Overview
This course explores the intersection of financial technology (fintech) and sustainability in the global economy, with a focus on how technological innovations are reshaping financial services while advancing—or sometimes creating challenges for—sustainable development goals.
You will examine how fintech applications such as digital banking, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and investment platforms influence financial inclusion, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Through case studies and critical analysis, the course considers the potential of fintech to transform retail banking, investment practices, and green finance, while also addressing risks related to regulation, ethics, and global financial stability.
By situating fintech within broader debates on sustainable finance, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship, the course equips students with the ability to evaluate both opportunities and challenges presented by the digital transformation of finance.
Students will gain insights into how technology-driven financial innovations can support inclusive growth, reduce inequalities, and contribute to climate action, while also critically assessing the governance frameworks needed to ensure sustainable outcomes.
Outline
This course is divided into eight lessons:
- Lesson 1: Overview of fintech and sustainability
- Lesson 2: Fintech and sustainable development
- Lesson 3: The impact of fintech on retail banking, investment practices and cryptocurrency
- Lesson 4: The role of fintech in financial inclusion
- Lesson 5: Fintech and sustainable finance
- Lesson 6: Fintech and social sustainability
- Lesson 7: Fintech and environmental sustainability (green fintech/green finance)
- Lesson 8: Fintech and sustainability challenges and regulations
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the relationship between fintech innovations and sustainable development goals.
- Assess the impact of fintech on retail banking, investment practices, and emerging financial products such as cryptocurrencies.
- Analyze how fintech promotes or hinders financial inclusion in diverse global contexts.
- Evaluate the role of fintech in sustainable finance decision-making, including green finance and socially responsible investment.
- Examine the ways fintech contributes to social sustainability decision-making, including equity, access, and ethical considerations.
- Assess the role of fintech in environmental sustainability, particularly in the development of green financial technologies.
- Critically appraise the regulatory and governance challenges that arise at the intersection of fintech and sustainability.
- Integrate knowledge of financial technology, sustainability, and policy to propose innovative and responsible solutions to real-world challenges in the global economy.
Evaluation
Your grade will be based on the successful completion of the weekly applied problems, weekly discussions, one group project, and the comprehensive individual assignment.
| Activity | Weight |
| Weekly Applied Problems | |
| Own solution | 9% |
| Discussions/comments on at least 2 solutions from others | 6% |
| Weekly Discussions | |
| Discussion initiation | 9% |
| Discussions/comments on others' postings | 6% |
| Group Project | |
| Submitted Assignment | 20% |
| Participation, as reflected in the peer evaluations | 10% |
| Comprehensive Individual Assignment | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
To receive a passing grade in this course, you must meet these minimum standards:
- an average of at least 60% overall on applied problems
- an average of at least 60% overall on the discussions
- an average of 60% overall on the group project
- at least 60% on the comprehensive individual assignment