Digital Finance and Fintech Applications: Class 1

Overview

This opening class provides a broad overview of the fintech ecosystem across countries and geographies. It briefly discusses the application of AI technology in financial services, the importance of the platform economy, and the future labour market in the digital era. Drawing on discussions of the rise of the platform economy and the growing role of the tech economist, the session sets the foundation for understanding how digital finance is reshaping business and work. Designed for a general audience at beginner level, it combines conceptual framing with real-world context to prepare participants for later classes in the series.

What you will learn

• Explain the structure of the fintech ecosystem across different countries and geographies.
• Identify common applications of AI technology in financial services.
• Describe the key features of the platform economy and its role in digital finance.
• Discuss how digital finance and platform-based business models may affect the future labour market.

Syllabus

1. 1. Class 1

   Introduction of Fintech Ecosystem

Prerequisites

No prior fintech or finance experience is required. This beginner-level class is open to everyone, including students and professionals from business and other backgrounds. Participants should be comfortable reading short articles and engaging with introductory concepts from business, economics, and technology. Curiosity about digital finance, AI in financial services, and the changing nature of work is helpful. Basic familiarity with using digital platforms and online services is assumed, but no technical or coding skills are needed.