What is FinTech?

The world around us moves at lightning speeds and industries across different sectors have steadily adapted to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Such is the case with finance, which works hand-in-hand with financial technology, or FinTech, to innovate the delivery of financial services. FinTech is growing rapidly and in need of professionals who have the necessary skills and knowledge to propel the industry forward. Learn more about FinTech, its related careers, the skills needed to work in the industry, and the programming languages used by developers.

Financial Technology and Its Importance

FinTech is the use of technology to design and provide enhanced financial services with more speed, accessibility, and efficiency. FinTech is also responsible for creating financial industry infrastructures like payment systems, risk management tools, and investment platforms.

Through these applications, FinTech provides access to financial tools to all — a reality that was not possible in the past. This type of technology enables consumers to complete their financial responsibilities faster and without the fees often associated with traditional banking. FinTech is also available to people who may not have access to personal banking services or live in areas without proper banking structures.

Security is one of FinTech’s most prominent features. Security measures and tools are embedded into FinTech services right off the bat to prevent the threats of a cyberattack. This is in contrast to traditional banking, which has been slower in anticipating cyberthreats and adopting cybersecurity measures.

FinTech is Everywhere

FinTech is prevalent across different sectors and can be found in:

• Transactions: This includes payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Square, which give consumers the ability to make transfers or payments instantaneously.
• Digital banking: Chime, Ally Bank, Varo Money, and other institutions offer banking services completely online to improve convenience for their members.
• Online lending: SoFi, Prosper, and Lending Club are just some of the leading lending platforms established to offer lending services directly from a network of lenders for lower interest rates and ease of use.
• Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrency is an alternate option for payments and investments led by the likes of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple.
• Robo-advisors: These are automated advice and portfolio management services powered by algorithms and data science.
• Insurtech: This is insurance done easy by way of data science and machine learning which streamline some of the most time consuming and inefficient insurance processes.

Fintech Careers

The rapidly growing FinTech industry offers career options across different sectors for people looking to break into tech. Some of the most in-demand tech careers include:

FinTech Core Skills

Bear in mind that the skills you’ll need for a FinTech career can vary depending on the specific type of position you wish to have. With that said, most FinTech careers across different sectors require a core set of skills that include:

• Technical skills: A career in FinTech requires a deep understanding of programming languages, software development, and data analysis.
• Financial knowledge: This includes a strong understanding of investment strategies, financial markets, and risk management.
• Analytical skills: Data is frequently used to inform decision-making. Analytical skills including the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data for business outcomes are essential in FinTech.
• Communication skills: In FinTech, where complex technical and financial concepts need to be presented to non-technical stakeholders, communication skills are crucial.
• Adaptability: Companies value candidates who can adapt to the rapidly evolving technologies and trends that emerge in the FinTech industry.
• Problem-solving skills: FinTech can be complex, so the ability to create sophisticated solutions to the industry’s most intricate problems is highly valued.

FinTech Programming Languages

Because FinTech is so particular, the developers tasked with designing, creating, and maintaining its apps, software, and architectures tend to rely on specific programming languages. Some of the most popular programming languages used in FinTech include:

Python

This programming language is versatile, easy to use, and commonly applied in data analysis, machine learning, and software development. But perhaps it’s most known in FinTech as the go-to option for Blockchain development.

Java

Java is the standard for most companies and has been used in the development of tech giants such as Instagram, Spotify, and Amazon. In FinTech, Java is a popular language for developing trading platforms, risk management tools, and other financial applications.

SQL

SQL is a database management language commonly used for data analysis and management. If large amounts of data need to be extracted and organized, SQL will likely be the tool used.

C++

C++ is fast and efficient. It is commonly used in high-performance financial systems, such as trading platforms and risk management tools.

R

This programming language is used in data analysis and statistical modeling. It is often used in FinTech for risk analysis, fraud detection, and other applications.

JavaScript

Much like Java, JavaScript has long been used in the development of applications across different platforms and sectors. Its flexibility in frontend (client-side) and backend (server-side) development make it especially suitable for FinTech applications.

Get There With Kenzie Academy

If you went from asking yourself, “What is FinTech?” to “How do I get started?” the Kenzie Academy programs from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) can help you set your future in motion. Any one of the following programs can help prepare you for a career in FinTech:

• Software Engineering: Learn development fundamentals with Java, one of the most popular FinTech programming languages.
• Full-Stack Web Development: Prepare to create and maintain the front and backend portions of an application using JavaScript and learn to manage large amounts of data using MongoDB, a useful tool in FinTech.
• Cybersecurity: Take on an essential role as you protect organizations from the threats of cyberattacks.

The Kenzie Academy programs from SNHU can prepare you with the skills you need to enter the tech space and create a rewarding career with the potential for higher pay. Apply today and take the next step into your new future.