive the industry.
So, where do you start? Luckily, there are plenty of courses out there that can help you do just that. Here’s a complete guide to fintech courses, so you can find the perfect fit for you.
What are Fintech Courses?
At their core, fintech courses teach you everything you need to know about the intersection between finance and technology. Between the two industries, there’s a lot of ground to cover—but fintech courses make learning easy by breaking things down into manageable pieces.
You’ll learn about topics like financial inclusion, digital banking, and even artificial intelligence in finance. These comprehensive courses will give you a well-rounded understanding of the industry, so you can excel in any area you choose to specialize in.
Fintech courses are available in various formats, so you can pick the one that best fits your learning style and schedule. Some courses are self-paced—allowing you to work through the material at your own speed. Some others, however, are offered in an online classroom setting with live lectures and discussion forums.
There are also in-person fintech courses, which offer the opportunity to network and learn from industry experts in person. In-person courses tend to be more expensive—but they provide an unparalleled learning experience, especially if you’re serious about starting a career in fintech.
Fintech courses are offered year-round, so whether you’re looking for a summer program or want to take a few lessons during the semester, you’re sure to find something that fits your schedule.
As for cost, these courses can range anywhere from free to upwards of $2,000. Free courses are typically shorter and more introductory. In contrast, the more expensive courses offer a comprehensive education with access to exclusive resources and job-placement assistance.
The commitment level also varies depending on the program. Some can be completed in as little as a few weeks, while others may take up to a year.
Whether you’re a recent college graduate looking to start your career in fintech or a working professional looking to make a switch, fintech courses are designed for anyone with an interest in the industry.
If you’re new to the field, you’ll want to start with a more introductory course that covers the basics of fintech. These courses typically don’t require any prior knowledge or experience, and they’ll give you a broad overview of the industry. Once you have a solid foundation, you can move on to more specialized courses that cover specific topics in greater depth.
Some fintech certificate holders go on to work in traditional finance jobs, like investment banking or financial planning. And others use their newfound knowledge to launch their own fintech startups. There are also those who use their skills to work in more traditional tech jobs, like software engineering or data analytics.
Whatever the case, fintech courses provide the perfect foundation for anyone looking to pursue a career in this rapidly-growing industry.
Fintech Course Examples
Not sure where to start? Here are a few popular options to get you started.
Harvard Online FinTech Certificate Program
Offered by HarvardX, this program provides an up-to-date insight into the financial technology landscape. Through a series of comprehensive courses, including blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and artificial intelligence in finance, students will develop a well-rounded understanding of the industry.
Program Highlights:
- Six modules
- Six weeks
- Self-paced
- 100 percent online
- Course material available upon registration
- Certificate of completion
You can complete this program in as little as six weeks. However, it’s up to you to decide how fast or slow you want to go.
Fintech: Foundations and Applications of Financial Technology Specialization
This fintech specialization is straight from the desk of the University of Pennsylvania. It’s one of the more comprehensive fintech courses on this list, with four distinct courses covering everything from the basics of fintech to more advanced topics like blockchain and digital currencies. These courses include:
- FinTech: Foundations, Payments, and Regulations
- Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: An Introduction to Digital Currencies
- Lending, Crowdfunding, and Modern Investing
- Application of AI, InsurTech, and Real Estate Technology
Program Highlights:
- Four courses
- 100 percent online
- Flexible schedule
- It can be completed in approximately four months
- Offers a certificate of completion
CFTE’s Fintech 360
If you want to gain a 360-degree view of the fintech industry, CFTE’s Fintech 360 is perfect for you. CFTE is an acronym for “Centre for Finance, Technology, and Entrepreneurship.” And as the name suggests, fintech 360 offers insights from multiple perspectives.
You’ll hear from leading industry experts, entrepreneurs, and academics to get a well-rounded understanding of the industry. The course is delivered entirely online and can be completed in as little as six weeks.
Program Highlights:
- Six topics
- Six weeks
- 100 percent online
- Sharable certificate upon completion
The Topics Covered Include:
- Fintech Foundation
- Artificial Intelligence in Finance
- Open Banking
- Payments
- RegTech
- Digital Assets
Fintech for Finance and Business Leaders:
This program is designed for finance and business leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve. It covers a range of topics, including:
- Machine learning with Python for finance professionals
- Manage the cyber threat for finance professionals
- Robotic process and intelligent automation for finance
As the title suggests, this course is geared towards professionals already working in the finance industry. But that doesn’t mean it’s not accessible to those new to the field.
Program Highlights:
- three courses
- three months
- 100 percent online
- Self-paced
- Professional certificate upon completion
Fintech Frontiers: Introduction to Fintech
Like many other courses on this list, Fintech Frontiers offers a comprehensive overview of the industry. But what sets this course apart is its focus on the future of fintech.
You’ll learn about the latest trends and technologies shaping the industry and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Since the course is delivered online, you can complete it at your own pace.
Course Content:
- Introduction to Fintech
- Global Fintech Landscape
- Blockchain
- Decentralized Finance
- Central Bank Digital Currencies
- Digital Banking
- Open Banking
- Buy Now, Pay Later
Program Highlights:
- Two Hours
- 100 percent online
- Lifetime access
- Certificate of completion
- Self-paced
Advantages of Fintech Courses
Regardless of your level of experience and expertise, there are several advantages to taking fintech courses. Here are some of the most notable benefits:
You gain new skills in a format that is generally online and flexible:
In the fast-paced world of fintech, it’s essential to keep your skills up-to-date. And one of the best ways to do that is by taking courses that offer new and relevant information.
All the courses on this list are delivered entirely online, which means you can access them from anywhere in the world. And since they’re self-paced, you can complete them at your convenience.
You can learn from the best in the business:
Who better to learn from than the people shaping the industry? Most fintech courses are taught by leading experts, entrepreneurs, and academics. So, when you take these courses, you stand a chance to benefit from their wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise.
You can make the most of free courses:
Not all courses come with a price tag. In fact, some of the best fintech courses are offered for free. And while they might not offer as many bells and whistles as the paid courses, they’re still a great way to get started.
You get certificates upon completion:
These fintech certificates can come in handy when you’re looking for a job or trying to advance your career. They’re also a great way to show off your new skills to friends, family, and potential employers.
They are offered by some of the best universities and technology programs:
As new technologies emerge, it’s essential for educational institutions to keep up. Today, many of the world’s leading universities offer fintech courses taught by top-notch faculty and industry experts.
Best Fintech Courses
So, there you have it—a comprehensive guide to fintech courses. Now, all that’s left to do is choose the right one for you.
Depending on your needs and goals, any of the courses on this list would be a great choice. However, if you’re still unsure which one to take, you can’t go wrong with one of the free courses. They’re a great way to get your feet wet without breaking the bank.
Always remember that the best fintech course for you is the one that you’ll complete. So, if you’re unsure about your commitment level, it might be best to start with a shorter or more flexible course.
For more information about fintech courses, check out this fintech certification guide and our complete guide to fintech bootcamps.