Financial technology—fintech—is revolutionizing how we bank, invest, and manage money. Blockchain, robo-advisors, and digital wallets are just a few exciting innovations of recent years, but more are emerging every month.
Companies need professionals who understand both technology and finance, and a Master of Finance in Financial Technology (MFFinTech) program can equip students with the skills to keep up in this fast-paced world, preparing them for career paths in fintech start-ups, big banks, and regulatory bodies.
BusinessBecause spoke to MFFinTech graduate Yixuan (Sharon) Zhang and Professor Alan P. Kwan at HKU Business School about the program and the career outcomes it affords students.
An MFFinTech gives you a solid foundation in finance
A Master of Finance in Financial Technology blends traditional finance knowledge with emerging, state-of-the-art technological skills. Sharon enrolled in the MFFinTech at HKU School of Business (HKU), attracted by its forward-looking curriculum.
"The 50/50 split between finance and technology was exactly what I needed. It allowed me to deepen my financial knowledge while also diving into emerging areas like cryptocurrency, quantitative finance, and foundational Python, which has been crucial to my professional development,” she says.
Sharon majored in finance as an undergrad, with a minor in psychology, but felt she lacked a real understanding of the broader business world and where her career might lead.
“The career-oriented nature of the HKU master's programs felt like the perfect fit for me at that stage of uncertainty,” she says.
Sharon says she chose to study in Hong Kong because it’s a global financial hub and a crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures. HKU’s central location and academic reputation also made it a strong fit.
You’ll learn about AI in trading, digital payments, and crypto markets
Sharon credits the MFFinTech with helping her develop a multi-dimensional skill set.
"On the technical side, I gained a systematic understanding of FinTech and a solid grounding in areas like crypto markets and quantitative finance. More importantly, it helped me overcome my apprehension towards using new technologies and fostered a mindset of continuous learning,” she explains.
"The program’s more advanced courses are continually updated to match the fast-changing pace of technology, AI and quantitative finance. [Students] are also as much as possible exposed to project-oriented work inspired by the latest academic research or in collaboration with an industry employer," says Professor Kwan (pictured below).
You’ll meet a diverse cohort and gain new perspectives
“I wanted to be challenged by those around me,” says Sharon, whose classmates came from diverse backgrounds such as finance, computer science, and mathematics. Many of them already had extensive internship experience.
“Interacting with my diverse and talented classmates opened my mind to career opportunities far beyond traditional finance, showing me possibilities beyond the traditional finance track," she adds.
Studying in Hong Kong also played a key role. As a global financial hub, it gives students exposure to both international employers and regional innovation.
"One advantage of being in Hong Kong [is that] the opportunities to network are abundant and the pace of networking is uniquely fast. HKU is also located centrally in the city and a highly recognized institution, bringing many unique opportunities," says Professor Kwan.
He adds that students often meet future collaborators or mentors through HKU’s career programs, industry workshops, and field trips.
An MFFinTech includes tailored career support
Sharon (pictured right) says HKU’s careers services, particularly the personalized coaching, taught her how to pitch herself effectively. “This made me more confident and successful in interviews, creating a positive feedback loop.”
The Career Development and Training Team also helped Sharon secure internships in investment banking, private equity, venture capital, and asset management.
“I was also proud to be part of the team that won first place in the UBS Finance Challenge, which deepened my practical experience,” she says.
Of the program’s curriculum, Sharon observes: “The blend of finance and technology in our coursework, combined with the constant exchange of ideas with my peers, made me realize that continuous learning and curiosity are the only ways to keep up. This mental framework is far more valuable than any single skill; it's what gave me the confidence to pursue a less conventional path after graduation.”
An MFFinTech sets you up for your next career move
After graduation, Sharon joined Fargo Wealth, a company founded by an HKU MFin alumnus. The company began as a family office but has, according to Sharon, continuously evolved by using technology to solve industry pain points. It now spans finance and fintech, developing Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Portfolio Management Systems (PMS).
Sharon credits the MFFinTech with helping her reframe how she thinks about her career.
“The most significant takeaway [from the program] for me was the shift in my mindset and my openness to new opportunities,” says Sharon. “I'm no longer searching for a single ‘correct’ career path. Instead, I'm driven by a desire to create, innovate, and explore. I believe this mindset is the most valuable asset I have.”
The program is designed to support a wide range of career goals, from traditional finance roles to emerging areas at the intersection of finance and technology, says Professor Kwan.
"The opportunities of the industry are fast-evolving. Many students enter the traditional financial sector equipped with a unique skillset, while others work in areas such as quantitative trading or Web3 in both technical and non-technical roles. Some students have gone on to work in technology or data science as well," says Professor Kwan.
For Sharon, that flexibility has paid off as she continues to build her career.
“My master's degree laid an essential foundation for both my current role and my future aspirations,” she says.
