Get the best of the business and tech worlds with a new FinTech major #HereAtSAIT

FinTech in everyday lives

Whether it’s e-transferring money to repay for dinner, choosing which stocks to purchase on an investment app, or completing a tax return using an online platform, understanding financial technology (FinTech) comes down to considering the digital tools used on a daily basis to perform financial actions.

It’s a catch-all term which can refer to software, mobile applications and any other technology improving access and availability of traditional forms of finance for businesses and consumers alike.

FinTech isn’t narrowly focused; rather, it’s involved in a wide range of industries, including accounting, information technology, financial services, as well as real estate and human resources.

FinTech is showing no signs of slowing down. Payment companies, wealth management systems, international student payment platforms, personal budgeting and banking mobile applications are all examples of startups created in the past few years.

SAIT’s FinTech major will teach basic programming and coding fundamentals using languages such as Python. It’s not intended to create full-stack developers, but rather, business professionals who share a common language with developers and can act as an effective liaison between both worlds.

Grace McKenna, Associate Dean at SAIT’s internationally recognized School of Business, says the major can be understood as three different pillars rolled into one: finance, technology and innovation.

“FinTech can often be thought of as really big projects and things. But innovation can be large. It can be small. It can be technology-enabled. It can be process-driven,” she says.   

Creating SAIT’s FinTech major

More than 40 industry consultants from small start-ups to big banks were involved in the design of the new major.

“I have never seen so much enthusiasm from an industry to get involved and support students,” says McKenna.

“They see the need within their industry and they want to be a part of filling that need.”

New technology and the delivery of AI-driven products can arise before they’re expected, she explains.

“What’s relevant today may not be four years from now,” says McKenna.

Through the new major, the BBA program is adapting to respond to a world where financial services are being offered through a landscape of new technologies. Some of the courses were also developed in partnership with SAIT’s School for Advanced Digital Technology.

During their final semester students will have the opportunity to explore emerging areas and trends and dig into specialized topics, like looking at the environmental impacts of cryptocurrency.

“We have organizations and technology startups right in our backyard, and they are looking to us to supply graduates for their organizations,” says Kristene Coller, Academic Chair with the BBA program.