With the advancement of technology and the wave of digital transformation, Fintech (Financial Technology) has rapidly emerged as a new trend in the financial industry. Many students are confused about the difference between Finance and Fintech when choosing a major. Both are about "money," but the skills, tools, and mindsets emphasized are completely different.
This article will deeply compare the curriculum, skill development, technology application, career directions, and suitable candidates for these two popular majors, helping you plan your academic and career path clearly.
1. What is Finance?
Finance is the study of how money works and how resources are allocated over time and risk. Its core goal is to help individuals, businesses, or institutions make wise financial decisions and manage capital.
- Corporate Finance
- Investment Analysis
- Financial Markets & Institutions
- Portfolio Management
- Risk Management
- International Finance
- Derivatives & Financial Instruments
- Emphasis on analysis and logical thinking
- Involves economic principles, statistical analysis, investment evaluation
- Theory-based, model as tool, decision-making as core
2. What is Fintech?
Fintech (Financial Technology) = Finance + Technology. It is a hot interdisciplinary field that combines programming, data science, AI, blockchain, and more to redefine how financial services are delivered.
- Introduction to Fintech
- Programming for Finance (Python/Java/R, etc.)
- Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies
- Financial Data Analytics
- Robo-Advisory & AI in Finance
- Cybersecurity in Finance
- Digital Payments & Open Banking
- Emphasis on technical tools: programming, data, API, system architecture
- Ability to innovate traditional financial services with technology
- Theory + practice, project and solution-oriented
3. Finance vs Fintech: Key Differences
| Dimension | Finance | Fintech |
|---|---|---|
| Core Purpose | Manage funds, assess risk, investment decisions | Use technology to optimize financial services and efficiency |
| Academic Foundation | Economics, financial models, accounting principles | Finance basics + programming + data science |
| Technical Requirement | Medium, focus on Excel, financial modeling | High, need Python, databases, AI algorithms, etc. |
| Teaching Mode | Theory + case + mathematical modeling | Project-based, technical development, application testing |
| Career Fields | Banks, funds, investment companies, corporate finance | Fintech companies, startups, big data finance, bank IT |
| Common Tools | Excel, Bloomberg, financial statement analysis | Python, SQL, AI tools, blockchain platforms |
4. Career Pathways
- Investment Analyst
- Financial Planner / Advisor
- Bank Officer / Corporate Finance Consultant
- Risk Assessor / Credit Analyst
- Equity Researcher / Fund Manager Assistant
- Financial Controller / Corporate Finance Manager
For advancement, consider CFA, FRM, CFP, etc.
- Fintech Product Manager
- Financial Data Analyst
- Blockchain Developer
- Payment Systems Specialist
- Robo-Advisor System Developer
- Banking Tech Consultant / Financial Innovation Team
Combine CFA + data certificates (e.g., Google Data Analytics, AWS Certified) for competitiveness.
5. Who is it for?
| If you… | Recommended Major |
|---|---|
| Like analyzing financial statements, investment portfolios | Finance |
| Interested in stocks, market trends, company valuation | Finance |
| Like coding, building systems | Fintech |
| Interested in crypto, AI investment, blockchain | Fintech |
| Aim for traditional financial institutions | Finance |
| Want to work in fintech companies, startups | Fintech |
6. Learning & Assessment
- Theory-oriented analysis and data calculation
- Focus on market trends, company value, risk control
- Lots of reading, case studies, frequent reports
- Project development, cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Master both financial logic and programming skills
- Mainly coding, product development, data processing
7. Recommended Universities & Courses (Malaysia/China/International)
- Malaysia: Asia Pacific University (APU) – Bachelor in Finance & Fintech; Monash University Malaysia – Finance / Business Analytics; Taylor’s University – Bachelor of Finance & Economics; Sunway University – Fintech elective modules (with Lancaster);
- China: Shanghai University of Finance and Economics – dual degree in Finance & Fintech; Peking University Digital Finance Research Center; Zhongnan University of Economics and Law – full fintech curriculum; Tsinghua PBC School of Finance – fintech research authority
- International: University of Oxford – MSc in Financial Economics + Fintech electives; National University of Singapore (NUS) – Fintech Innovation track; Imperial College London – MSc Financial Technology; University of Hong Kong (HKU) – Master of Finance in Fintech; MIT Sloan – Master of Finance with Tech Integration
8. FAQ
- Q1: Is Fintech just Finance plus programming?
To some extent, yes, but Fintech emphasizes system development, data science, and technology integration—it's a blend of engineering and finance. - Q2: Can Finance graduates switch to Fintech?
Yes, but it's recommended to supplement with programming and data analysis skills, such as Python, SQL, blockchain, etc. - Q3: Is Fintech very difficult? How deep do you need to go?
You need intermediate logic and tech skills. You don't have to be an engineer, but you should understand APIs, data structures, and financial system logic. - Q4: Is Fintech employment better than traditional finance?
Both have prospects. Fintech pays more but changes fast and requires continuous learning; Finance is broader and more stable.
9. Conclusion
Finance and Fintech represent two different facets of the financial field:
If you are good at data analysis, logical thinking, and interested in investment management, Finance is your solid choice.
If you love tech innovation, coding, and problem-solving, Fintech will take you to the frontier of smart finance.
Remember, there is no "good or bad" major, only what suits you. Understanding your personality and goals is the key to future success.
US 14106 
GB 9688 
CA 8818 
AU 8233 
IE 6118 
BR 3205 
NZ 2091 
IN 1056 
