How Do I Get Into Fintech? A 2025 Guide for Beginners, Career Changers & Curious Techies
So, you're thinking about breaking into fintech.
Smart move. In 2025, fintech isn't just a buzzword—it’s one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. It’s where finance meets innovation, where problems get solved in code, and where legacy systems are flipped on their heads by startups moving at lightning speed.
But for all the excitement, there's still one big question: How do you actually get in?
Let’s walk through what fintech really is, who it’s for, and how to take your first real steps into the industry.
What Is Fintech, Really?
Fintech—short for financial technology—refers to the tools, platforms, and apps that are transforming how we manage money. It’s everything from the banking app on your phone to the crypto wallet you may or may not understand.
Companies in this space are building faster payment systems, smarter investment platforms, borderless banking, AI-powered lending, and even digital insurance. Whether it's peer-to-peer payment apps, online lenders, or automated financial advice tools, fintech is about removing friction, cutting out the middlemen, and making financial services more accessible.
Is Fintech Right for You?
You don’t need to be a coder, banker, or crypto evangelist to join the fintech world. In fact, some of the most successful people in the space didn’t come from traditional finance at all.
Take Patrick Collison, for example—the co-founder and CEO of Stripe. He’s a brilliant technologist, yes, but he didn’t start out in investment banking or hedge funds. Instead, he came from a background in programming and startup culture. What set him apart wasn’t credentials—it was vision, execution, and a frustration with how hard it was to accept payments online. Stripe wasn’t born in a boardroom; it started with two brothers building something better in their spare time.
That’s what fintech rewards: people who see problems, get curious, and build solutions—whether they’ve worked at Goldman Sachs or not.
So if you’re someone who’s excited by innovation, tired of outdated systems, or just eager to work in an industry that’s reshaping how money moves, fintech could be a surprisingly natural fit.
The Skills That Open Doors
Not every role in fintech requires you to know how to code—but understanding how tech and finance intersect will give you an edge. If you're coming from a non-technical background, start by getting comfortable with the basics of APIs, databases, and how cloud platforms work. For techies, Python, JavaScript, and SQL are widely used, especially in data-heavy environments.
But technical skills aren’t everything. Fintech companies also need marketers who understand compliance, operations people who can build scalable systems, and designers who can make financial tools feel intuitive. Strong communication, the ability to learn quickly, and a problem-solving mindset go a long way.
So… How Do You Actually Get Into Fintech?
There’s no single path—but there are many proven ones. Some people enroll in short courses specifically focused on fintech. Platforms like Coursera, CFTE, and even Harvard Online offer programs that can introduce you to industry fundamentals without requiring a full degree.
Others break in through junior roles—often in customer success, operations, or data support. These are great entry points because they give you exposure to how fintech products actually work and where they struggle. From there, it’s often a short leap to product, strategy, or engineering if you’re proactive.
Still others come in through networking. LinkedIn is packed with fintech founders and PMs who are surprisingly open to sharing advice. Engage with their posts. Ask smart questions. Let people know what you’re learning. Relationships matter in this space, especially when hiring happens fast and informally.
And don’t underestimate the power of simply building something. A prototype, mock dashboard, or simple payment tool—even with no users—can demonstrate initiative and thinking. Hiring managers love people who act, not just apply.
What Jobs Are Out There?
Fintech roles vary widely. You’ll find product managers working on mobile experiences, engineers building fraud detection models, analysts digging into customer behavior, and legal teams making sure everything stays compliant.
You might see roles like:
- Product Manager for Digital Lending
- Customer Experience Associate at a payment app
- Backend Engineer focused on transaction processing
- Risk & Compliance Analyst for a crypto exchange
- Growth Marketing Manager for a neobank
Don’t be afraid to apply for something even if you’re not 100% qualified. Fintech rewards drive and potential more than pedigree.
What’s Happening in Fintech in 2025?
If you're stepping in now, you're not late—you’re right on time.
This year, artificial intelligence is driving smarter credit models, hyper-personalized finance tools, and real-time risk scoring. Embedded finance is booming too, meaning non-financial companies like Uber or Shopify are adding banking-like features directly into their platforms. There’s also major momentum around green finance, with apps and tools that help users track their carbon footprint or align spending with sustainability goals.
The bottom line? Fintech is becoming more essential, more human-centered, and more global than ever.
People Also Ask
- What background do I need to work in fintech? You don’t need a specific degree. People come from finance, tech, law, design, and even non-profits. Fintech values transferable skills.
- Is coding necessary to work in fintech? Not always. Many roles focus on product, operations, customer support, or compliance. But understanding the basics of how the technology works helps.
- What’s the best way to start if I don’t have experience? Start with online courses, use fintech products yourself, and build a simple project or case study. Then connect with people in the space and apply for junior roles.
- Are fintech jobs high-paying? Generally, yes. Many roles offer competitive salaries, equity, and remote flexibility—especially at fast-growing startups.
Where to Go From Here
Ready to explore further? Check out these next steps:
👉 [Top 10 Fintech Tools Every Investor Should Know in 2025]
👉 [Best Fintech Certifications Worth Taking This Year]
👉 [Fintech vs Traditional Finance Careers: Which Pays More in 2025?]
