Master in Financial Technology

A blockchain developer creates decentralized applications and smart contracts using blockchain technology. You’ll design secure, transparent systems for data and transactions, working with platforms like Ethereum to build solutions in finance, for supply chains and many other applications.

An increasingly important specialism in both the finance and business worlds, where online theft and cyber attacks are very real issues. In cybersecurity, you’ll protect digital systems, networks and data from those threats. You will examine existing systems for vulnerabilities, implement the latest security protocols, monitor activity and respond to any incidents, ensuring informational security, integrity and availability.

As a cryptocurrency analyst, you’ll specialize in monitoring and evaluating digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum and emerging tokens. Using financial modeling, blockchain data, and market intelligence, you’ll assess trends, forecast valuations and identify investment opportunities in this fast-moving space. You’ll also evaluate risks, track regulatory developments, and advise fintech firms, trading desks or investment funds on strategy in decentralized markets.

Financial data engineers are responsible for the design and maintenance of data infrastructure in support of financial analysis and decision-making. In this role, you’ll build informational pipelines, manage databases and ensure the provision of high-quality data, enabling analysts and modelers to access accurate, timely information in trading, risk and reporting systems.

In a critical role, particularly in larger organizations, payment systems architects design the infrastructure and workflows behind secure and scalable payment solutions. In this role, you’ll define system architecture, ensure regulatory compliance and integrate technologies to support transactions across platforms, enabling efficient digital payments for banks, fintech firms and merchants globally.

As a trading analyst, you’ll analyze market data, monitor trends and evaluate ongoing performance in support of investment decisions. Your assessment of emerging trends and their attendant risks will provide insights to traders and portfolio managers, helping inform strategy in the dynamic financial ecosystem.

As a quantum financial engineer, you’ll apply quantum computing principles to solve complex financial problems. From algorithm development for portfolio optimization to risk analysis and pricing models, the fast-emerging quantum advantage can take on challenges that are currently beyond the reach of standard FinTech.

As a Global Partner with Berkeley SCET, IE enables up to 10 students per year to enroll in the Startup Semester, a full-time program for international students seeking a comprehensive entrepreneurial experience. Participants can choose from two tailored tracks to support their unique professional goals:

• Venture Discovery Track: Ideal for students eager to explore and develop new ventures. This track requires a minimum of 8 credits from SCET courses as part of a 12-credit semester load, and students will need an F1 student visa.
• Venture Validation Track: Designed for students who already have a developed project and are looking to accelerate growth. This track involves 7 credits with SCET out of a total 9-credit load, with participants attending on a J1 visa.

This program not only provides an intensive learning experience but also awards an official certificate from UC Berkeley, enhancing your credentials with practical, real-world skills in entrepreneurship.

For students who are further along in their entrepreneurial journey, the Summer Venture Lab is an immersive six-week program that offers personalized mentorship and hands-on experience in venture acceleration. 

This summer opportunity is particularly suited for those with established projects, aiming to refine and scale their startups.

The program is held during Berkeley Summer Sessions (late May to early June) and includes options for campus housing.

Both programs represent unique, non-mandatory enhancements to your master’s experience at IE, providing the opportunity to access UC Berkeley’s world-renowned entrepreneurial environment with special conditions.

With SCET’s expert faculty and mentors, you’ll gain a competitive edge in today’s global marketplace, ready to innovate and lead.