SPC Launches FinTech Specialist Program to Meet Growing Industry Demand

In response to the rapid growth of the financial technology (FinTech) sector, St. Petersburg College is proud to announce the launch of its Financial Technology Specialist Certificate. This new program is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers at the intersection of finance and technology.

The certificate addresses the growing need for skilled professionals with specialized training in data analytics, cybersecurity, digital payments and regulatory compliance.

Through this targeted education, students gain practical skills they can use across a wide range of business careers, including financial analysts, data analysts and entry-level cybersecurity specialists and assistants.

“The FinTech sector is transforming how we think about finance, and our new certificate program is designed to equip students with the tools they need to lead in this innovative space,” said Dr. Emmanuel Hernandez-Agosto, Dean of the College of Business at SPC. “Our program will have more focus on cybersecurity and network troubleshooting, so they know the ins and outs of what they are managing.”

Financial Services and Information Technology are among Florida’s targeted high-growth industries, according to the Florida Department of Commerce. Specifically, more than 48,000 high tech companies operate in Florida, employing 335,000 Floridians, making it the nation’s third-largest tech industry.

Florida is also home to the third-largest cluster of insurance and banking companies in the United States, with prominent professional services and finance companies offering fintech, banking, insurance, architecture, accounting, marketing, alternative investments, hedge funds, portfolio management, consulting and engineering services, among others.

This program supports SPC’s strategic goals by:

• Enhancing career readiness and employability
• Promoting innovation and lifelong learning
• Expanding access to high-quality educational opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry

In addition to technical training, the program encourages students to pursue industry-recognized certifications, such as the FinTech Industry Professional (FTIP®) Certification, so graduates leave SPC with both the knowledge and credentials to compete in today’s job market.

The FinTech Specialist Certificate also supports continuing education with select courses counting toward SPC’s Associate in Science in Business Administration, providing seamless academic progression toward degree attainment.