With fintech on the rise, the finance world is changing. Those passionate about the intersection of finance and technology will be looking for ways to stay ahead in this evolving industry, and an online MBA in fintech offers an opportunity to gain the essential skills needed to navigate this new landscape.
In addition to the core elements of traditional business education, such as leadership, management, and strategic decision-making, an MBA in fintech introduces specialized knowledge in areas like blockchain, digital payments, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrency.
“The fintech sector is offering a wide range of new players in the market that disrupt the traditional financial services industry by bringing technology in the center of their business models,” says Maria Obiols, director of careers for ESADE Business School in Spain.
“Fintech is creating new jobs where candidates are required to combine data analytics, business acumen, and being able to act in a very fast-paced environment.”
Reasons to consider an MBA in fintech
For professionals already working in finance, an MBA in fintech is a way to stay relevant in a market that’s changing fast. With traditional finance roles being impacted by technology, gaining insight into these innovations allows financiers to adapt and grow within their current roles or transition into more tech-centric positions.
For those in tech who want to break into finance, this degree offers an ideal bridge between these two worlds. It brings an understanding of business operations while honing in on financial technologies, creating well-rounded leaders prepared to excel in both sectors.
Newcomers to the workforce can also benefit from this specialized education, entering the job market with a unique set of skills that sets them apart from more general MBA graduates.
“There are emerging career paths within fintech and growing interest around blockchain, AI and robotics,” notes Gemma Robertson, director of employer relations at Imperial College Business School in London.
Graduates of an MBA focused on fintech are positioned for diverse roles, not just within startups but also in traditional financial institutions like banks, insurance companies and investment firms. Governments and large corporations are increasingly interested in integrating fintech solutions, providing even more opportunities.
A fintech specialization versus a general MBA
Pursuing an MBA is a major investment in both time and money. It’s essential to align your program choice with your career goals and long-term ambitions to ensure the best fit. If you’re passionate about both finance and technology, the specialized knowledge and skills gained through a fintech degree will help prepare you for leadership roles in a rapidly changing market.
Roles in digital transformation, product development for fintech applications, risk management and regulatory compliance are just a few examples of where a specialized education in fintech could lead. Whether aiming to lead a team through a digital transformation or looking to develop the next breakthrough fintech solution, an MBA with a focus on fintech opens many doors. On the other hand, for individuals more interested in traditional finance without a strong interest in technology, a general MBA might be a more appropriate path.
The advantage of studying online: apply learnings in real-time
For those that choose to aim for a specialized degree, the options are growing. In 2022 New York University’s Stern School of Business launched a part-time master in fintech that mirrors an MBA. The one-year program combines online and in-person learning across global fintech hubs, with courses designed by experts in finance and tech.
“With the transformation of the global financial system, technology is now the language of business, and today’s finance leaders need to be fluent translators in order to drive change,” says Raghu Sundaram, professor of finance and former dean at NYU Stern.
Pursuing an online MBA in fintech offers flexibility, allowing students to continue working while they study. Online degrees can provide the same quality of education as their on-campus counterparts, offering access to experienced faculty and comprehensive coursework. Many programs also create virtual networking opportunities, so students can still build valuable professional connections.
But the ability to apply knowledge in real-time is perhaps the key advantage of an online MBA. As students learn about fintech innovations, they can immediately implement those insights into their current jobs, enhancing both their education and their professional growth simultaneously.
“[These programs] allow working professionals to retool and gain the latest breakthrough knowledge in key areas to advance their careers, immediately apply classroom learnings to their current roles, and expand their networks with seasoned peers from around the world,” says Robert Salomon, vice dean for executive programs at NYU Stern.
