KINGSTON, R.I. – Feb. 19, 2024 – The University of Rhode Island has become a new member of the Mass Fintech Hub, a public-private partnership dedicated to making Massachusetts a global leader in financial technologies. The addition last week of URI, the University of Massachusetts Boston, MITRE and Loanspark brings the collaborative’s membership to more than 50 institutions.
“The Mass Fintech Hub is a dynamic community that brings together startups, investors, academics and government agencies to accelerate the growth of the fintech ecosystem in Massachusetts,” said H. Zafer Yuksel, assistant professor of FinTech at URI. “URI’s membership in the hub offers valuable networking opportunities, access to educational resources, mentorship programs and potential funding opportunities for students and faculty.”
URI is the first university outside of Massachusetts to become a member of the hub, which launched in 2021, joining such higher education institutions as Babson, Brandeis, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Northeastern, Boston University, University of Massachusetts Amherst and Stonehill College.
The URI College of Business launched its FinTech program in 2022 with the FinTech Certificate Program. Finance majors can also take the certificate courses to create a fintech track as part of their degree. URI also offers a robust Business Analytics and Intelligence program.
“The FinTech program at URI addresses the growing demand for professionals with expertise at the intersection of finance and technology,” said Yuksel. “In today’s business world, financial technology plays a crucial role in driving innovation, efficiency and competitiveness. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of fintech and contribute to the digital transformation of the financial industry.”
Membership in the hub will help the URI College of Business enhance its financial technologies and data analytics programs, while fostering collaboration with prestigious institutions, opening opportunities for joint research and the sharing of resources and knowledge, Yuksel said.
For students, the Mass Fintech Hub provides a number of educational programs, including workshops, speaker series, boot camps, and career fairs. They also have access to a large network of industry experts and potential employers and mentors, along with a mentorship program that pairs them with an experienced professional who can help them navigate the fintech industry, developing career paths and exploring entrepreneurship opportunities.
About the Mass Fintech Hub
The Mass Fintech Hub is a public-private partnership focused on cultivating a thriving financial ecosystem in Massachusetts through programs that build community, attract investment, develop talent and seed collaboration. Composed of a close-knit and diverse network of tech founders, financial services leaders, investors, academics and public sector leaders, the Mass Fintech Hub is dedicated to ensuring that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is providing an unparalleled habitat for fintech innovation of all stages.
