The University of Strathclyde Business School has launched a part-time MSc Financial Technology (FinTech) in Bahrain – the first programme of its kind in the Gulf region.
Delivered in partnership with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), the master’s degree will further develop Bahrain as a pioneering Fintech hub in the Gulf by providing skilled professionals to the sector, and also act as a platform for interaction between UK and Bahrain fintech companies.
Approved by The Bahrain Higher Education Council (HEC), the MSc FinTech takes a holistic view of the financial ecosystem from the perspective of where it is headed.
It teaches the concept of Strategic FinTech, a top down view of how innovation is impacting business models and society. It will give Bahraini managers the insights needed to navigate their organisations in a world where the backbone of finance is changing.
Roddy Drummond, UK Ambassador to Bahrain, who was present at the event commented, “Very pleased at the announcement of this new partnership between BIBF and Strathclyde. It will deliver cutting-edge learning in FinTech, with an outstanding British University, and BIBF – a trusted partner of the UK for many years. This will help Bahrain become the regional hub for FinTech.”
Professor David Hillier, Associate Principal and Executive Dean of University of Strathclyde Business School, said, “Our MSc FinTech will bolster Bahrain’s position as a leading FinTech hub in the region, and offer ambitious individuals the opportunity to gain a cutting edge qualification, delivered by Strathclyde academics, without having to take a year out to complete studies.
“Graduates will be highly employable and have the relevant skillsets for future careers in capital markets. We’re confident that we will enable students to fast-track into a successful career in the finance sector.”
Director of the BIBF, Dr Ahmed Al Shaikh, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with the internationally-recognised University of Strathclyde and launch this innovative and pioneering Master’s degree.
“As the training arm for the financial sector in Bahrain, we are well-placed to equip the Bahraini workforce with the broad set of skills and knowledge required in this fast-growing sector and allow them to take advantage of the opportunities arising from FinTech.”
The first intake to the MSc FinTech is scheduled for February 2020, and the entire programme will be delivered in Bahrain over a two year period by Strathclyde academics, via a scheduled series of weekend face to face intensive classes and weekly local tutoring.