Representatives of the University of Lodz, City of Lodz Office and project partners from FinTech companies in Lodz informed the media about the launch of the studies. The press briefing took place on the terrace of the 19th floor of the HiPiotrkowska skyscraper – the tallest building in Lodz.
The studies are a result of unique cooperation initiated by the City of Lodz Office and implemented by the University of Lodz together with the FinTech community in Lodz. The great commitment of all partners at every stage of their creation should be underlined. As a result, we offer studies that combine reliable scientific knowledge and practical understanding of technological innovations in the finance sector. We add the components of entrepreneurship and leadership to it. FinTech postgraduate studies are an excellent example of modern education implemented, in accordance with the mission of our university, for the needs of the environment and together with the environment
– Dr hab. Agnieszka Kurczewska, Associate Professor, the University of Lodz Vice-Rector for External Relations.
The importance of the studies for Lodz was emphasised by Adam Pustelnik, Vice President of Lodz. He pointed to the buoyancy of the Lodz environment of companies creating technological innovations in the financial industry:
The aim of the activities of the Lodz authorities, including integration of the Lodz FinTech sector or initiating FinTech postgraduate studies, is to place Lodz on the FinTech map of Poland as one of the key centres. The FinTech community of Lodz, which brings together several dozen (more than 30) companies – Fintech Central Poland – is operating more and more dynamically, as evidenced by the studies that will be launched in October.
Why Lodz? This is where the electronic banking began – the first electronic banking in Poland – PBG (1998) and the first Internet banking in CEE – mBank (2000). In Lodz we have excellent human and technological facilities – almost 30,000 IT specialists
– added Adam Brzostowski, Director of Business Development and International Relations Bureau at City of Lodz Office, member of the Curriculum Board of the new study programme.
Advantages determining the uniqueness of the FinTech study programme at the University of Lodz compared to other such studies in Poland include, among others, as many as 300 hours of classes (other universities: 160 – 188 hours), mainly in the workshop formula. Classes for financiers wishing to strengthen their digital competences and IT specialists interested in strengthening their financial competences will be conducted mainly by financial market practitioners (in particular from companies representing FinTech Central Poland) and experienced research and teaching staff of the University of Lodz (Faculty of Economics and Sociology, Faculty of Law and Administration, Faculty of Physics and Applied Informatics).
That is the largest number of classes on the market! Two semesters, 9 thematic blocks, 43 lecturers, 11 partner companies – these are the basic numbers characterising FinTech postgraduate studies at the University of Lodz. They are addressed mainly to people who want to set up or develop their own FinTech, but also for employees of traditional financial institutions who want to implement innovations, as well as IT companies supporting such projects. The studies are strictly practical in nature. Our ambition is to prepare participants to create a FinTech project concept ready to implement
– Prof. Monika Marcinkowska, Head of the Department of Banking, Head of the FinTech postgraduate studies.
FinTech studies, as mentioned by Prof. Monika Marcinkowska, prepare for the creation of a company operating in the FinTech industry and the profession of a CEO (or work in another managerial position, especially a start-up), but also Product Owner, business analyst, specialist in a company operating in the field of financial technology or financial institution (a bank, a payment institution, a loan company, an insurance or an investment company). This is a response to the demand of the environment – the labour market is now wide open to professionals of this specialty.
The classes provided for as part of the FinTech studies curriculum at the University of Lodz aim at:
- familiarising participants with current trends occurring in the broadly understood financial sector related to digitisation and digital transformation in Poland and foreign markets, with particular emphasis on the financial innovation sector,
- familiarising participants with the principles of functioning of financial markets in the legal and regulatory environment – both Polish and European,
- teaching the basics of designing digital products and services for the financial market,
- teaching the basics of data analysis techniques and the ability to use data in business,
- training skills in the practical use of specialist concepts in the field of FinTech,
- developing entrepreneurial attitudes and start-up knowledge for future entrepreneurs in the area of FinTech, with an emphasis on the ability to create business models and obtain financing,
- teaching and developing professional skills such as effective communication, effective group work, project management, self-presentation and presentation of the business concept to the investor (investor speech).
FinTech postgraduate studies at the University of Lodz are a completely new approach to educating competent individuals and teams for the needs of the Fintech Sector emerging in Lodz and Central Poland. As the faculty that coordinates the studies, we would like to invite all people who see the value in combining competences from the world of finance with the competences of the world of modern technologies. We offer knowledge of lecturers – FinTech practitioners, but also friendly spaces where listeners will find the opportunity to meet new people and strengthen business relations. These studies are intended not only to educate, but also to inspire graduates to co-create the Fintech industry – the future of economy
– concludes Dr hab. Mariusz E. Sokołowicz, Associate Professor, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Sociology for Education and at the same time the Chairperson of the Curriculum Board of FinTech postgraduate studies at the University of Lodz.
Members of the Curriculum Board of the FinTech studies at the University of Lodz:
- Dr hab. Mariusz Sokołowicz,Associate Professor, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Sociology – Chairperson
- Adam Brzostowski, acting as Director of Business Development and International Relations Bureau at City of Lodz Office
- Marek Bartosik, Executive Director, GFT Poland Sp. z o. o.
- Joanna Erdman, President of the Polska Bezgotówkowa Foundation
- Arkadiusz Jadczak, member of the FinTech Central Poland, Co-founder, Monethero Sp. z o.o
- Prof. Dr hab. Monika Marcinkowska, University of Lodz, Head of the Department of Banking
- Wojciech Zieliński, CEO, MakoLab SA
Prof. Monika Marcinkowska, University of Lodz, Head of the Department of Banking, member of the Banking Stakeholder Group of the European Banking Authority is the head of the studies.
Edit: Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz
Photos: Bartosz Kałużny, Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz