Financial technology, also known as fintech, has overhauled the traditional world of finance. And the most impressive achievement of the fintech sector is its expansion of employment opportunities. However, you will need some qualifications to be eligible for a job in this niche. As such, taking certification courses is a great place to begin.

This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to navigating the best courses and certifications to kickstart your career in financial technology. The courses below will teach you how to put your foot forward in the industry.

1. Certified Blockchain Expert | Blockchain Council

Certified blockchain expert

The Blockchain Council offers this comprehensive online course to meet the discrete needs of blockchain professionals. The curriculum introduces learners to blockchain mining, use cases, architecture, and other fundamentals.

The course allows you to implement your skills in blockchain applications through its hands-on industry project experience. Upon course completion, you will have lifetime access to the course content. You'll also have 24/7 support for all your queries and a Blockchain Council certification with lifetime validity.

In addition, you can complete the certified blockchain expert course in six to eight hours. The self-paced training costs $179 and does not need prior knowledge. Hence, it's best suited for beginners curious about what fintech is and how to start a career in it.

2. Fintech: Foundations and Application of Financial Technology | Coursera

Fintech Foundations and Application of Financial Technology Screenshot

This course uses real-world applications and case studies to introduce learners to the fundamental building blocks of financial technology. Students will also learn to deploy technology and modern investment strategies to produce optimal results. The specialization has four courses with hands-on projects and certificates attached to each.

Furthermore, this course does not require any background knowledge. However, a general understanding of finance and financial products may be helpful. The certification is 100% online, and you can access your modules via the web or mobile. Although you can complete the course in 16 weeks, you have the liberty to work at a pace that suits your schedule.

3. Decentralized Finance (Defi): The Future of Finance | Coursera

Screenshot of Decentralized Finance (Defi) The Future of Finance course

Duke University offers this four-course learning experience to help learners understand the components of decentralized finance’s infrastructure. The four courses include DeFi risks and opportunities, DeFi primitives, DeFi deep dives, and DeFi infrastructure.

The training is 100% online and comprises only intermediate-level courses. Hence, you should have some background knowledge about decentralized finance. Although the course price is affordable, some financial aid is still available to those who cannot afford the enrollment fee.

If you’re committed to a pace of two hours per week, you can complete the course in approximately four weeks. Upon completion, the certification guarantees the acquisition of cryptography skills, allowing you to also get decentralized protocols, blockchain mechanics, and smart contract skills.

4. Certified Expert in Digital Finance | Frankfurt School

Certified Expert in Digital Finance Course Screenshot

This certification will help you understand the emerging digital landscape, products, and new market participants disrupting the market. The course contains six mandatory units and assignments you must complete within a fixed deadline.

This is a paid course, with an extra exam fee for the second and third final exam attempts. Although the certification is expensive and doesn’t allow installments, it offers groups and Frankfurt school alumni a 10% discount.

In this course, you’ll take the units sequentially and pass an online multiple-choice exam before accessing the next module. Also, students will continually have personalized support from the E-campus and access to a discussion forum to exchange course-related opinions with peers and tutors.

Frankfurt offers this course to contribute to the sustainable development goals, which include quality education, partnerships for the goal, and decent work and economic growth. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to deploy digital financial services in your niche to achieve maximum results.

5. FinTech: Innovation and Transformation in Financial Services | Henry Harvin Finance Academy

Fintech Innovation and Transformation in Financial Services Course screenshot

Henry Harvin Finance Academy offers this course through respected industry experts with over 12 years of experience. It equips candidates with in-depth knowledge of fintech innovations, evolving business models, changes in the financial sector, and challenges of payment infrastructures.

The training encompasses 48 hours of two-way-live online sessions. These sessions include great tools, video content, assessments, and techniques. Students will also have access to regular Boot Camps over the next 12 months.

Interestingly, successful candidates will intern with Henry Harvin or partner firms. This internship includes access to over 3 million worldwide solid alum networks. You also have a 100% placement guarantee with an average salary hike of 80%.

The employment you get upon completion of this course assures you of job security with exceptional growth opportunities. Henry Harvin Finance Academy guarantees a 100% refund if you're unsatisfied after the first session.

6. Oxford Fintech Programme | University of Oxford, Saïd Business School

Oxford Fintech Programme Screenshot

Oxford partners with Esme Learning to navigate the digital transformation of financial services through this paid course. The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certification Service has certified this program as a provider of continuing professional development. This certification makes it applicable to members associated with UK-based professional bodies.

Professor Nir Vulkan and Pinar Ozcan, Director of the Oxford Future of Finance and Technology, lead this course with other industry experts. They exemplify the research and practical skills students need to launch successful fintech ventures.

During the six weeks duration of the course, students will explore key themes, including artificial intelligence and central bank digital currencies. You will also enjoy the benefits of real-world applications to build a strategy for a fintech venture. Finally, enrollment in this course affords you access to the official Oxford Executive Education LinkedIn alumni group.

7. The Future of Payment Technologies | Coursera

The Future of Payment Technologies Course Screenshot

The University of Michigan offers this free online course through Coursera. It is one of the fintech innovations specializations that examines the strengths and weaknesses of current payment systems.

The course explores the future of payment technology, ranging from front-end innovations like digital wallets and payments to back-end innovations like tokenization. Students will understand the value propositions for new technologies and also relate new technological innovations to current inefficiencies.

Furthermore, this beginner-level course takes approximately seven hours and includes hands-on learning projects. The deadlines are flexible, allowing you to reset them following your schedule. Knowledge from this course will leave you with skills in payment technology, and you will learn the tech skills you need to succeed in the finance industry.

8. Financial Technology (Fintech) Innovations | Michigan Online

Financial Technology (Fintech) Innovations Course Screenshot

Michigan Online guarantees free access to this online specialization course. The instructors merge the business and technology aspects of fintech. These mergers show learners the use cases of technological innovation and how to adopt technologies in their careers.

The course considers monopolistic central government financial control obsolete. Hence, it seeks to establish information technology firms and professionals as innovation leaders in the financial industry.

The course encompasses four sections. They include the future of payment technologies, blockchain and cryptocurrency, raising capital, and artificial intelligence innovations in investment technology. Lastly, you can complete the training in approximately six weeks or longer, depending on your pace.

9. FinTech: Finance Industry Transformation and Regulation Specialization | Coursera

Finance Industry Transformation and Regulation Course Screenshot

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, a leading institution in advancing science and technology, offers this free specialization certificate. The certification focuses on helping finance professionals understand the foundation and governing regulations of fintech.

The certificate encompasses four courses in fintech foundations, fintech risk management, fintech security and regulations, and fintech disruptive innovation. These courses guarantee skills in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and fintech disruptions.

This certification requires learners to complete four peer-graded final projects. These projects demand analysis, research, and recommendations for finance executives. Also, you can complete the certification within five months at a suggested pace of three hours per week.

Students will be able to practice quizzes and grade programming assignments. Finally, you will also have access to shareable certificates that will get you started on the best careers in fintech.

Do Fintech Certifications Attest to Your Expertise?

Certifications are proven ways to acquire new skills, hone existing ones, and upscale. Many employers require proof of expertise to promote employees from entry- or mid-level roles to senior-level positions. Certificates are often evidence that you possess the skills that the job roles you're seeking require.

While traditional degrees are still valid, employers of leading fintech firms continually demonstrate a preference for certified employees. However, basic knowledge of decentralized finance is essential to make your learning journey easier before enrolling in these courses and certifications.