AIM Marks Milestone in Philippine FinTech Education as Pioneer MSc FinTech Cohort Graduates
The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) has graduated its first cohort of the Master of Science in Financial Technology (MSc FinTech) program, the Philippines’ first graduate-level fintech degree and a milestone in the country’s efforts to cultivate homegrown leaders for an industry transforming the way the region banks, pays, lends, and invests.
Offered jointly by AIM and Manchester Metropolitan University (ManMet) in the United Kingdom, the program awards a dual degree that reflects the rigorous academic standards of both institutions. The curriculum combines the AIM expertise in Asian business and management, supported by its distinction as the first business school in Southeast Asia to earn accreditation from the U.S -based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), with ManMet’s global research and teaching strengths, highlighted by its Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 gold rating and Triple Crown accreditation for its business school.
The pioneer Class of 2025 comprises professionals from across the Philippines’ financial and technology sectors. “This program was designed to develop leaders and visionaries who can transform the way financial organizations think about technology,” said Prof. Daniel Broby, Academic Program Director of the MSc FinTech at AIM. “Seeing the first cohort graduate, I am confident that we have achieved exactly that.”
As financial technology continues to redefine how consumers and businesses transact and manage risk, organizations increasingly require leaders who understand both technological innovation and the strategic realities of the financial sector. AIM designed the MSc FinTech for professionals already navigating this transformation, equipping them with the frameworks, technical fluency, and leadership capabilities needed to lead change rather than merely responding to it.
Over 18 months, students progressed from foundational coursework to advanced studies in fintech innovation, financial strategy, and regulation, completed by electives in blockchain, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and risk management. The program culminated in an extended research proposal and dissertation.
Beyond technical expertise, the program emphasizes analytical rigor, ethical leadership, effective communication, and a deep understanding of both Asian and global business environments, qualities that are indispensable in a field where technical expertise alone is rarely sufficient for sound executive decision-making.
The MSc FinTech graduates were recognized during the AIM commencement exercises alongside graduates from the Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science, Executive Master in Business Administration, Online Master in Business Administration, Master in Cybersecurity, Master in Entrepreneurship, and Master in Innovation and Business.
Delivering the keynote address was Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco, President and CEO of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), who encouraged graduates to lead with purpose and build careers anchored in meaningful impact. He reminded them that success ultimately depends on people and challenged them to use the education, networks, and opportunities they received to create lasting value for their organizations and communities.
