CUD School of Management Students Explore the World of Fintech

The event facilitated by industry experts discussed topics ranging from the evolution to the future of Fintech 

June 12th, 2024, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): The School of Management at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) recently hosted "Revolutionizing Finance," an event to introduce the School of Management students to the dynamic world of financial technology (Fintech). Fintech is the integration of technology into the offerings of financial services companies such as banks, to improve their use and delivery for customers. The event, organized by Olga Starkova, Teaching Assistant and Head of CUD’s Trading Floor, provided an insightful exploration into this rapidly evolving sector.

Industry experts Ilia Kovalchuk, iOS Software Engineer at Revolut, and Konstantin Berezin, Backend Developer at Rapyd, faciliated the event, sharing their expertise and experiences with attendees. 

Speaking about the event, Olga Starkova said, ”This event was a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn directly from industry experts with firsthand experience in Fintech. It is part of our ongoing efforts to provide quality education, academic knowledge, and industry expert guidance, ensuring our students are well-prepared to become future leaders in the business world.” 

The key highlights of the event included a presentation on the historical context of Fintech, tracing the journey from early telegraphs and trading systems to real-time banking and mobile technology. It highlighted innovations like NFC, Face ID, and app stores in building trust and driving growth in Fintech, along with the rise of neo-banks and challenges for traditional banks.  

Furthermore, the students examined the role of biometrics, AI, and government regulations in modernizing payment systems, showcasing the transition from physical money to digital transactions. The speakers talked about the shift from cash to crypto, explaining how banks utilize smart contracts and the future impact on e-commerce.  

They explained the basic characteristics and uses of each asset class, emphasizing how they contribute to diversified investment portfolios. Additionally, the discussion covered fundamental financial concepts such as simple and compound interest, illustrating how these mechanisms affect investments over time and play a crucial role in wealth accumulation. The session also addressed how financial technology interfaces with these assets, enhancing accessibility and understanding for investors through digital platforms. This integration is pivotal in educating and engaging a broader audience, particularly in the dynamic landscape of modern finance. 

Fintech plays a crucial role in the UAE for enhancing its position as a global financial hub and driving economic growth. The UAE, especially Dubai, has become a central point for Fintech innovation, with hundreds of Fintech startups and numerous global financial firms. This ecosystem fosters innovation and provides a supportive environment for Fintech companies to thrive, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 of doubling the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade, and reinforcing its position amongst the top three global cities. 

At CUD, we are committed to providing our students with cutting-edge industry insights and academic excellence to ensure their success in their careers. The event was part of CUD’s commitment to hybridizing academic knowledge with the world of business through experiential learning and industry exposure for our students.  

Learn more about the CUD School of Management.  

 

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