For those of you interested in technology and finance, the emerging industry of Financial Technology (FinTech) might just be the perfect course for you. Especially, considering the digital times we are living in today. In fact, to cater to the skill gap in financial services, technology application has become a necessary skill for graduates.
With the explosion of the internet and mobile internet, the relevance of Financial Technology (FinTech) has grown rapidly over the years and the traditional accounting and finance industry has been moving towards digital transformation.
Before the Covid-19 Pandemic hit the world, it was quite clear that FinTech would play a crucial role in financial services in the coming years. However, the covid-19 has accelerated that process, and it will not be wrong to say that the future of FinTech is already here.
An industry that was once seen as an industry disruptor and potential competitor in the financial service sector, is now accepted and invested in by many financial giants. With FinTech, financial institutions become more efficient and effective, by providing customers with more variety in choices, increasing transparency and saving much of the time wasted doing financial transactions.
What is FinTech?
When someone says FinTech, online transactions and e-payment is what comes to mind for many. However, this new industry is much more than just that.
Financial Technology (FinTech) is a growing engineering discipline that is essentially about the application of technological innovations into financial services. It was once associated with only financial institutions. However, it has now moved beyond simply just being a feature that is provided by financial institutions as it can now be present in all sectors, with the application of cloud-based technologies that is a combination of open source software and blockchain technologies.
Listed below are the trending areas in FinTech globally:
- Insurtech
- Regtech
- APIs
- Payments
- Online Banking
- Lending
- Blockchain Crypto
- Smart contracts
The introduction of digital currencies, crowdfunding, platforms, robot investment advisors, big data analytics and algorithm-driven trending strategies has extremely influenced the way people do payments both online and offline, as well as, store, manage and finance their businesses.
FinTech Growth in Malaysia
There is no doubt that 2020 was a wavering year, with the pandemic that has affected millions of lives, but it has also fueled the growth of the Malaysian fintech industry.
- Covid-19 has accelerated the the shift to digital transactions
Although Malaysia has been moving towards digital transformation for the past decade, Malaysia’s Government Control Order (MCO) has tremendously accelerated the FinTech space in Malaysia. It aided in adding 3 million new mobile banking service subscribers in 2020 as well as pushing the use of e-wallets and payments. Merchants were quick to notice the trend and join in with over 400,000 new businesses registering for QR code payment which was approximately 164% compared to the previous year.
The e-wallet industry of Malaysia has also matured rapidly with over 40 non-bank providers such as Touch N Go, with 5 million users and 300,000 merchants.
- Digital finance adoption is on the rise
Digital finance is also booming in Malaysia across different FinTech segments such as e-remittances, wealthtech, and cryptocurrency trading.
- FinTech Innovation due to regulatory changes
In 2020, the government released Malaysia’s digital banking framework on electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) to facilitate digital onboarding and later, the Central Bank released a licensing framework for digital banks. Forty parties have thus far formally shown interest and submitted online applications to hop on into the digital banking sector.
Read more here.
What are the Career Options for FinTech Graduates?
- Entrepreneur
- Data Analyst
- Strategy Analyst
- Payment System Specialist
- FinTech Specialist
- Compliance Expert
- Product Developer
- Financial Analyst
- FinTech Quantitative Developer
- Banking Specialist
- Business Development Associate
- Blockchain developer
- Application developer
Subjects You will Study in a FinTech Degree in Malaysia?
- Blockchain economics
- Essentials of FinTech
- Enabling FinTech
- Digital Currencies and Blockchain Technologies
- Crowdfunding and Alternative Lending
- Investigations in Financial Technology
- Financial Technology Project
- FinTech Governance, Risk Management & Compliance
General Academic Entry Requirements for FinTech Degree in Malaysia
STPM | minimum 2 grade C+ ( CGPA 2.33 ) in 2 subjects and a credit in mathematics |
A-level | minimum grade C in 2 subjects and a credit in mathematics |
UEC | 5 Grade B’s including mathematics |
Matriculation/ Foundation | minimum CGPA 2.50 and a credit in mathematics |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other specific entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
General English Language Requirements for International Students in Malaysia
IELTS | minimum score of 5.0 |
TOEFL IBT | 35-45 |
MUET | Band 3 |
Pearson (PTE): | 36 |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other specific entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
Where to Study FinTech Courses in Malaysia?
Asia Pacific University
Asia Pacific University (APU) has two courses providing specializations in financial technology. One course for those of you interested in Banking and Finance, and another course for those of you interested in Informational Technology.
Both of these courses are designed to provide the students an edge with the latest technologies in the Industrial Revolution 4.0.
Both the degrees encompass 2 years of on campus studying and 16 weeks of first-hand industrial experience.
Course Details (Information Technology with Specialization in FinTech)
Program | BSc (Hons) in Information Technology with a Specialism in Financial Technology (FinTech) Bachelor in Banking and Finance (Hons) with a Specialization in Financial Technology |
Intake | May, September & November |
Duration | 3 Years |
Indicative Fees (2021) | Local Students: RM87,000 International Students: RM88,200 |
Taylor’s University
The course, Bachelor in Accounting(FinTech) at Taylor’s University is the perfect course for those of you interested in a combination of accounting and financial Technology as this course is specifically designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of both sectors.
This unique course gives students the opportunity to meet the demands from different industries including the “Big Four” accounting firms, multinational corporations, banking and financial services, public listed companies, and government agencies.
This course is the first of its kind and provides the opportunity for students to do two internships for more industrial experience.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor in Accounting (FinTech)(Honours) |
Duration | January, March, August |
Intake | 3 years |
Indicative Fees (2021) | Local Students: RM99,906 International Students: USD29,219 |
Multimedia University (MMU)
The course at Multimedia University (MMU) is the one for you if you are interested in the engineering aspect of financial technology. Specifically, it is a blend of IT, Mathematics, finance, and financial modelling modeling skills, all of which are essential aspects of the financial technology industry.
This course involves three years of on campus studying and internship during the fourth year.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor of Financial Engineering (Hons) |
Intake | April, July , September & November |
Duration | 3 and a half years |
Indicative Fees (2021) | Contact Excel Education |
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