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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

FinTech Foundations and Overview

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology via Coursera

Overview

Our primary goal is to help you to understand FinTech and to become more confident and persuasive in your ability to analyze and make recommendations to executives within the finance industry regarding how to react to these changes. This FIRST MOOC ON FINTECH IN ASIA-PACIFIC offered by HKUST presents the insight of several professors from the top business school in Asia as well as perspectives from industry professionals. HKUST has been ranked for many years as the No.1 EMBA program in the world, as the number one Finance program in Asia, and as the top MBA program in Asia by multiple independent rating and review journals and surveys. This course "FinTech Foundations and Overview" offers the combined strengths of HKUST in Business, Finance, and Technology as one the world's leading academic institutions on an important area of technology and business innovations. For learners from outside Asia, this also gives an insight into changes happening in the most advanced FinTech markets of the world, since Asia leads worldwide in FinTech adoption and creative innovations.

Syllabus

  • Introduction to FinTech
    • In this module (week one), students will gain a multi-dimensional perspective on what FinTech means from the perspective of large firms (and older participants in the industry - e.g. dinosaurs), entrepreneurs, investors, and consumers. Examining what FinTech is, or is not, provides a foundations upon which students can build for better understanding of opportunities and changes.
  • FinTech Business Applications
    • The Business Applications of FinTech are essentially the Fin part of the FinTech world, and in this module, we will examine applications across six categories of FinTech, including lending and personal finance, crowd-finding and business financing, payments and retail transactions, equity, trading and investment applications, various types of cryptocurrencies, and banking infrastructure and tools.
  • The Tech of FinTech
    • The Technology enabling and supporting FinTech is important to understand, and this module provides a brief introduction to each of the areas of technology that enable FinTech business changes, including identity and privacy technologies, blockchain and encryption, big data analytics, AI and automation, and consumer tech innovations. This introduction is designed to be at a level appropriate for business managers or students of business, and is not intended to excite or engage tech geeks.
  • FinTech Implications for Established Business
    • Building on our understanding of FinTech market applications and FinTech technologies, we move in this module to examine the implications of FinTech changes and challenges for existing financial services companies, and we look at current and future trends in FinTech world-wide. This module concludes, after the final quiz, with a final course project in which students will present their recommendations for senior managers of a large, established Asia-Pacific bank to take advantage of and respond to FinTech challenges and opportunities.

Taught by

Theodore Henry King CLARK

Reviews

4.7 rating, based on 281 Class Central reviews

4.7 rating at Coursera based on 595 ratings

Start your review of FinTech Foundations and Overview

  • Anonymous
    The “FinTech Foundations and Overview” seminar, offered by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), provides a comprehensive introduction to the rapidly evolving field of financial technology (FinTech). Here are some key aspects o…
  • Profile image for Gabriel Blanco
    Gabriel Blanco
    ¡Excelente curso!, permite entender las tendencias y el ecosistema Fintech de manera integral. Como introducción al mundo de las finanzas tecnológicas, supera las expectativas gracias a la calidad académica de HKUST. Lo que más destaca del curso: *…
  • Anonymous
    This course has been a valuable learning experience for me as an MBA student.It provided me a clear understanding of the financial ecosystem, including digital payments,blockchain, cryptocurrencies,insurtech,and regulatory technologies. This course content was well-structured,easy to understand, and relevant to current industry trends. The practical examples and real-world applicationbs enhanced my knowledge and increased my interest in fintech sector. Overall, this certification has strenghthened my professional skills and given me greater confidence in understanding the rapidly evolving financial services industry.
  • Anonymous
    THE COURSE WAS REALLY HELPFULL FOR UNDERSTANDING THE BASIC PF FINTECH AND ITS APPLICATION, THROU THIS I GOT TO KNOW THE APPLICATION OF FINTECH IN TODAYS ABANKING WORLD AND HOW ITS APPLICATION IS CHANGING THE FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE DRASTICALLY
  • Anonymous
    This course provided an excellent introduction to the FinTech industry and its key technologies. I learned about digital payments, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, data analytics, crowdfunding, and the impact of technology on financial services. The lectures were clear, engaging, and supported by real-world examples that made complex topics easier to understand. The quizzes and reflection questions helped reinforce the concepts. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in finance, technology, or the future of banking. It is a great foundation for further study in FinTech and related fields.
  • Anonymous
    This course provides a clear and well-structured introduction to FinTech and its impact on the banking industry. The content is easy to follow and suitable for beginners, with useful examples that explain key concepts such as digital banking, AI applications, and financial innovation.

    The final project was especially valuable, as it encouraged critical thinking and practical analysis of real-world banking strategies.

    Overall, this course is highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding modern financial technologies and how they are transforming global markets.
  • Anonymous
    The course provided excellent insights into how FinTech is transforming the global banking and financial industry. It helped develop a strong understanding of digital banking, blockchain, AI, regulation, and emerging financial technologies through practical examples and real-world applications. The course structure was informative, engaging, and highly relevant to current industry trends.
  • Anonymous
    Overall video content was easy to understand, assessment adn assignment was amazing which help me gain a lot of knowledge about FinTech.
  • Anonymous
    It is clear and informative.I would recommend this course. It is clear, structured, and gives a good basic understanding of FinTech concepts.
  • Anonymous
    Amazing course, one of the best on coursera. The lecturer is so engaging and passionate about the topic that it makes time fly past so fast
  • Anonymous
    It's Excellent Course that gives you General knowledge of FinTech supported with real models.
    I appreciate the university and instructors
  • Anonymous
    Este curso de Fintech en Coursera es excepcional por su estructura integral, ya que logra abordar con gran claridad desde los conceptos más básicos del ecosistema financiero digital hasta las aplicaciones avanzadas de Blockchain e IA, siendo una herramienta clave para cualquier profesional que busque dominar la transformación tecnológica actual
  • Anonymous
    The course “FinTech Foundations and Overview” offered by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology through Coursera provides a solid and well-structured introduction to the FinTech ecosystem. It clearly explains the evolution of financial t…
  • Anonymous
    the online courses like coursera courses it will help to the students to learn new things.The FinTech Foundations and Overview course by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology provided a clear and structured introduction to the rapidly e…
  • Anonymous
    FinTech Foundations and Overview offers a clear and accessible introduction to the financial technology ecosystem. It effectively explains traditional financial systems before presenting key FinTech innovations such as digital payments, blockchain,…
  • Profile image for Jesus Alberto Rodriguez Henao
    Jesus Alberto Rodriguez Henao
    Excellent course that provides a solid foundation in FinTech concepts and their real-world applications in banking. The lectures are well-structured and the assignments challenge you to think strategically about how major financial institutions are leveraging technology. I particularly appreciated the global perspective, covering developments in Asia-Pacific, London, New York, and Tokyo. Highly recommended for anyone looking to understand how digital transformation is reshaping the financial services industry.
  • Anonymous
    I think the FinTech Foundations and Overview is a very good course. It is an excellent entry point into the world of financial technology. It breaks down complex concepts from digital payments and lending to blockchain, regulation, and open banking into clear, practical insights. What I appreciated most is the balance between theory and real-world application: it not only explains how FinTech is reshaping banking and investments, but also highlights the opportunities and risks that leaders need to understand. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to refresh your knowledge, this course provides a solid, well-structured foundation to navigate the fast-changing FinTech landscape
  • Anonymous
    This course is a total game-changer if you’re trying to decode the future of finance. HKUST really delivered with a perfect blend of high-level strategy and real-world tech, like blockchain and AI. I loved how it didn’t just focus on the "what" but deep-dived into the "why" for established banks and startups alike. The Asia-Pacific case studies offered a super fresh perspective you won't find in Western-centric courses. Highkey recommend if you want to level up your market value and speak FinTech fluently. 5/5 stars, no cap!
  • Anonymous
    This course exceeded my expectations in terms of clarity, structure, and practical relevance.
    The lectures are concise, well-organized, and focused on how the concepts are applied in real-world scenarios.
    It helped me develop a much stronger strategic understanding rather than just memorizing theory.
    I believe this course is especially valuable for professionals or students looking to apply these insights in business or industry contexts.
    Highly recommended.
  • Joey Huang
    4
    Although I majored in Finance, which is a little bit relevant, but still I learned a lot. This is the class I will definitely share with my friends.

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