.png&w=1920&q=75)
M-TECH in Financial Technologies at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Financial Technologies at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This M.Tech Financial Technologies program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on the convergence of finance and cutting-edge technology. It equips students with advanced skills in areas like blockchain, AI, machine learning, and big data analytics applied to financial markets. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for tech-savvy finance professionals in the rapidly evolving Indian FinTech sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates (CSE/IT/ECE/EEE) and M.Sc. holders in Computer Science, IT, or quantitative fields. It suits fresh graduates seeking entry into the FinTech industry, as well as working professionals looking to upskill in financial technology, data science for finance, or regulatory technology, and career changers transitioning to financial technology roles in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in areas like FinTech development, quantitative analysis, risk management, blockchain engineering, and data science in financial firms. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 5-8 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program aligns with industry needs, preparing students for roles in banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and FinTech startups.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Financial Domain Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand core financial concepts, markets, and instruments alongside your technical subjects. Utilize online courses (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera for Finance), financial news portals (Economic Times, Livemint), and basic financial modeling exercises to build a strong base.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Finance, Coursera, Investopedia, Financial Times
Career Connection
A strong grasp of finance, coupled with technical skills, is crucial for roles like FinTech Analyst or Quantitative Trader.
Deep Dive into Data Structures & Algorithms- (Semester 1-2)
Excel in core technical subjects like Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms. Regularly practice coding challenges on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode, focusing on efficient algorithm design critical for high-frequency trading and financial data processing. Form study groups for peer learning and problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
HackerRank, LeetCode, GeeksforGeeks, Python/Java for implementation
Career Connection
Essential for FinTech Developer, Algorithmic Trading Developer, and Data Engineer roles.
Build a Strong Programming Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Develop robust programming skills, especially in Python and Java, which are dominant in FinTech. Work on mini-projects involving financial data manipulation, basic machine learning models for stock prediction, or simple blockchain implementations. Familiarize yourself with relevant libraries like Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn.
Tools & Resources
Python, Jupyter Notebook, GitHub, Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn
Career Connection
Direct preparation for FinTech software development, data analysis, and quantitative research positions.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Industry-Relevant Projects & Internships- (Semester 3 (during summer/winter breaks and coursework))
Actively seek out internships with FinTech companies, banks, or investment firms in India after Semester 2. Work on live projects involving financial modeling, blockchain prototypes, or AI applications in finance. If internships aren''''t feasible, undertake personal projects simulating real-world FinTech challenges.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Internshala, Company career pages, Kaggle datasets for finance
Career Connection
Practical experience is paramount for securing placements and building a professional network in the FinTech industry.
Specialize in Key FinTech Verticals- (Semester 3)
Identify a specialization area like Blockchain, AI in Finance, or Quantitative Trading based on your interests and industry demand. Take advanced online courses, participate in hackathons (e.g., those organized by FinTech startups or banks), and contribute to open-source projects in your chosen vertical.
Tools & Resources
edX, Coursera, NPTEL advanced courses, GitHub, FinTech hackathons
Career Connection
Develop expertise that makes you highly marketable for niche roles such as Blockchain Developer, ML Engineer for Finance, or Quant Analyst.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3)
Attend FinTech conferences, webinars, and workshops organized in major Indian cities (e.g., Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad). Connect with industry leaders and professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Participate in alumni networking events to gain insights and potential mentorship.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, FinTech conference websites, SRMIST alumni network
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and keeps you updated on industry trends, vital for career growth.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Impact Project Work- (Semester 3-4)
For your final year project (Phase I and II), choose a challenging problem with real-world FinTech applicability. Aim to develop a deployable solution, ideally collaborating with an industry partner. Document your work meticulously and consider publishing a research paper or presenting at a conference.
Tools & Resources
Project management tools, Relevant programming languages and libraries, Research databases
Career Connection
A strong project acts as a powerful portfolio piece, showcasing your skills and problem-solving abilities to potential employers.
Master Interview & Aptitude Preparation- (Semester 4)
Begin rigorous preparation for technical and HR interviews well in advance of placement season. Practice coding questions, revise core FinTech concepts, and prepare answers for common behavioral questions. Participate in mock interviews and group discussions.
Tools & Resources
LeetCode, GeeksforGeeks, InterviewBit, Company-specific interview guides, Career services workshops
Career Connection
Crucial for converting interview opportunities into job offers from top-tier FinTech firms and financial institutions.
Develop Soft Skills and Professional Etiquette- (Throughout all semesters, intensified in Semester 4)
Enhance your communication, presentation, and teamwork skills through workshops, seminars, and group assignments. Professional etiquette, especially in corporate environments, is vital. Focus on presenting your technical work clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
Tools & Resources
Communication workshops, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Peer feedback
Career Connection
These skills are essential for career progression, leadership roles, and effective collaboration within any financial or tech organization.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. degree in CSE/IT/ECE/EEE/EIE/Mechatronics/Instrumentation/Computer and Communication Engineering/Computer Engineering or MCA or M.Sc. (Computer Science/IT/Software Engineering/Applied Mathematics/Statistics/Computational Mathematics/Data Science/Big Data Analytics/Data Analytics/Actuarial Science/Data Science and Actuarial Science/Mathematical Economics/Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning/Computational Finance) or equivalent from a recognized University/Institution with a minimum of 60% aggregate.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFT21001 | Research Methodology and IPR | Professional Core | 3 | Research Problem and Design, Literature Review and Hypothesis, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation, Intellectual Property Rights and Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks |
| PFT21002 | Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms | Professional Core | 4 | Advanced Tree Structures, Graph Algorithms and Applications, Hashing Techniques, Dynamic Programming, String Matching Algorithms, Complexity Analysis |
| PFT21003 | Advanced Database Management Systems | Professional Core | 4 | Query Processing and Optimization, Transaction Management, Concurrency Control and Recovery, Distributed Databases, NoSQL Databases, Big Data Management |
| PFT21004 | Financial Econometrics | Professional Core | 4 | Time Series Analysis, Regression Models in Finance, Volatility Models (ARCH/GARCH), Panel Data Analysis, Financial Forecasting, Risk Measurement Models |
| PFT21005 | Introduction to Financial Markets and Institutions | Professional Core | 3 | Financial System Overview, Capital Markets and Money Markets, Financial Institutions, Derivatives Markets, Regulatory Framework, Global Financial Crisis |
| PFT21701 | Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms Lab | Professional Core | 2 | Implementation of Trees, Graph Algorithms Implementation, Hashing Techniques Implementation, Dynamic Programming Solutions, String Algorithm Practice, Complexity Analysis in Practice |
| PFT21702 | Advanced Database Management Systems Lab | Professional Core | 2 | SQL Query Optimization, Transaction Management Implementation, Database Design Exercises, NoSQL Database Operations, Data Warehousing Concepts, Performance Tuning Practices |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFT21006 | Machine Learning for Finance | Professional Core | 4 | Supervised Learning in Finance, Unsupervised Learning Techniques, Neural Networks and Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning Applications, Financial Predictive Models, Credit Scoring and Fraud Detection |
| PFT21007 | Blockchain and Cryptocurrency | Professional Core | 4 | Cryptography Fundamentals, Distributed Ledger Technology, Blockchain Architecture, Consensus Mechanisms, Cryptocurrencies and Wallets, Smart Contracts and DApps |
| PFT21008 | Financial Risk Management | Professional Core | 4 | Market Risk Measurement, Credit Risk Management, Operational Risk, Liquidity Risk, Value at Risk (VaR), Stress Testing and Hedging |
| PFT21E01 | Data Science for Finance | Professional Elective | 3 | Data Preprocessing for Finance, Feature Engineering, Exploratory Data Analysis, Predictive Modeling Techniques, Data Visualization for Financial Insights, A/B Testing in Finance |
| PFT21E02 | Computational Finance | Professional Elective | 3 | Numerical Methods in Finance, Monte Carlo Simulation, Option Pricing Models, Portfolio Optimization, Financial Modeling Techniques, High-Performance Computing for Finance |
| PFT21E03 | Regulatory Technology (RegTech) | Professional Elective | 3 | Financial Regulations and Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), Regulatory Reporting Automation, AI in RegTech, Blockchain in Compliance |
| PFT21E04 | Algorithmic Trading | Professional Elective | 3 | Market Microstructure, Trading Strategies, Order Management Systems, Backtesting and Optimization, High-Frequency Trading, Risk Control in Trading |
| PFT21E05 | Robo-Advisory and Wealth Management | Professional Elective | 3 | Robo-Advisor Models, Portfolio Construction, Financial Planning Algorithms, Digital Wealth Platforms, Behavioral Finance Integration, Client Onboarding and Experience |
| PFT21E06 | Big Data Analytics for Finance | Professional Elective | 3 | Hadoop Ecosystem, Apache Spark for Data Processing, NoSQL Databases, Data Warehousing and Lakes, Real-time Analytics, Financial Datasets Management |
| PFT21703 | Machine Learning for Finance Lab | Professional Core | 2 | Python Libraries for ML, Financial Data Preprocessing, Model Training and Evaluation, Financial Prediction Models, Data Visualization with ML, Deep Learning Frameworks |
| PFT21704 | Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Lab | Professional Core | 2 | Blockchain Setup and Configuration, Smart Contract Deployment, Cryptocurrency Transactions, DApp Development, Blockchain Security Testing, Interacting with Blockchain Networks |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFT21009 | Security Analysis and Portfolio Management | Professional Core | 4 | Investment Environment, Risk and Return Concepts, Portfolio Theory, Asset Allocation Strategies, Equity and Bond Valuation, Mutual Funds and ETFs |
| PFT21E07 | Cloud Computing for FinTech | Professional Elective | 3 | Cloud Architecture and Models, IaaS, PaaS, SaaS in FinTech, Major Cloud Providers (AWS/Azure/GCP), Serverless Computing, Cloud Security for Financial Data, FinTech Migration to Cloud |
| PFT21E08 | Cyber Security in Financial Systems | Professional Elective | 3 | Cyber Threats to Finance, Network Security Protocols, Data Encryption Techniques, Authentication and Authorization, Incident Response and Forensics, Regulatory Compliance (e.g., PCI DSS) |
| PFT21E09 | Natural Language Processing for Finance | Professional Elective | 3 | Text Preprocessing and Tokenization, Sentiment Analysis in Financial News, Named Entity Recognition, Topic Modeling and Text Classification, Financial Chatbots, Information Extraction |
| PFT21E10 | Quantitative Trading Strategies | Professional Elective | 3 | Statistical Arbitrage, Pairs Trading, Mean Reversion Strategies, Momentum Strategies, Backtesting and Simulation, Execution Algorithms |
| PFT21E11 | Financial Engineering and Derivatives | Professional Elective | 3 | Forwards and Futures Contracts, Options and Swaps, Exotic Derivatives, Black-Scholes Model, Hedging Strategies, Derivative Valuation |
| PFT21E12 | Financial Data Visualization and Reporting | Professional Elective | 3 | Data Storytelling for Finance, Dashboard Design Principles, Interactive Visualizations, Tools (Power BI/Tableau), Financial Reporting Standards, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) |
| PFT21L01 | Open Elective I | Open Elective | 3 | |
| PFT21PW1 | Project Work – Phase I | Project Work | 7 | Problem Identification, Literature Survey, Project Planning and Management, System Design and Architecture, Methodology Selection, Preliminary Implementation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFT21PW2 | Project Work – Phase II | Project Work | 18 | System Implementation, Testing and Validation, Performance Evaluation, Documentation and Report Writing, Project Presentation and Defense, Research Paper Contribution |
