Utah college graduates first group of FinTech students
SALT LAKE CITY — FinTech, or financial technology, is a booming business. And if you’ve ever used a mobile banking app or something like Venmo you’re a part of that growth. Now, 19 graduates from the University of Utah hope to add to the growth of FinTech, too.
The U is offering a new minor dedicated to FinTech. This year, they graduated their first class of students. There are dozens more behind them.
These graduates will fill roles in digital banking, blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. All of these industries are booming businesses with huge potential.
“It’s attracting a lot of capital, creating a lot of economic output,” said Ryan Christiansen, the Executive Director of the Stena Center for Financial Technology at the U.
Indeed, revenue from the FinTech industry is expected to grow to $1.5 trillion by 2030, according to The Boston Consulting Group and QED investors.
About the Stena Center
As with other colleges and universities across the United States, the Stena Center for Financial Technology combines the academic disciplines of business and engineering. In February, the Stena Center hosted the FinTech XChange Summit.
This conference gave students and others opportunities to learn about trends in FinTech from technology, academic, and regulatory experts.
And, as part of its program, the U’s FinTech students work with Utah FinTech businesses for hands-on experience in the real world.
Those behind the Stena Center say the education they offer is a first step.
“This minor program is really the first step in developing a robust FinTech education for students at the University of Utah,” said Emily Flinders, the Director of Operations at the Stena Center.
As many as 60 students are currently enrolled in the program, a number that is expected to keep growing.
