USF launches free online certificate program in fintech

By Matthew Cimitile, University Communications and Marketing

A new online certificate program from the University of South Florida will teach students,
entrepreneurs and working professionals about the dynamic and disruptive world of
financial technology, also known as fintech.

Developed by the Muma College of Business, the eight-week program provides a non-technical,
foundational understanding of fintech and its impact on the future of business. 

The first module for “The Impact of Fintech: AI, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and the Future of Business” launches today, with a new module being released each week thereafter. The certificate
is being offered free for a limited time via the Muma College of Business website,
and those completing the program will receive a digital certificate. 

“Anyone taking this program will acquire a solid grounding in the world of fintech,”
said Michael Wiemer, director of USF’s Fintech Center at the Kate Tiedemann School
of Business and Finance. “They will learn the ins and outs of fintech technology,
its ever-expanding capacity and future potential that can assist both students going
into the job market to mid-career professionals working in industries that are adopting
fintech technology.”

A team of world-class faculty and industry experts designed the self-paced course
for those who wish to gain an edge in understanding this increasingly vital topic.
The course content covers how technology like blockchain and cryptocurrency are transforming
businesses and the confluence between artificial intelligence and fintech.

The certificate program also features perspectives and use cases from business leaders
in how fintech is disrupting their industries and real-world examples on how they
are utilizing the emerging technology. 

Featured industry experts and examples include:

• Kemal Kvakic, vice president and IT head of innovation with Raymond James Financial, on fintech innovations and the future of the industry;
• Samuel Armes, president of the Florida Blockchain Business Association, discussing the emerging legal and regulatory environment around fintech; and
• Soumya Ghoshal, partner & associate director of the Boston Consulting Group, highlighting the role of blockchain in banking and other sectors of the economy.

“Fintech is one of the most positively disruptive and transformative forces in business
today. This certificate program demonstrates our commitment to preparing our students
for the future and supporting business leaders with the latest advances in business,”
said GJ de Vreede, interim dean of the Muma College of Business.

The fintech certificate adds to USF’s efforts in advancing research and teaching while
collaborating with the business community in supporting startups and a talent pipeline
for the industry. 

Over the last two years, USF has partnered with Tampa Bay Wave on a Fintech|X Accelerator program that assists high-potential startups with the goal of transitioning them to sustainable
and profitable fintech businesses. More than 30 startups from around the world have
taken part in the accelerator.

The Fintech Center is currently hiring new faculty, creating additional online certificate
programs and developing both an undergraduate and master’s degree in fintech that
will be available for students in the coming years.