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Fintech – the technology revolution currently taking place in the financial services sector – is transforming the players and redefining the landscape of the industry. It is disrupting financial markets and institutions, from the decentralization of banking and payment systems to the use of artificial intelligence in making investment decisions. This transformation results in a specialized body of knowledge and skills that will prove critical to a successful career in the emerging field of fintech.Ìý

The fintech revolution requires professionals to become qualified, skilled, and knowledgeable in both finance and technology. Numerous employers in the financial industry, such as banks, investment companies, and insurance and consulting companies, are searching for such talent. The more knowledge and skills financial professionals acquire, the more doors will open in their careers.Ìý

If you aspire to become a highly sought-after professional in this exciting emerging field, to work in fintech start-ups or fintech projects within financial institutions, the Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology can provide you with the critical competencies to help you achieve your goals.Ìý

Eduardo Lima, Ph.D.
Academic Program Coordinator

• This program covers the knowledge and skills necessary to become a valuable player in the evolving field of Financial Technology with a skill set in financial data visualization and modelling techniques, fintech business models, and artificial intelligence applications.ÌýÌý
• All courses focus on developing practical skills alongside a solid theoretical background, through hands-on exercises, assessments, cases, and real-world problems.ÌýÌý
• Networking opportunities are embedded in all courses through our many guest lecturers from various industries, roles, and work backgrounds.Ìý
• Professional opportunities are further enhanced by bringing together learners both from Finance and Technology areas for unique combinations of skills.

This program is a good fit for you if you are:

• A mid-career professional or entrepreneur who wants to enter or advance in the emerging field of fintech or work in fintech start-ups or fintech projects within financial institutions, such as banks, insurance companies, asset managers, and investment consulting firms

This program should enable you to:Ìý

• Use current advanced technology tools (Excel VBA, PowerBI, R, Python) to summarize and interpret financial information, link databases, and automate tasksÌý

• Evaluate business models of fintech disruptors in various industries of the financial sectorÌý

• Analyze and interpret data and modelling techniques associated with financial applications of artificial intelligenceÌý

This program is offered online.

Classes are held at the same time each week in a live virtual meeting room. Activities may include the use of web-based tools. Students are not required to be physically present on campus.

Classes are generally scheduled during weekdays from 6 to 9 p.m. ET.

1. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an approved university with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.0 in the last two years of full-time academic studies.
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2. If your CGPA is lower than the above requirement, please submit the following for consideration with your application:
   
   a) Letter of Intent: 1 to 2 pages in length, single-spaced, written in English or French, addressing the following:
   • your knowledge that would be pertinent to the program
   • your interest in the field of study and the reasons for applying
   • plans for integrating the training into your current or future career
   • description of your professional experience and its relevance, if applicable, to the program
   • awards received or other contributions
   • any additional information relevant to your application
   
   b) Curriculum Vitae
   
   c) Two letters of reference, signed and on letterhead. At least one should be from a current or former employer.
   
   d) GMAT and/or GRE test score results (optional)
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3. In addition, applicants must:
   
   a) have successfully completed the McGill Graduate Certificate in Financial Analysis
   
   OR
   
   b) have successfully completed the McGill Graduate Certificate in Data Analysis for Complex Systems
   
   OR
   
   c) have a minimum of two years of recent, relevant work experience and include a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and two letters of reference with their application
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4. Applicants must provide proof of English Language proficiency.
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5. This program is currently open to Canadian/Permanent Residents.

The financial services sector is evolving at a rapid pace and financial institutions must stay up to date with technology-related industry developments. This requires organizations, large and small, to develop their technological capabilities to stay ahead of the curve in a highly competitive landscape. These organizations look for someone educated in both finance and technology to build these essential capabilities and enhance their competitive positioning.Ìý

According to Lightcastâ„¢ labour market analysis, the national employment demand for professionals in fintech roles grew 7.4% per month on average from July 2020 to July 2022 – a growth rate that exceeds the already healthy rate of 6.2% in the general financial sector over the same period. In addition, it is projected that employment for professionals with graduate-level credentials will continue to increase at least at the same speed nationally and regionally (in Quebec) as the historical average occupational growth. This bodes well for future demand in the field.Ìý

A solid financial technology skill set is vital to all financial institutions undertaking technology modernization, including banks, investment companies, consulting companies, insurers, pension funds, regulators, fintech start-ups, and the CFO offices of major corporations.ÌýÌý

Students who have been admitted toÌýonline programsÌýwill be subject to deregulated fees if they are studying with a residence address outside the province, as the government does not fund the University for credit activities that are followed outside Quebec. All students will have to self-declare their location of study each term inÌý. Consult the student accounts website –ÌýOnline Programs pageÌýfor more information.