How to Learn FinTech

Anyone interested in learning about FinTech, or financial technology, most likely needs to begin with an overview of what the field includes. Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT) affect how businesses handle financial transactions, a trend that will continue in the future.

FinTech career opportunities are expanding rapidly in various sectors, from traditional banking and finance to health insurance and cybersecurity. While there are numerous examples of titles that can involve FinTech, it’s crucial to be familiar with some of the most common, including:

• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Investment Analyst
• Mobile App Developer
• Business Development Manager
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Blockchain Developer
• Financial Advisor

Not all of these necessarily relate directly to FinTech. Some Data Scientists work in areas like fraud prevention, investment banking, or insurance, while others work for governmental agencies or non-profits. And App Developers can range from gaming to social media.

FinTech positions can differ significantly, both in training requirements and job responsibilities. Training for Financial Analyst positions requires studying accounting and economics, and Developers may need to learn programming languages like Java, C++, and Python.

Here, we’ll discuss the various methods of learning FinTech so you can make an informed decision about how you’d like to get started.

What is FinTech?

FinTech stands for financial technology. Multinational corporations like Apple and Google offer FinTech services, but many smaller companies specialize in FinTech products and services. Some companies classify themselves as FinTechs, such as Venmo, Stripe, and Robinhood.

Banking as a Service (BaaS), PayPal’s platform, and Ethereum’s platform may be referenced as products or services, depending on the source. While the term FinTech can encompass a bewildering array of services, products, and companies, consider any financial technology under the FinTech heading. Mobile banking, digital lending and credit, financial advisory services, and cryptocurrencies all fall into the category of FinTech.

Read more about what FinTech is and why you should learn it.

Types of FinTech

FinTech refers to companies specializing in financial technologies and the products and services they offer. Large corporations like Amazon, Apple, and Bank of America now offer FinTech services, but hundreds of smaller firms are themselves classified as FinTechs. Among the top 250 FinTech companies of 2021 were Stripe, Klarna, and Plaid.

Entities that fall within the FinTech class include both cryptocurrencies and high-tech service providers. The most common categories for FinTech are:

• Mobile payments
• Consumer banking and lending
• Blockchain and cryptocurrency
• Wealth management
• International money transfers
• Insurance
• Equity financing

As FinTech continues to grow exponentially, startups jockey for position, while major corporations look to be more agile or even swallow up some of these newcomers. The field can be lucrative for skilled professionals: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the annual median pay for Financial Analysts at about $81,000, projecting a 6% growth rate through 2030. Data Scientists do even better, with a mean annual salary of around $109,000.

What Can You Do with FinTech?

FinTech refers to the many Financial Technology products and services you can use today and some of the companies that offer them. Consider FinTech as an umbrella term referring to three main categories:

1. Services - On a basic level, many FinTech services may be considered products, and vice versa. PayPal is a service, but the platform of services PayPal offers may be called a product itself. To simplify matters, look at services that are now commonly provided and named as such: Banking as a Service (BaaS), payment services like Venmo, and investment services like Robinhood.
2. Products - FinTech products range from the payment app you use on your smart device every day to robo-advisors and digital banking. Currencies aren’t typically referred to as products, but cryptocurrencies certainly fall into the product category as opposed to a service.
3. FinTech Companies - Organizations like Visa and Mastercard top the list of major FinTech companies in the U.S., followed by Tencent and Ant Financial in China, then U.S. companies Intuit, PayPal, and Stripe. These firms offer FinTech products or services, and people generally refer to the companies themselves as “FinTechs.”

Additional FinTech products, services, and technological innovations include wealth management, insurance (a.k.a., “insurtech”), and credit reporting/identity theft protection services.

In-Person FinTech Training

Among the most engaging methods of FinTech training, in-person classes offer a host of benefits. While not everyone wants to drive to a class, many students feel face-to-face training in an interactive environment best supports their learning style. In-person coursework also allows participants to network with fellow students and instructors.

Noble Desktop and other course providers offer a multitude of in-person training options. Top courses include bootcamps and certificate programs, many of which focus primarily on FinTech. Here students can learn about everything from Python programming to cryptocurrency and financial modeling. For those interested mainly in Python, Noble also hosts a Python for Finance Bootcamp, a Machine Learning & Automation for Finance Bootcamp, and a Python for Data Science Bootcamp.

Live Online FinTech Training

Once someone has oriented themselves in the wide world of FinTech, it’s time to look at some of the best ways to learn it in more depth.

Many course providers offer in-person as well as online training. Noble Desktop hosts many of its top FinTech classes and bootcamps at its Madison Avenue campus in New York City. However, you can also take a variety of these same courses online from wherever you are.

The best bootcamps and certificate programs provide hands-on training in an immersive environment. Online learning provides additional benefits: you learn at your own pace, and experienced instructors can answer your questions in real-time.

With FinTech, combining Python fundamentals training, financial analysis, and machine learning can be confusing if you try to study it independently. Consider the benefits of some of Noble Desktop’s most popular courses:

1. FinTech Bootcamp - This 102-hour immersive training in FinTech basics prepares you for an entry-level position in data science, financial analysis, or another role. While open to FinTech beginners, applicants for this bootcamp should have familiarity with financial statements, stock market fundamentals, and financial concepts like Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and net present value (NPV).
2. Python for Finance Bootcamp - Noble’s FinTech Bootcamp focuses on Python for Automation, Machine Learning, and Data Science. This Python for Finance Bootcamp is also part of that extended curriculum. Or save by taking the course within the FinTech Bootcamp, or take it separately. Applicants starting here should be familiar with Python for data science and financial concepts. See course listings for more detailed prerequisite information.
3. Financial Modeling Bootcamp - The Financial Modeling Bootcamp is a standalone program, not currently available as part of other certificates. Students who want to work in investment banking, private equity, or financial advisory services will find this a perfect introduction. Intermediate experience with Excel is needed, so check course details for specific requirements.

Other Python-centered Noble Desktop courses to consider include the Python Programming Bootcamp and Python for Data Science Bootcamp.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

If you’re not yet ready to commit to a full-length course, you can start learning about FinTech for free online. Check out Noble Desktop’s Get Started In Data Science seminar or their Intro to Python Fundamentals seminar. In these free introductory courses, you’ll learn about subjects like data science, practical uses of Python, and how to analyze datasets, among others.

Additional course providers who offer free online classes include Global FinTech Academy and FBS Markets, Inc. You’ll find offerings on topics like Regulatory Technology (RegTech), FinTech applications, and FinTech Law and Policy, to name a few.

Read about more free FinTech videos and online tutorials.

On-Demand FinTech Classes

On-demand or self-paced FinTech training options offer another way to learn. These range from two-hour webinars to programs that take six months or longer. Topics include database management, financial modeling, and tools like SQL. Some courses are free, whereas others cost over $10,000.

These programs also have their own built-in pros and cons. While on-demand training can be an excellent way to begin learning about FinTech, the lack of instructor feedback or accountability to complete assignments or build portfolios can create obstacles for all but the most self-motivated students.

Classes, Bootcamps, and Certificates

One of the most popular ways to learn FinTech is an immersive bootcamp or certificate program. In-depth bootcamps offer a comprehensive education in a concise timeframe. Check out FinTech courses from providers like Noble Desktop using their online search tool.

Noble’s most targeted offering in this category is their FinTech Bootcamp. They offer the program in-person in New York City, but students can also take it online from anywhere. The FinTech Bootcamp runs for four weeks full-time or four months part-time, and the tools and techniques covered include:

• Python programming
• SQL
• Machine learning (ML)
• Jupyter Notebook
• Pandas
• Matplotlib
• NumPy
• Scikit-learn

The FinTech Bootcamp will be the best bet for those new to Python. However, there’s another approach that may appeal to students who have experience with both Python for data science and knowledge of financial concepts like NPV and IRR. Consider going directly to the Python for Finance Bootcamp. This course covers everything from Python for risk management to financial APIs and regression analysis.

Not ready or able to commit to a full-scale bootcamp? Students can enroll in a shorter course to get their skills up to date, like Noble Desktop’s six-hour Python for Automation class.

Professional Development for FinTech Pros

The bootcamp or certificate program learning model can be a great way to train for an entry-level position in the field. Bootcamp graduates often launch careers as Financial Analysts or Business Analysts, and others go on to become Compliance Managers, Python Developers, or Data Scientists.

Because this complex field is constantly evolving, learning FinTech will be a lifelong endeavor. Professional development for FinTech pros can include anything from joining trade associations to earning certifications. Consider the following:

• CFP vs. CFP - Once the commonly-known Certified Financial Planner, CFP can now also stand for Certified FinTech Practitioner.

• Certified Blockchain Expert (CBE) - This might be the most appropriate certification for those who get positions specializing in blockchain-based apps.

• Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP) - Planning a career as an investment adviser? The WMCP is one of several designations approved by FINRA, the U.S. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Cybersecurity Analysts usually benefit from certifications, such as the CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) designations.

When you gain skills in areas like Python programming, machine learning, or blockchain technology through a Noble Desktop course, you may decide to expand your expertise. Professional certifications can add value to an existing role or help qualify for better-paying positions.

Additional Tools

FinTech tools vary as much as the businesses using them. While some products or services are considered tools themselves, others can benefit FinTech firms greatly, especially startup companies.

Here are a few of today’s top-rated FinTech products and services:

• Apple Pay
• Stripe
• PayPal Payments Pro
• Coinbase
• Wise

For FinTech startups, some of the best tools available are also among the best-known names. Starting small doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel. For someone launching their own FinTech or finding a job with a FinTech startup, today’s best tools and software include:

• Zoom
• Slack
• Gmail
• Hubspot
• Dropbox

Whether one starts their own company or plans to be a Business Analyst or Financial Advisor, the many benefits of FinTech technology can work in their favor. Consider a FinTech bootcamp or certificate program to get the skills and tools needed for a successful career in this booming field.

Developing a Plan of Action

If someone wants to study FinTech, they should have a strategy in place to make the best use of those most critical resources: time and money.

To save time, find out more about the field. There are hundreds of blogs and websites for FinTech professionals, many run by top professionals. These digital publications provide everything from breaking news about cryptocurrency to product reviews and case studies.

Which Learning Method is Right for Me?

Take the below text and rewrite/customize it to FinTech.

With so many different resources available to help beginners learn FinTech, you might be unsure about which one is best for you. Everyone has different learning styles and preferences, and you can experiment with multiple tools to see which one feels right for you. One of the great things about directing your own learning is that you get to pick which combination of tools you prefer; you don’t have to stick with what a teacher chooses.

It’s also essential to consider your current schedule before selecting a learning method. If you have a lot of responsibilities like a full-time job or family commitments, you may not be able to devote time to a structured course that requires you to attend at the same time every day. In this case, a self-paced class or video tutorials may be better since you can access them when your schedule allows. On the other hand, those with a more flexible schedule may prefer a structured course offered in-person or live online.

Why Learn FinTech?

Most people have varying degrees of familiarity with FinTech services and products like Apple Pay, Venmo, and PayPal. But knowing how to use Starbucks Rewards is a far cry from learning how to build FinTech applications.

When someone says they want to learn FinTech, their intention can differ vastly from another person who says the same thing. FinTechs like Mastercard and Visa need cybersecurity professionals, as do banks and other financial institutions that offer FinTech services. On the other hand, tech giants like Apple and Google may focus more on developing new products in addition to those they already provide.

The world of cryptocurrency and the blockchain may still be more of a Wild West than traditional banking, but startups in this sector require everyone from Software Developers to Financial Analysts.

Whether you plan a role in data science, banking, finance, insurance, wealth management, or cybersecurity, FinTech will undoubtedly play a role. Whichever way you go, consider FinTech as a factor.

Read more about why you should learn FinTech.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost

The difficulty involved in learning FinTech depends significantly on how you study it and how much you’ll need to apply your knowledge. You may need to master programming languages like Python and Java, data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau, or learn about cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Data Scientists, Financial Analysts, and Cybersecurity Experts all learn FinTech to varying degrees.

FinTech prerequisites also depend to a high degree on how they will be applied. Learning computer programming like Python, gaining probability and statistics expertise, and studying FinTech companies can pave the way for a career in this wide-ranging field.

The cost of FinTech training also varies. While college and university programs typically cost more than any other options, in-person or online bootcamps offer intensive training at much more affordable prices. Many students begin with free online tutorials or seminars, but these only provide a starting point for most FinTech careers.

Read more about how difficult it is to learn FinTech.

Key Insights

• FinTech training requires both general and specific knowledge. A good overview begins with topics like:
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Blockchain technology
• The Internet of Things (IoT)

• Top FinTech careers include positions like:
• Data Scientist
• Investment Analyst
• Mobile App Developer
• Financial Advisor
• Cybersecurity Analyst
  
  
• FinTech refers to companies specializing in financial technology and the products and services they offer. Common FinTech categories include:
• Mobile banking
• Blockchain and cryptocurrency technology
• Consumer lending
• Wealth management
• Equity financing

• There are various types of FinTech training, including in-person, live online, and free or paid on-demand training. Essential topics can include:
• Python programming
• Financial modeling
• Data science
• Cybersecurity
• Machine Learning (ML)

Learn FinTech with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Some people think there’s only one path to training for a FinTech career, that of a lengthy degree program, but there are other alternatives. Among the most popular is the bootcamp or certificate training model.

Noble Desktop is a leading provider of online education in areas directly relevant to the booming FinTech field. They provide multiple educational options for students, both those who are new to FinTech and others already working in tech. The following are some of their most popular programs.

1. FinTech Bootcamp - This comprehensive FinTech course is open to beginners and can be completed in four weeks full-time or four months part-time. Topics include SQL and Python for data science, automation, and machine learning.
2. Python for Finance Bootcamp - The 18-hour Python for Finance Bootcamp acquaints students with financial models, managing portfolios with Python, and other Python-centered topics. Students can save by taking this class as part of the FinTech Bootcamp. See course listings for prerequisite information.
3. Financial Modeling Bootcamp - A 21-hour program, the Financial Modeling Bootcamp includes topics like Discount Cash Flow (DCF), Leveraged Buyouts (LBO) Modeling, and financial analysis with MS-Excel. Check course listings for details, including prerequisite information.

Other Noble Desktop programs to consider are the Python Programming Bootcamp, Data Science Certificate, and Python for Data Science Bootcamp.