Financial Technology: Cryptocurrency, Machine Learning, and Digital Banking

Master the technologies driving fintech and put them to work in your business.

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

TBD

Course Duration

DURATION

8 weeks, online
5–7 hours per week

Course Fee
Course Fee

For Your Team

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Why enrol in the Financial Technology programme?

Financial technology, also known as fintech, is rapidly transforming global financial services. Understanding market drivers, challenges, trends, and key players is essential for all aspects of operational strategy. This eight-week, online programme from Imperial College Business School is designed to give you a foundation in fintech and its components. As a participant you will:

  • Learn about fintech components like digital finance channels, blockchain and cryptocurrency, machine learning and artificial intelligence
  • Gain the skills necessary to adopt fintech functionality and technologies in a way that builds efficiency and promotes the success of your strategic initiatives

$300 billion

The projected global business value of artificial intelligence in finance by 2030

Source: IHS Markit

$31.81 billion

The projected global online banking market size by 2027

Source: Allied Market Research

$213 billion

Projected value of the fintech space by 2024

Source: Exploding Topics

Who is this programme for?

If you are ready to dive into the many lucrative opportunities surging through the fintech industry – whether leading a fintech function, founding a fintech enterprise, or investing in fintech’s best innovations – this programme offers an action plan. It will inspire you to gain confidence in the capabilities of financial technology, as well as gain a deeper understanding of its disruptive impact. It is designed for professionals in banking, financial services, IT, consulting, compliance, and investment fields, including:

Mid- to Senior-Level Managers in Finance who seek insights into technologies disrupting banking and fintech applications that can drive their company’s innovation.

CXOs of Fintech Companies (Startup or Incumbent) and Senior Managers of Fintech Function who want to assess the future of financial services and explore the ways fintech can create solutions for complex problems.

Consultants in banking, or finance, who provide cutting edge technology solutions for their clients in the fintech space.

Risk, Compliance and Regulatory Professionals working in day-to-day compliance for the financial services, investment, and technology industries, looking to explore regulatory developments and the various risks in adopting fintech.

Representative roles include:

  • Associate Fintech Consultant
  • Associate Vice President Electronic Trading Compliance
  • Audit Manager
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Compliance Manager
  • Credit Analyst
  • Economist
  • Finance Director
  • Finance Manager
  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Planning Manager
  • Fintech Advisor
  • Fintech Consultant
  • Fintech Consultant & Strategic Advisor
  • Founding Partner
  • Investor
  • Management Accountant
  • Managing Partner
  • Regulatory Affairs & Trading Law Manager
  • Risk Manager
  • Vice President of Finance
  • Vice President – Audit & Compliance

Testimonials

"The best part was the capstone project that allowed me to think through the entire programme to the forefront. The information on general knowledge about banks and the inefficiencies they have is an add-on."

— Siva Balasuriyar, Senior Finance Manager, Vodafone Group Technology- Finance UK

"The content was really interesting – starting with banking fundamentals and exploring more complex topics like blockchain. I thoroughly enjoyed the live sessions with Professor Raj and found them informative and liked that they weren't as formal as a lecture. The little activities each week were good to apply what you were learning."

— Ramani Brown, Senior Product Manager, Domain Home Loans

"This discussion on the topics during the live sessions and the global programme helped me stay up to date on the fintech services and the new digital technology in the financial market with proper insights."

— Antonio Di Feo, Chief Transformation Office, Indosuez Wealth Management

"The overall insights on how to approach the fintech gains were best to open my understanding with each point discussed backed up by so many relevant cases around the world."

— Cristina Gutiu, Head of Platform Engineering, Flutter Entertainment Plc

"I very much enjoyed the content and getting to think from first principles. In addition, having the guest speaker Vic lend his experience and Professor Raj condensing the content during the blockchain week was brilliant."

— Anna Skilbeck, Regional Sales Manager, Bloomberg LP

Industry examples

Add to your understanding of fintech and its concepts by examining how prominent brands have revolutionized banking and financial services with their fintech applications.

Monzo Bank

A smartphone-based banking and crowdfunding service in the UK.

Starling Bank

A UK-based digital bank with a multipurpose app connecting users to third-party products and services.

JP Morgan

The firm's association with UK-based LendInvest, an online loan originator to the Buy-to-Let market.

Quicken Loans

The largest US retail mortgage lender, solely with digital loan applications.

Prosper

A peer-to-peer lending marketplace that offers a home equity line of credit via laptop or smartphone.

Alibaba

China-based ecommerce giant Alibaba offers the Alipay mobile payment app, the largest third-party payment platform in the world.

Bitcoin

A cryptocurrency payment network that uses peer-to-peer open-source technology to manage transactions.

Modules

As a participant in this programme, you will learn to understand and master the technologies that are driving fintech, and develop your own strategy and put them to work in your business.

Week 1:

Orientation

Get an overview of what is driving fintech development and the implications for financial organisations.

Week 2:

Digital Transformation and Financial Services

Learn about the strengths and inefficiencies of the current banking landscape as well as the evolution of financial technologies within financial services.

Week 3:

Personal Banking

Explore the switch from digital banking to smart banking, and how banks are offering products and services based on individual customer needs.

Week 4:

Lending Markets

Examine the requirements, processes, challenges, and opportunities within lending markets, particularly the growing increase for credit among individuals and institutions. Plus, discover how fintech can be used to make lending more digital.

Week 5:

Applications of Machine Learning in Fintech, Risk Management and Credit Scoring

Focus on how machine learning and artificial intelligence can be integrated within the current financial landscape and used to improve various functions, such as the prediction of default and risk. Also, identify the limitations and opportunities for ML and AI integration in the realms of health insurance, credit cards, and auto insurance.

Week 6:

Digital Distributed Ledger: Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies

Delving into the function and application of blockchain technology in the financial landscape, assess which situations would benefit from private vs. public blockchain, cryptocurrency vs. digital fiat currency, and blockchain vs. distributed ledger technology.

Week 7:

Regulations

Focus on what laws already exist within fintech and how they differ across countries. Plus, examine the risks of adopting fintech and explore data governance and privacy concerns.

Week 8:

Fintech Capstone Project

Develop a plan for integrating fintech within your organisation.

Week 1:

Orientation

Get an overview of what is driving fintech development and the implications for financial organisations.

Week 5:

Applications of Machine Learning in Fintech, Risk Management and Credit Scoring

Focus on how machine learning and artificial intelligence can be integrated within the current financial landscape and used to improve various functions, such as the prediction of default and risk. Also, identify the limitations and opportunities for ML and AI integration in the realms of health insurance, credit cards, and auto insurance.

Week 2:

Digital Transformation and Financial Services

Learn about the strengths and inefficiencies of the current banking landscape as well as the evolution of financial technologies within financial services.

Week 6:

Digital Distributed Ledger: Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies

Delving into the function and application of blockchain technology in the financial landscape, assess which situations would benefit from private vs. public blockchain, cryptocurrency vs. digital fiat currency, and blockchain vs. distributed ledger technology.

Week 3:

Personal Banking

Explore the switch from digital banking to smart banking, and how banks are offering products and services based on individual customer needs.

Week 7:

Regulations

Focus on what laws already exist within fintech and how they differ across countries. Plus, examine the risks of adopting fintech and explore data governance and privacy concerns.

Week 4:

Lending Markets

Examine the requirements, processes, challenges, and opportunities within lending markets, particularly the growing increase for credit among individuals and institutions. Plus, discover how fintech can be used to make lending more digital.

Week 8:

Fintech Capstone Project

Develop a plan for integrating fintech within your organisation.

For more information on the modules download the brochure.

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Faculty

Faculty Member Rajkamal Iyer

Rajkamal Iyer

Associate Professor of Finance at Imperial College London

Rajkamal is an associate professor of finance at Imperial College London and a former professor of finance at the MIT Sloan School of Management. His research centers on the area of banking and financial intermediation, particularly on understanding the role of banks in society. Currently, he is focused on fintech and how it can reshape the intermediation landscape and improve access to credit. Raj also holds a research advisory role at the Bundesbank. His work has been published in leading academic journals, and several central banks have drawn on his expertise for policymaking. He holds a BA and an MA in economics from Bombay University, an MSc in economics and finance from the London School of Economics, and a PhD in finance from INSEAD.

Programme contributor

Faculty Member Vic Arulchandran

Vic Arulchandran

R&D and product development

Vic focuses on R&D and product development at Nivaura, a fintech startup that provides solutions for automating primary capital markets transactions. His other interests include product development, leadership coaching, and first-order logic. He holds a BSc and a PhD (both in mathematics) from Brunel University and has consulted extensively on quantitative analytics.

Certificate

Example image of certificate that will be awarded after successful completion of this program

Certificate

Upon completion of the programme, participants will be awarded a verified Digital Certificate by Imperial College Business School Executive Education.

Please note that this programme contributes to earning Associate Alumni status. Visit the Associate Alumni page to find out more.

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The Imperial learning experience

Human

At Imperial College Business School, we create people-centric learning experiences. From conception through to delivery, we are guided by the principle that learning is a creative, personal and above all, human process. Our high quality, crafted learning environments are highly interactive, community-orientated and actively tutored. Our programmes offer an engaging experience designed to facilitate natural learning behaviours.

Real

No compromises. Our online programmes offer the absolute equivalent of our campus-based programmes. They adopt the same rigorous academic standards, are delivered via our world-leading faculty and offer a comparable high-touch approach to the classroom experience.

Related Programmes

Imperial College Executive Education also provides the Live Virtual programme Fintech: Foundations, Applications and Impact. This programme helps develop a hands-on understanding for bankers, and shares insights into technologies disrupting the banking industry. Prepare yourself for the changes already underway with our programme.

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FAQs

  • How do I know if this programme is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the programme landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the programme brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions about whether this programme is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated programme advisor will follow up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this programme?

    Some programmes do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the programme landing page, as well as in the programme brochure. If you are uncertain about programme prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the programme web page, all programmes are taught in English, and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 per cent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry and geography—leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this programme be offered in the future?

    Check back at this programme web page or email us to inquire if future programme dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each programme includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the programme landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the programme brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.



    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this programme to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities, including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific programme schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The programme is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on programme activities.



    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 per cent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programmes said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the programme delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the programme in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated programme support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other programme participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the programme. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each programme includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enrol. This is referenced at the top of the programme landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the programme brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programmes are designed to fit into your working life.

    This programme is scored as a pass or no-pass. Participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programmes include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the programme brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific programme requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the programme, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter or resume and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.

    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the programme, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social networking platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this programme?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this programme. In some cases, there are credits that count towards a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the programme brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and programme materials for 12 months following the programme start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this programme?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the programme content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access programme content from a desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you can view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the programme without missing any of the core programme material or learnings.


    What is the programme fee and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The programme fee is noted at the top of this programme web page and usually referenced in the programme brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this programme web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your programme advisor or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the programme you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific programme you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this programme?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the programme fee in instalments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.

  • What is the policy on refunds and withdrawals?

    You may request a full refund within seven days of your payment or 14 days after the published start date of the programme, whichever comes later. If your enrolment had previously been deferred, you will not be entitled to a refund. Partial (or pro-rated) refunds are not offered. All withdrawal and refund requests should be sent to admissions@emeritus.org.



    What is the policy on deferrals?

    After the published start date of the programme, you have until the midpoint of the programme to request to defer to a future cohort of the same programme. A deferral request must be submitted along with a specified reason and explanation. Cohort changes may be made only once per enrolment and are subject to availability of other cohorts scheduled at our discretion. This will not be applicable for deferrals within the refund period, and the limit of one deferral per enrolment remains. All deferral requests should be sent to admissions@emeritus.org.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisors or call us at +44 208 629 1765 (UK) / +1 315 509 2976 (US) / +65 3138 2451 (SG)

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