Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and describe the key technologies driving FinTech (e.g., AI, ML, Blockchain, RPA, Cloud Computing).
• Analyze the business models and value propositions of different FinTech sub-sectors (e.g., payments, lending, InsurTech).
• Understand the strategic implications of digital disruption for traditional financial institutions and corporate finance departments.
• Evaluate the potential applications of **Robotic Process Automation (RPA)** in core finance and accounting functions.
• Assess the fundamental concepts and practical use cases of **Blockchain** technology and cryptocurrencies.
• Understand how **Artificial Intelligence (AI)** and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming credit scoring, fraud detection, and trading.
• Analyze the regulatory landscape (RegTech) and cyber risk management in the digital finance ecosystem.
• Develop a strategic roadmap for digital transformation within a finance or accounting function.
• Evaluate FinTech vendor solutions and manage their successful integration into existing systems.
• Understand the ethical and societal implications of advanced financial technologies.

Target Audience

• CFOs, Finance Directors, and Senior Executives
• Strategy and Corporate Development Professionals
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Managers
• IT and Digital Transformation Leaders
• Compliance, Risk, and Internal Audit Professionals
• Investment Bankers and Venture Capital Analysts focused on FinTech
• Treasury and Cash Management Specialists

• Case studies on major FinTech disruptors and incumbent responses (e.g., Netflix of Finance, Amazon of Banking)
• Group exercises developing a business case for an RPA or Blockchain pilot in a finance process
• Expert-led discussions on the latest trends and venture capital funding in FinTech
• Scenario planning for managing cyber risk and data breaches in a digital environment
• Individual analysis of a FinTech company's business model and competitive advantages
• Workshops on assessing the strategic fit of various digital technologies for a corporate finance department

Unit 1: The FinTech Landscape and Digital Drivers

• Defining FinTech and the drivers of digital disruption in finance
• Key FinTech verticals: Payments, Lending, WealthTech, InsurTech, RegTech
• Analyzing the "unbundling" and "rebundling" of financial services
• The concept of "platform economics" and ecosystem strategy in finance
• Impact of digital platforms (e.g., Alipay, Square) on traditional financial models
• The shift from proprietary systems to Open APIs and Open Banking

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in finance
• Understanding the principles and potential of **Blockchain** and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)
• The role of Cloud Computing in financial service scalability and delivery
• Overview of Robotics Process Automation (RPA) and its applicability to finance
• Big Data analytics and the monetization of financial data
• Biometrics, identity management, and the future of KYC/AML

Unit 2: Transformative Technologies in Depth

• Identifying high-value, repetitive tasks suitable for RPA implementation
• Steps for developing an RPA business case and calculating ROI
• RPA in Accounts Payable, General Ledger reconciliation, and financial closing
• Governing the "digital workforce" and managing bot security
• Distinguishing between attended, unattended, and intelligent automation
• Challenges and best practices for RPA implementation in the finance department

• Deep dive into the architecture and types of Blockchain (Public vs. Private)
• Understanding the concepts of Cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin) and Stablecoins
• Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and its potential impact on lending and custody
• Practical use cases for DLT: Supply Chain Finance, Trade Finance, cross-border payments
• The emergence of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)
• Regulatory and accounting treatment of digital assets

Unit 3: AI, Big Data, and Modern Finance

• AI for algorithmic trading, portfolio management, and robo-advisory
• ML in fraud detection and anomaly scoring in high-volume transactions
• Using AI for enhanced credit scoring and loan application processing
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) for contract review and compliance monitoring
• Predictive modeling with ML for financial forecasting and risk prediction
• Ethical AI: Bias, transparency, and accountability in financial algorithms

• The shift to instant, peer-to-peer (P2P) payment systems
• Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) and the disruption of traditional consumer credit
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms and alternative funding sources
• Embedded finance: integrating financial services directly into non-financial apps
• Cross-border payment innovation and the role of SWIFT alternatives
• Security and authorization protocols (e.g., multi-factor authentication)

Unit 4: Strategy, Risk, and the Future

• Understanding Regulatory Technology (RegTech) and its automation of compliance
• Managing heightened cybersecurity risks in a digitally integrated world
• Data privacy regulations (e.g., CCPA, GDPR) and their impact on FinTech data sharing
• FinTech sandboxes and the role of proactive regulatory innovation
• Developing a robust vendor risk management framework for FinTech partners
• The strategic importance of data governance and quality

• Developing a digital transformation roadmap for the finance function
• Evaluating build, buy, or partner strategies for adopting new technology
• Assessing the ROI and organizational change management for FinTech adoption
• The future of the CFO role in a digitally disrupted landscape
• Building a "future-ready" finance team with new skill sets (e.g., data scientists)
• Measuring the success of digital finance initiatives