New Zealand University Launches Innovative Fintech Degree to Address Skills Gap
In response to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the fintech sector, the University of Waikato, a prestigious educational institution in New Zealand, has unveiled the nation’s inaugural Bachelor of Banking, Finance & Technology (BBFinTech) program. This initiative aims to equip graduates with the essential skills required by the rapidly evolving fintech industry, according to The Fintech Times.
The University of Waikato, renowned as New Zealand’s premier business school and globally recognized with Triple Crown Accreditation, is at the forefront of this educational endeavor. The BBFinTech degree is poised to bridge the current skills gap and empower graduates to serve as catalysts for business innovation and transformation.
This groundbreaking program will provide students with comprehensive knowledge in various areas, including financial markets, investment platforms, digital finance, banking operations, automated trading, cybersecurity and other. Additionally, students will delve into the increasingly popular field of impact investing, where individuals invest in profitable businesses that also strive to achieve social or environmental objectives while ensuring financial returns.
Matt Bolger, the pro vice-chancellor for the Waikato Management School, highlighted the program’s relevance, stating, «The world of finance operates on digital technology. From investment platforms and digital currencies to payment methods, digital is at the core of it all. However, there is currently no undergraduate degree in New Zealand that addresses the need for these dual competencies. The BBFinTech program will fill this crucial skills gap, enabling graduates to play a pivotal role in driving business innovation, whether it’s for local Kiwi champions or Silicon Valley startups. We eagerly anticipate welcoming our first cohort of students next year.»
Shane Marsh, founder of the prominent fintech firm Dosh and an alumnus of the University of Waikato, expressed his optimism about the BBFinTech program’s potential impact on the industry. «We anticipate significant growth in this sector. Our industry will require a larger workforce with these skills in the future, and we are delighted to see the University of Waikato stepping up to meet this demand with their new BBFinTech degree,» he said. «There is a real need for individuals with fintech expertise who can help shape the future of financial services. We require professionals who understand how open banking, digital currencies, and emerging technologies will shape the future solutions we seek in New Zealand and abroad. Given the substantial growth potential in this sector, students interested in technology and a rewarding career path should seriously consider this program.»
This pioneering BBFinTech degree program from the University of Waikato marks a significant step in preparing future professionals to excel in the fintech sector, contributing to the ongoing evolution of financial services in New Zealand and beyond. With support from industry leaders like Shane Marsh, it is poised to become a key driver of innovation in the financial technology landscape.