Overview
Program Description
Hosted multiple times a year, the ViableEdu Fintech Apprentice Program Series is a collection of virtual programs open for all students looking to learn the foundations and applications of capital markets, market structure, personal finance, fintech, entrepreneurship and more. The curriculum was developed by BondCliQ and ViableMkts CEO Chris White. The program provides a comprehensive study of the mechanics of financial market systems and the role that technology plays in market development and is comprised of individual modules that leverage animated presentation materials and demonstrations to articulate key concepts. Participants in the ViableEdu Fintech Apprentice Program will develop a deeper understanding of why markets work and how technology can be used to modernize and optimize financial market systems. Through this course, students will:
Understand critical market concepts (ex: Liquidity)
Examine the history of financial market evolution
De-construct the key elements that influence market development
Identify opportunities for career growth in capital markets fintech
Structure
ViableEdu features small, compact class sizes ensuring personal and individual attention for everyone. Our ViableEdu Fintech Apprenticeship Programs have ~5 hours of virtual engagement per week. Students will complete tasks on an individual level, including readings and other weekly content assignments.
Skills Development: 1-2 hours
Networking (Coffee Talks): 1 hour
ViableEdu Market Structure and Innovation Classes: 1-2 hours
Course Content
Demystifying Wall Street
Demystifying Wall Street
Module is designed to help attendees develop a strong foundation in the basics of
Finance and Wall St.
Areas Covered:
● Wall Street terminology
● Finance basics
● Market participants, products, and trading
Mechanics of Sales & Trading
Mechanics of Sales & Trading
Module outlines the roles and responsibilities of key institutions and individual market
participants. Attendees improve their knowledge of market products and sales & trading.
Areas Covered:
● Different divisions within financial institutions
● Primary and secondary market mechanics
● The basic sequence of trading
Market Structure Mechanics
Market Structure Mechanics
Module provides a foundation for understanding basic, universal market mechanics.
Attendees learn the key elements that control the evolution of financial markets.
Areas Covered:
● OTC vs. exchange systems
● Defining liquidity
● Key elements of market structure
Introduction to Asset Management
Introduction to Asset Management
Students learn the parties, products, and strategies of Asset Management
Areas Covered:
● Different types of asset managers
● Different products asset managers invest in
● Different strategies used to differentiate Asset Managers from their competitors
Mechanics of Market Making
Mechanics of Market Making
Students learn to understand and discuss key concepts around market making workflow, liquidity, broker-dealers, and different market making techniques
Areas Covered:
● Who are “market makers”?
● Difference between a broker and a dealer
● Liquidity in financial markets
● Clients of market makers
Deconstructing Debt
Deconstructing Debt
Students learn the history, structures, and various applications of debt
Areas Covered:
● History of debt and credit
● Capital Access
● Credit Ratings and Debt Structures
Using Credit
Using Credit
Students are taught how credit works with a detailed examination of credit cards and student loans.
Areas Covered:
● Credit Reporting
● Credit Scores
● Consequences for Mismanaged Debt
Spending and Budgeting
Spending and Budgeting
Students are introduced to behavioral economics and how spending decisions are shaped.
Areas Covered:
● Budgeting Structure
● Translating Financial Goals into Budgeting Priorities
● Budget Creation
Alternative Data in Financial Markets
Alternative Data in Financial Markets
This session outlines the most valuable sources of alternative data and how different financial institutions are applying this information to gain a competitive advantage.
Areas Covered:
● Alternative Data Sets
● Trends in Usage by Market Participants
● Big Data Concepts
Introduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data Science
Module introduces the key roles and workflows within the data science field and where it lands within the broader information technology industry
Areas Covered:
● Key tasks of data engineers, data analysts, data scientists and ML engineers
● ETL/ELT, data cleaning, data experiments, data insights
● Data Science vs. Operations vs. Product Development
Fintech 101
Fintech 101
Module reviews the development of capital markets fintech, front, middle and back-office applications, and key vendor solutions that are changing the market.
Areas Covered:
● Innovation Misconceptions
● Technology Adoption Life Cycle
● APIs
How to Get a Job in Finance
How to Get a Job in Finance
Students learn the tangible and intangible skills needed to enter into the financial industry.
Areas Covered:
● Best practices for career development
● Building and leveraging your network
● Increasing your knowledge and experience