Digital Money
How can digital financial services help refugees, small-holder farmers and microenterprises in emerging markets? What are the latest developments in cryptocurrency, digital identity, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence? How can we protect consumers, encourage innovation, and promote financial inclusion?
The emerging field of digital financial services (DFS) is expanding rapidly, bringing with it unprecedented levels of innovation, especially in developing markets. Members of the public, private and non-profit sectors alike are interested in the potential of DFS to promote financial inclusion, create career opportunities and support economic growth. At the same time, they raise questions about security, regulation, and access. Many find they are seeking additional skills and knowledge.
Unfortunately, while traditional banking has long been recognized as a formal profession supported by training and accreditation, there is no counterpart in the world of DFS. Training – if available at all – has usually been fragmented and is often proprietary to large providers.
Working in partnership with the Digital Frontiers Institute, The Fletcher School is helping to fill this gap with a series of online courses. The Certificate in Digital Money has been developed for professionals who wish to gain a holistic understanding of digital payments and emerging digital financial services, particularly those working to accelerate a financial inclusion agenda. The 12-week course covers all aspects of the digital financial services ecosystem and value chain, as well as practical thoughts and insights into key operational details. Its companion course, Leading Digital Money Markets, provides a global tour of noteworthy experiences on digital money systems currently in use.
Students wishing to delve into more depth and formalize their careers in digital financial services can become Certified Digital Finance Practitioners. This three-year journey provides professionals with the solid foundations and continued learning to ensure their success in this rapidly evolving industry. In addition to the two foundational courses listed above, students complete a number of shorter courses to specialize in one of three areas: regulation, customers and usage, or technology and operational enablers.
The Fletcher School issues certificates to all students who successfully complete the 12-week courses, and again to those who become Certified Digital Finance Practitioners.
Students in all courses come from around the globe and represent every part of the industry – from central banks and regulatory agencies, to commercial banks and telcos, to researchers and development practitioners. Not only do they build their own skills and knowledge through the course content, they also make crucial connections with others in the field.
More information on these courses is available here.
Fletcher students and alumni are eligible for discounts on DFI courses. Please contact FletcherExecEd@Tufts.edu for information on discounts.