It’s known for sending students to Wall Street. Now, it’s teaching them how to disrupt it.NYU Stern School of Business is expanding its MBA program to prepare students for future jobs in the fintech, as the sector faces a tsunami of innovation.
Starting Fall 2016, NYU Stern MBAs will be able to choose a dedicated fintech specialization, which NYU Stern says is a first among top business schools, plus eight new electives.
A slew of schools have told BusinessBecause over the past year that they are developing fintech electives, however, in areas such as blockchain, bitcoin, and peer-to-peer lending.
“Technology continues to transform the business landscape at a breath-taking pace,” said Raghu Sundaram, vice dean of MBA Programs at NYU Stern. “Business education needs to innovate to keep pace with the rapid rate of change. The launching of the fintech specialization…Is an important step in this direction.”
NYU Stern was one of the first to pioneer a course on bitcoin, in 2014, along with Duke's Fuqua School of Business, when questions about the regulation of cryptocurrencies began to emerge.
Bitcoin, and its underlying technology, the blockchain, has become one of the hottest topics in banking and finance. Advocates believe blockchain could revolutionize areas such as international clearing and settlements. Already, banks including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are pouring investment into blockchains.
Investments in fintech have increased from $1.8 billion in 2010 to $19 billion in 2015, according to Citi.
“The mechanism by which people exchange financial assets will look incredibly different five years from now,” said professor David Yermack, academic co-chair of NYU Stern’s fintech specialization.
“Inevitably, there will be more peer-to-peer exchanges without a human middleman to certify the transaction. In addition to start-ups, many jobs will be situated in legacy banks that are currently racing to catch up with the technology.”
MBA job opportunities in the fast-growing fintech space are numerous. Graduates are now as keen to work at start-ups in this space as they are at big investment banks.
“Fintech is a great area for recruiting growth,” said Richard Bland, head of finance careers at London Business School.
Excitement around the blockchain has universities the world over rushing to develop content on the topic. Cambridge University’s Judge Business School is placing fintech into the core of its masters in finance program this year. Both the Haas School of Business, USC Marshall School of Business and MIT Sloan School of Management rolled out fresh fintech programs in 2015.
“Blockchain and new financial technology in general open a number of new opportunities both for start-ups as well as for incumbents, so developing high quality educational content on these topics can be extremely useful for MBA students,” said Christian Catalini, assistant professor of technological innovation at MIT Sloan.
NYU Stern’s fintech courses will address a range of subjects, including trading strategies; transaction security; data management; risk management; financial data analytics; digital currencies; mobile payments; and entrepreneurial crowdfunding.
The pivot to fintech shows no signs of abating. Imperial College Business School of the UK, for example, is developing content in its new Centre for Global Finance and Technology.
Student Reviews
Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Supportive atmosphere
The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.
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Happy to school
All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.
Good schooling
Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.
Beautiful School, Nice Classes
DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable
Amazing experience
I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.
whirlwind of growth and change
An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.
One of the best for Business students
Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.
The university campus is awesome
I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.
