The 7 Best Online Fintech Courses Worth Trying

According to a recent report, the worldwide fintech market reached an estimated value of around $227 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand from 2024 to 2032 at a compound annual growth rate of 16.8%, potentially achieving a value of $917 billion by 2032. Needless to say, this is an incredibly exciting industry to be in, and now is the time to get the training you need to break into the field. Online courses offer a convenient, expedited, and affordable path to getting quality fintech education from the comfort of your home.

After extensive hands-on research, I’ve come up with a curated list of what I believe are the very best online fintech courses out there today, ranked based on a variety of factors, including the quality of the curriculum being presented, the credentials and experience of the instructors, reviews from real students, cost, and more (click here to learn about our entire Editorial Process & Methodology for product reviews).

What are the Best Online Fintech Classes?

1. Harvard FinTech Online Short Course (GetSmarter)

Price

$3,080

Duration

6 weeks

Dive deep into the world of FinTech and stay ahead of the curve with this Harvard FinTech Online Short Course. It’s a great course for finance professionals, technologists, and curious individuals.

By the end of this course, you’ll have learned about the FinTech landscape, the tech shaping the future of finance, and how to tackle real-world innovation challenges. You will learn to critically assess its future and come up with creative solutions for real companies.

Designed in collaboration by the faculty from Harvard VPAL and industry experts, Lauren Cohen and Christopher Malloy, you’re in safe hands. Their real-world experience and in-depth knowledge really makes this course not just informative but also engaging.

The course’s comprehensive breakdown helps you understand the drivers and adopters of FinTech innovations. You’ll explore weekly modules that provide a comprehensive view of this ever-evolving field. It’s like unwrapping a series of fascinating presents each week! The live case studies kept things lively and engaging. The international network of classmates added a unique dimension to the learning experience. Learning from each other’s experiences is one of the most valuable aspects of this course.

You can take this class through GetSmarter, one of our favorite online course websites. Check out our GetSmarter review to learn more.

2. The Economist Fintech & the Future of Finance: Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, Govcoins & the Payments Revolution (GetSmarter)

Price

$1,851

Duration

6 weeks

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of finance, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and all things fintech? Designed for those hungry to learn, The Economist Education Fintech and the Future of Finance course is your golden ticket. This one is for anyone curious about the financial system and why it’s ripe for disruption. The programme covers topics that will interest finance enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Once complete, you’ll gain knowledge and a deep understanding of the financial system and why it’s ready for a shake-up. You’ll be exploring blockchain, cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, gov coins, super-apps, and decentralized finance. 

Not only will you be able to build the right skills to identify technologies that influence the provision of fintech and financial services but will also be able to utilize your skills with confidence and effectively. 

You’ll learn from a leading expert like Matthieu Favas, a Finance correspondent at The Economist, you’ll get real-world insights from someone who knows the industry inside out. You’re not just learning theory; you’re getting practical knowledge from the pros.

On successful completion, you’ll receive an official certificate from Economist Education. It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s a symbol of your expertise in the field. You’ll earn it by completing practical assignments online, proving your mastery of the subject. The certificate will be sent to you, making it official.

3. UCT Fintech: Disruption in Finance (GetSmarter)

Price

$952

Duration

8 weeks

In this course, with each passing week you unlock a world of diverse Fintech knowledge. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a finance enthusiast, or just someone who’s curious about the fintech universe, UCT Fintech: Disruption in Finance course welcomes all. It’s designed to equip you with a profound understanding of fintech and the game-changing opportunities it offers. 

Your guide on this fintech journey are the experts themselves. Allan Davids, a Lecturer at UCT’s School of Economics, is here to share his wisdom.

What will set you apart? You’ll be armed with insights into blockchain technology, big data, and AI’s impact on financial services, especially in the African context. You’ll be the fintech wizard who can identify opportunities and challenges in this space.

At the finish line, you’ll receive an official certificate from the University of Cape Town. To earn it, you’ll tackle practical assignments online, demonstrating your fintech mastery. Your certificate will be sent to you, officially sealing the deal.

4. What is Fintech? Learn the Skills of FinTech Today (Udemy)

Price

Regularly $34.99 (Udemy pricing often includes sales)

Duration

1h 4m 

This course is your map through the Fintech maze, providing you with the foundation to understand this dynamic world. In the last decade, Fintech has exploded with over $200 billion invested in Fintech startups. Fintech has been reshaping the financial landscape. 

The course “What is Fintech? Learn the skills of FinTech today” is taught by Huy Nguyen Trieu, co-founder of CFTE. He’s a key player in the Fintech world, with a wealth of experience and a background that includes top financial institutions like Citi, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Société Générale. 

This course is ideal for aspiring learners with a curiosity about Fintech. It is divided into three main chapters, each offering unique insights. 

You start by learning the true meaning of Fintech, getting an overview of its technologies, applications, and sectors. Further ahead, you dive into the historical origins of Fintech. Explore the reasons behind its rapid ascent to mainstream adoption. By the end of it, you understand how Fintech is changing the financial services landscape and explore the advantages it brings, its integration into the financial sector, and its transformative effects on the value chain and jobs in finance.

5. Decentralized Finance (DeFi): The Future of Finance Specialization (Coursera)

Price

Free to audit (paid upgrades available with the Coursera pricing model)

Duration 

4 months at 2 hours a week

Want to explore the cutting-edge world of decentralized finance (DeFi)? Taught by the experienced Cam Harvey, this dives deep into DeFi infrastructure and applications, helping you understand how DeFi can revolutionize the finance industry.

This course is designed for intermediate learners. Get ready to acquire a deep understanding of the DeFi infrastructure and its leading applications. From tokenization to entrepreneurial finance, cryptocurrency to smart contracts, this course covers the spectrum of DeFi elements. Upon completing the specialization, you’ll gain a Shareable Certificate that you can proudly add to your LinkedIn profile. Plus, the course is offered with English subtitles and provides content in 20+ languages. 

DeFi is the future of finance, and this course offers you a front-row seat to this transformative technology. You’ll learn about the problems DeFi can solve in traditional finance, like inclusion, efficiency, transparency, and more. It’s a unique opportunity to grasp the potential of DeFi and what it means for the financial world.

6. Algorithmic Trading: Backtest, Optimize & Automate in Python (Udemy)

Price

Regularly $69.99 (often goes on sale)

Duration

9h 58m

Dive right into the exciting world of cryptocurrency trading automation! In the Algorithmic Trading: Backtest, Optimize & Automate in Python you’ll become a pro at using freqtrade, an open-source code for cryptocurrency trading. The course helps you understand how to use it effectively to automate your trading.

Whether you’re a cryptocurrency enthusiast or a trader looking to automate your strategies, this course provides all the tools and knowledge you need to thrive in the world of automated cryptocurrency trading.

Your instructors Mohsen Hassan and Ilyass Tabiai are passionate experts in finance, blockchain and programming. They are here to guide you through the intricacies of cryptocurrency trading.

This course is indeed related to FinTech, as it involves cryptocurrency trading and automation, which falls within the realm of financial technology (FinTech). It combines elements of finance, programming, and technology to teach you how to automate cryptocurrency trading strategies. 

7. Foundations and Applications of Financial Technologies Specialization (Wharton Online)

Price

$79/month

Duration

4-6 weeks

With the pace of technological change, the financial industry is evolving rapidly. This specialization equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven financial profession. 

As banking CEOs express concern about technological change and the data landscape continues to grow, staying informed and capable in the world of FinTech is a strategic move.

Foundations and Applications of Financial Technologies Specialization offered by Wharton is a specialization that is all about delving into the modern world of investment strategies with a focus on FinTech. 

You’ll explore the intricacies of payment methods, financial regulations, robo-advising, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, cryptocurrency, and blockchain, among other cutting-edge topics. It’s the perfect opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving financial landscape.

Final Thoughts

The fintech industry, with its rapid growth and innovative edge, really offers an exhilarating career landscape for those eager to be at the forefront of financial technology. This sector is reshaping how we handle money, and it’s constantly evolving, offering endless opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and impact.

The online fintech courses detailed above provide comprehensive, flexible learning paths that cover everything from blockchain and cryptocurrency to digital banking and regulatory technologies. They cater to a range of skill levels, allowing both beginners and seasoned professionals to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the fintech space.

Have you taken any fintech classes online? Share your experiences by leaving a comment below.