The financial services industries are changing rapidly with the emergence of financial technology (FinTech). The objective of the course is to provide students with an overview of FinTech and introductions to its applications in financial services, such as commercial and investment banking, digital investing, financial advising, and insurance. Students are expected to develop a broad understanding of the recent FinTech development and its impact on different parts of the financial world. Students will also have hands-on problem-solving experiences that can be useful in FinTech applications and innovation. Topics may include but are not limited to: blockchain and cryptocurrencies, smart contracting, payments, digital banking, P2P lending, crowdfunding, robo-advising, and InsurTech.

Below are basic parameters for advisors to use when talking to potential FinTech students regarding appropriate prior knowledge, and to ensure that students can be successful. Students should have a strong foundation in very basic concepts from multiple areas listed below. Students should have an understanding of how all of these are impacted by technology and by the regulatory environment.

Good candidates for the FinTech courses should have a background in business, finance, information technology, cybersecurity, computer science, mathematics, data science, or another related field.

Students should be familiar with or exposed to the following competencies:

1. Create and explain the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows
2. Perform time value of money calculations
3. Value and describe stocks and bonds
4. Evaluate capital budgeting projects