FinTech, also known as Financial Technology, refers to financial services delivered and utilized by using technology. For example, it includes digital payments, cryptocurrency, and peer-to-peer (P2P) lending. Learning FinTech means understanding financial concepts, gaining technological proficiency, practicing ethical and legal means of business according to the industry’s regulations, and understanding trends in FinTech. 

Once you’ve decided to learn FinTech, the next important question is deciding how it is you plan to learn these skills. Most students find that they learn better when they receive guided training and there is no shortage of available options for students to receive guidance in their FinTech training. To learn more about the different FinTech training options, and what advantages and disadvantages they carry with them, read on.

What is FinTech?

FinTech is the convergence of financial services and technology. FinTech includes software aimed at delivering financial services and processes to consumers in a way that’s faster and more secure than previously possible. FinTech aims to make everyday financial decisions more efficient while innovating how people make financial transactions through applications or websites. Additionally, FinTech makes use of data analysis and applies it to the creation of FinTech software to ensure the innovation of efficient, secure, and easy-to-use solutions. 

The advent of FinTech dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, with the popularization of credit cards and electronic payment systems in the US. The FinTech industry of today has greatly evolved from what it once was alongside technology and the country’s economic growth. By the late 20th century, the landscape of FinTech had significantly altered, and today, the industry continues to evolve by leaps and bounds, with the advancement of regulatory systems and the development of contemporary technology. 

What Can You Do with FinTech Skills?

Career paths associated with FinTech offer individuals with a broad range of skills entry into the industry. Within FinTech, you’ll find Data Scientists, Software Engineers, Financial Analysts, Product Managers, and even Customer Service Representatives. 

Data Scientist

Data Scientists work with large sets of data which they analyze to help their company or client make business decisions. You can find Data Scientists working for the government, non-profits, financial services organizations, and other businesses. In the FinTech industry, Data Scientists navigate and manipulate financial data which is then used to make financial decisions. They may use data to predict risk, to evaluate investments, or to estimate the valuation of a company. 

Data Scientists must have analytical minds and excellent communication skills. Most companies expect them to have proficiency in languages such as R, SQL, and Python, file management, machine learning and algorithms, linear algebra, calculus, and statistics. An aspiring Data Scientist should consider earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or data science, or they can enroll in a data science bootcamp or certificate course such as the ones offered by Noble Desktop and similar training centers.

Software Engineer

Software Engineers develop software used for a variety of purposes, from gaming to operating systems, for companies or clients. Software Engineers need an understanding of several coding languages and know how to use frameworks, libraries, and developer tools. They often specialize in specific languages depending on the industry they work in. Coding languages frequently used by Software Engineers include Java, CSS, C++, and HTML. In addition to technical knowledge, a Software Engineer must possess other skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, process analysis, and communication. 

Software Engineers in the FinTech industry develop and maintain financial services software. Should you dive into a career as a Software Engineer, you may find yourself developing financial applications to facilitate transactions or manage data, building payment systems like mobile payment apps and online banking platforms, or predicting trends and detecting fraud with the use of data analytics and machine learning techniques. 

Financial Analyst

With their knowledge of business, finance, or accounting, Financial Analysts analyze data and make investment recommendations for their company or clients. They pay close attention to business and economic trends and manage this financial data to facilitate the decision-making process. Financial Analysts often specialize in a specific field, be it investment banking, equity, financial planning and analysis, or corporate development. They must have knowledge of industry jargon, understand how to manipulate and analyze financial data, and have the ability to communicate their findings with leadership. 

Financial Analysts in the FinTech industry provide key insights to help businesses make strategic financial decisions. Through their thorough analysis of financial data, they can ensure that their company or client makes logical and data-backed decisions. Financial Analysts interested in consumer behavior can lend their expertise to analyzing consumer behavior and feedback and offering recommendations to other teams on how to improve customer experience. 

Product Manager

Product Managers help develop business and development strategies for their company that will contribute to the success of a specific product or set of products produced by the company. This may include overseeing market analysis and product ideation. When working in the FinTech industry, Product Managers must use their market research skills to discern consumer trends and ensure that products meet customer experience expectations while staying up-to-date with the constantly innovating industry. They also work with stakeholders to ensure the alignment of priorities across departments and develop a clear vision for the product. 

Customer Service Representative

Like any business, FinTech companies depend on making their customers happy to maintain their business. Customer Service Representatives act as a bridge between consumers and the company, playing an integral part in representing the brand of the company and resolving customer concerns. They routinely handle transactions, educate consumers on how to use products correctly, and resolve consumer complaints. Their knowledge of the products and services in question is paramount, as many Customer Service Representatives provide technical support for a number of issues, including login problems, software glitches, and payment failures.

Why Training Format Matters

When enrolling in FinTech training, you’ll likely encounter several training formats to choose from. It’s important that you choose the format that works best with your schedule, your budget, and your learning objectives. Choosing the format that best suits your needs will allow you to learn FinTech efficiently and ensure that you receive the most from your training. Training formats range in length, modality, price, and curriculum, so it’s important that you survey all your options before choosing. 

Types of Training Formats

Many students prefer to enroll in live online or in-person training classes, where they can receive hands-on training led by a live instructor. However, you also have the option of enrolling in on-demand classes or learning from free courses online, which allows for a more flexible learning schedule.

Live In-Person Classes

Live in-person classes take place in a classroom or computer lab setting. Students learn from an instructor and work with their classmates on projects and assignments. This learning format allows students to receive personalized feedback and offers the familiarity of a traditional classroom environment. In-person classes require students to attend scheduled classes that typically take place during the week. If you plan to enroll in an in-person FinTech class, you’ll need to make sure that the class is offered when you’re available and that you can commute to the class. 

Live Online Classes

Most training centers offer live online classes via a web conferencing platform. Students can learn from the comfort of their home or office as they attend the virtual class and follow along with a live instructor. This learning format is similar to in-person classes in that students can ask for feedback and have a semi-traditional learning experience. These classes also provide more flexible scheduling, as they eliminate the need to commute and most classes take place in the evenings or on weekends.

On-Demand Classes

Students who don’t have time to attend a live class can look at on-demand learning options. On-demand classes provide students with access to course materials that they then work through at their own pace. Some classes provide unlimited access to the course, while others set a time limit of several days, weeks, or months depending on the content of the course. On-demand classes allow students the flexibility to learn around their personal schedule. However, students enrolled in on-demand classes don’t have access to an instructor to ask questions or provide them feedback. This learning format requires students to find the motivation and time to cover content, which they may find easier under the guidance of an instructor. 

Free Courses

You can find free FinTech courses online that will teach you the foundations of data science, software engineering, commonly used FinTech tools, and more. Free courses allow students to learn the basics of a topic and prepare them for more intensive training. Courses often have community sections available where learners can interact and help each other troubleshoot. This learning method provides students with an easily accessible way of getting started with FinTech, but they often only cover basic concepts and it’s recommended that students explore other learning options after learning the basics from free ones. 

Depth of Training Formats

Aside from course modality, FinTech training options vary in depth. For extended training, students can enroll in certificate courses; training bootcamps offer intensive short-term lessons in a particular skill; and introductory classes provide beginner-level students with a solid foundation in their chosen skills, preparing them for further training or an entry-level position. 

Certificate Programs

FinTech certificate programs will prepare you for a career in the industry. Certificate programs provide extended lessons in data science, data analysis, financial modeling, Python engineering, and more, over the course of several weeks. The purpose of a certificate program is to prepare you for a career by helping you develop the skills needed and also assisting with career development. Many training centers that offer certificate programs will also offer career development services like mock interviews, resume and LinkedIn reviews, and access to their alumni network. 

Of the three types of training formats discussed here, extensive certificate programs tend to cost more than the others, usually coming in at around several thousand dollars. Tuition covers hands-on training, career services, and supplemental material. At the end of a certificate program, you’ll receive a certificate of completion which you can leverage during job interviews and on your resume. Some certificate programs also intend to prepare students for certification exams. This training option is best for students looking for career prep or who want to undergo advanced training in hopes of progressing within their current company. 

Noble Desktop offers a wide variety of certificate programs to prepare you for a job in FinTech. Noble’s Data Science Certificate program will teach you the skills needed to begin an entry-level career in FinTech or Python engineering. 

Training Bootcamps

Training bootcamps offer students the chance to spend several days or weeks learning a skill. Bootcamps focus less on career prep and more on ensuring that students have acquired introductory to advanced level skills and thoroughly understand the topic of the course. Training centers that offer bootcamps often combine their introductory and advanced-level classes into one program, letting students choose from the bootcamp option or more short-form class option. 

FinTech bootcamps may focus on finance concepts, data analysis, or a specific coding language used to organize and analyze financial data. For example, Noble Desktop offers a live online and in-person FinTech Bootcamp as well as a Python for Finance Bootcamp. These bootcamps offer comprehensive lessons and emphasize gaining hands-on experience to ensure that students progress quickly through major topics that they will encounter when working in the industry. Although certificate programs and bootcamps both offer exceptional training in FinTech, deciding between the two formats will depend on whether you’re interested in career preparation, your budget, and the time you have to dedicate to classes. 

Introductory Courses

Introductory-level FinTech classes offer beginner-level students the chance to get a taste of FinTech concepts and tools and can help them prepare for an entry-level position depending on the course topic. Beginner-level classes start with the foundations, although some may have prerequisites you must meet before enrolling. For example, classes that focus on coding for FinTech, where the emphasis is on working with financial data, may already expect you to understand how to code with certain programming languages. Before enrolling in an introductory-level class, check if you’re required to have familiarity with any concepts or programs first.

Introductory-level classes provide a quick way for students to become familiar with FinTech concepts. These classes last roughly 1-3 days and training centers usually offer follow-up intermediate or advanced-level classes. Introductory classes cost far less than certificate programs and bootcamps, usually running around several hundred dollars with potential discounts available for class bundles or early enrollment. Noble Desktop and similar training centers offer introductory-level classes covering FinTech, data analysis, Python, and other related topics. 

Learn FinTech Skills with Noble Desktop

Learn FinTech skills by enrolling in one of Noble Desktop’s FinTech programs. Noble Desktop offers most classes live online, where students will learn under the guidance of an instructor via a web conferencing platform, and in person at their NYC campus. 

Noble’s FinTech Bootcamp is an interactive program covering the essential skills needed to begin a career in the FinTech industry. Under the guidance of an instructor, you’ll learn Python programming, data science, financial analysis, data visualization, and machine learning. Noble Desktop offers the bootcamp in a 4-week full-time schedule on weekdays, or a 4-month part-time schedule on evenings and Saturdays. In addition to five units covering Python and SQL as used for FinTech, you’ll also have the option of choosing a bonus 18-hour elective unit on either Python or financial modeling. 

Students pursuing or currently in a finance-related profession, interested in using Python’s financial libraries to manipulate and analyze financial data, should enroll in Noble Desktop’s Python for Finance Bootcamp. Over the 18-hour live online course, students will learn how to use Python’s financial libraries and gain hands-on experience gathering and manipulating financial data, fetching APIs for company and economic data, analyzing SEC financial statements, building risk models, and applying linear regression for stock price predictions. Aside from a financial background, students should also have taken Noble’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp, or have equivalent knowledge. If you want to take the course but don’t think you have the financial background necessary, contact Noble after registration to access a free on-demand supplemental guide. 

Financial modeling plays an important role in the FinTech industry. Analysts working for a firm or taking on clients should understand how to use financial models to predict risk and evaluate and compare financial decisions. In Noble Desktop’s Financial Modeling Bootcamp, you’ll learn essential financial and accounting concepts as you work toward gaining the core skills required for a career handling equity research, financial planning and analysis, investment banking, private equity, or corporate finance. Prior financial experience is helpful when enrolling in the bootcamp, but not required. After completing the three-day course, you’ll receive a verified digital certificate of completion and have access to a retake for free within one year. 

Noble Desktop’s beginner-level Data Science Certificate program will provide you with the hands-on training needed to start an entry-level data science or Python engineering position. Spend four weeks full-time (weekdays) or 20 weeks part-time (evenings or Saturdays) learning how to program with Python, perform data analysis, query with SQL, and create predictive models. You’re guaranteed to succeed in this class as you spend 114 hours plus an additional six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions receiving professional advice, receiving detailed and personalized feedback, and mapping out your learning goals. No prior knowledge is required to enroll, making the class ideal for individuals looking to get started with data science, Analysts who want to transition to using Python and SQL, and Developers looking to gain additional skills.