From traditional competencies to future-ready expertise: How IIM Calcutta prepares finance leaders

“Silicon Valley is coming. There are hundreds of startups with a lot of brains and money working on various alternatives to traditional banking: JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon in the context of fintech disruption.While this prediction was made in the context of the US a few years back, India’s financial landscape has also undergone a seismic shift over the past decade. From QR code payments at local Kirana stores to AI-powered robo-advisors, the digital disruption in FinTech has touched every layer of the economy and redefined how consumers and businesses interact with money.”To help professionals lead this transformation, the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) offers the Executive Programme in FinTech and Artificial Intelligence for Financial Inclusion. Designed for professionals in finance, tech, or allied sectors, the programme equips participants with the tools, frameworks, and AI-led strategies needed to drive meaningful change in India’s evolving financial ecosystem.Why do today’s finance professionals need to think like technologists?As FinTech disrupts traditional finance, the skills needed to stay relevant are no longer confined to accounting, risk management, or regulatory knowledge. According to Gartner, 40% of finance roles will be fundamentally reshaped by technology by 2025¹. Meanwhile, McKinsey predicts that FinTech revenues will grow three times faster than traditional banking between 2022 and 2028².That means today’s finance professionals, whether in banking, insurance, compliance, or product design, must understand how AI, data strategy, blockchain, and embedded finance work. They must also learn to interpret, regulate, and lead within this tech-driven ecosystem. Failing to upskill now risks not only career stagnation but also outright obsolescence.This is where IIM Calcutta’s Executive Programme in FinTech and AI steps in, bridging the gap between traditional financial know-how and future-ready technological fluency.How the IIMC programme is equipping professionals for the now and nextDesigned specifically for mid-to-senior professionals in BFSI, FinTech, and related industries, the IIM Calcutta’s Executive Programme in FinTech and Artificial Intelligence offers a 19-week, online learning journey into the heart of financial transformation. With a curriculum tailored to real-world needs and taught by a blend of distinguished IIMC faculty and industry experts, this programme is built to help professionals drive, not just follow, the future of finance.Why is this programme a game-changer:Triple-crown credibility of IIM Calcutta (AACSB, AMBA & EQUIS Accredited) IIM Calcutta is India’s only B-school with all three prestigious global accreditations—AACSB (US), AMBA (UK), and EQUIS (Europe), a distinction held by less than 1% of business schools worldwide. This assures you of a global-quality curriculum, world-class faculty, and enhanced career mobility both in India and abroad. Ranked #1 by BT-MDRA in 2024, IIM Calcutta continues to be the top-ranked B-school in India, further strengthening the value of your certification and the confidence that comes with being part of a nationally recognised institution.A cutting-edge curriculum with real-world relevance: The programme offers a future-forward curriculum designed to address the needs of today’s evolving financial ecosystem. Participants will explore advanced topics such as the application of AI and Generative AI in lending and insurance, the infrastructure and implications of Blockchain and DeFi, innovations in RegTech and compliance, sustainable finance technologies, and data strategy for enhancing customer experience and business growth. Together, these modules ensure that learners are not just tech-aware but tech-proficient, capable of building, managing, and scaling next-generation financial solutions.Live and Recorded Sessions by IIM Calcutta FacultyLearn directly from the distinguished faculty of IIM Calcutta through a blend of live and recorded sessions.Dr. Sudarshan Kumar, an IIT Kharagpur B. Tech and Ph.D. from IIM Ahmedabad, brings over seven years of industry experience in financial markets. He will lead you through key trends and the rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Sessions on AI and data science will be conducted by Prof. Vimal Kumar M. and Prof. Rahul Kumar. Prof. Vimal, a computer science graduate with a Ph.D. from IIM Trichy, also brings rich experience from his years as a banker. Prof. Rahul Kumar, with a BE from BIT Mesra and a Ph.D. from IIM Ranchi, offers deep academic and consulting expertise in AI, data governance, and the intersection of AI and finance.The one live session fosters real-time engagement, while recorded lectures offer flexibility, ensuring you don’t miss out even with a busy schedule.Real-world case studies, including Harvard Business Publishing content Engage with case studies from global disruptors like Lemonade (AI insurance), Quantopian (crowdsourced hedge funds), and Shift (AI for fraud detection). This helps bridge the gap between theory and the practical challenges of FinTech innovation.Capstone project for hands-on applicationApply your learning to a real-world business problem in the final phase of the programme. This practical project strengthens your strategic thinking and serves as a tangible portfolio piece to showcase to potential employers or investors.Optional on-campus networking at IIM Calcutta An exclusive, one-day networking event allows you to connect face-to-face with peers, faculty, and industry stakeholders. While optional and separately charged, this offline touchpoint offers valuable professional exposure and community building.Certification from IIM Calcutta Participants who score 65% and above receive a certificate of successful completion from IIM Calcutta, one of India’s most prestigious educational institutions. It adds significant credibility to your resume and can support promotions, job switches, or international career moves.Live, interactive learning with real-time supportParticipants benefit from live sessions conducted by IIM Calcutta’s esteemed faculty and seasoned industry experts, ensuring exposure to both academic rigour and real-world insights. These are complemented by dedicated live doubt-clearing sessions led by programme leaders, offering personalised guidance and timely clarification. This blend of interactive teaching and hands-on support creates a rich, engaging learning experience designed for working professionals.Who will benefit the most from this programme?

Key programme details at a glance

What this programme enables you to achieveBy the time you complete the programme, you’ll be equipped to understand key FinTech and AI trends shaping both Indian and global markets. You’ll learn how to apply AI, blockchain, and data analytics to drive innovation and efficiency in financial services, navigate evolving regulatory landscapes using RegTech tools, and critically evaluate digital-first banking and lending models. The programme also helps you explore how emerging technologies can support ESG goals and financial inclusion, while building your ability to lead digital transformation projects within financial organisations.In a nutshellThe financial services sector is at a pivotal inflexion point, and those who understand and apply emerging technologies will not only secure future-ready careers but also help shape the future of finance itself. This transformation-focused learning journey is brought to you by IIM Calcutta, one of India’s most respected and globally accredited institutions for finance and management education.To learn more about the programme or to enrol, visit the website. References:

Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Emeritus by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.