The dynamic and ever-evolving discipline of finance combines technological know-how, business strategy, and analytical abilities to satisfy the demands of today’s digital economy. With a focus on corporate finance, investment management, and economic principles, finance has historically been classified as a business-focused discipline. But as algorithmic trading, data-driven decision-making, and financial technology (FinTech) have grown in popularity, the industry has become more technical, requiring strong quantitative, computational, and analytical skills.

The UAE offers significant opportunities for skilled finance professionals. With the rise of digital banking, cryptocurrency markets, and regulatory frameworks, companies seek experts who can analyze complex financial data, develop predictive models, and leverage technology for decision-making. Does this, however, imply that a degree in finance is considered technical? While some areas of finance concentrate more on risk management, financial strategy, and leadership, others rely on mathematical modeling, programming, and data analytics. Understanding this distinction is crucial for students to decide whether a finance degree aligns with their career aspirations. 

This blog explores the technical components of a finance degree, the balance between technical and business skills, career opportunities in both technical and non-technical finance roles, the importance of professional certifications, and how Zayed University’s Master of Science in Finance equips students for success in this competitive industry.

The Technical Evolution of Finance Degrees in the Digital Era

Technical master's degrees emphasize the use of mathematical, scientific, or technological concepts to solve problems. This definition is commonly used to refer to fields like engineering, computer science, and information technology, since they require expertise in programming, data analysis, and computational modeling. 

Despite having a strong foundation in business principles, finance shares many of these traits. As financial markets become more complex, financial analysts, investment managers, and risk specialists increasingly must use machine learning, quantitative modeling, and big data analytics to make informed decisions. A 2023 LinkedIn report on the most in-demand finance skills highlighted that 70% of finance job postings now require some proficiency in data analytics or financial modeling.


Finance: A Blend of Technical Expertise and Business Strategy

A finance degree provides a strong foundation in the technical aspects of financial management, equipping students with essential quantitative and analytical skills. Students acquire the skills to analyze finance statements, evaluate market patterns, and utilize advanced financial tools such as Bloomberg terminals and statistical software like Python, R, SQL, or MATLAB for financial modeling, programming and data analysis. Additionally, the curriculum often includes exposure to financial regulations, compliance frameworks, and emerging technology like blockchain, and financial analytics powered by artificial intelligence. These technical competencies empower graduates to thrive in positions such as quantitative analysis, financial engineering, data analysis, and blockchain and FinTech.  

While finance degrees include technical components, it also enhances business acumen though courses in corporate strategy, financial planning, and regulatory compliance. Robust communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are also emphasized, enabling graduates to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for stakeholders without delving into complex programing or modeling. This combination of technical expertise and business knowledge prepares finance professionals to navigate dynamic markets, drive corporate growth, and make informed financial decisions in roles like financial advising and investment banking, corporate financing, asset management, risk assessment, and financial consulting. 

This combination of technical knowledge and business acumen makes finance a versatile field, allowing professionals to specialize in different roles that align with their skills, and career aspirations.  A 2024 survey by the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) revealed that 75% of employers in the UAE seek finance professionals with a hybrid skill set—both technical expertise and business acumen.

“Graduate students will develop expertise in strategic financial management and financial innovation to prepare for senior roles in the financial industry. In addition, they will have the ability to apply core financial theories such as capital structure optimization, corporate valuation, investment analysis, and modern portfolio management, while also fostering financial innovation by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and developing new financial solutions to meet the evolving demands of global financial markets.

Furthermore, graduate students will develop proficiency in utilizing performance metrics such as return on investment (ROI), economic value added (EVA), operational efficiency ratios, and hedge effectiveness to enhance resource utilization, while also integrating principles of shareholder value maximization and stakeholder theory to create sustainable and ethical value across diverse financial and commercial sectors.”

Prof Konstantinos Syriopoulos
Graduate Program Coordinator
Master of Science in Finance
College of Business

The Role of Professional Certifications in Finance

A finance degree alone may not be enough in today's competitive job market. Many professionals enhance their technical expertise, credibility and career prospects through certifications that demonstrate specialized knowledge. A commitment to lifelong learning and professional development can increase earning potential and career advancement. Furthermore, certifications are an important assurance of compliance with ethical standards and industry norms in highly regulated industries. In the UAE, certifications in accordance with local and international financial standards enhance job security and increase access to positions in banking, FinTech, corporate finance, and asset management. With the growing influence of technology in finance, certifications focusing on financial modeling, data analytics, and FinTech innovations are becoming increasingly important for students looking to excel in the digital era. Some of the most important professional certifications in finance that complement both technical and business skills include the following: 

1. • Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®): The CFA® designation is a globally recognized credential for professionals in investment management. It focuses on financial analysis, portfolio management, and investment strategies and is well suited for those who want to specialize in managing investments, financial research, and valuation.  According to the CFA Institute, over 160,000 professionals worldwide hold a CFA® designation, and their median salary is 54% higher than non-certified finance professionals.
     
     
   • Financial Risk Management® (FRM®): The FRM® program is designed for individuals working in risk management roles within financial institutions, corporations, or consulting firms. It focuses on understanding, analyzing, and managing various types of financial risks, such as market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and liquidity risk. The FRM® certification is highly regarded in fields like investment banking, corporate finance, asset management, and financial services, and is aimed at professionals responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to protect organizations from financial loss.
     
     
   • Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®): The CFP® designation is geared towards professionals in personal financial planning. The CFP® certification equips individuals with the expertise to advise clients on areas like retirement planning, tax strategies, insurance, investment advice, and estate planning. Their advice is grounded in a fiduciary duty, meaning they must act in the best interest of their clients. Demand for financial advisors is expected to grow fast, at a rate of 13% through 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics - and USA Today notes that careers in financial services can start between $50-70K a year, with experienced financial advisors earning $192,000/year, on average. In addition, 79% of CFP® professionals say they have a competitive edge over other financial advisors.
     

Zayed University’s Master of Science in Finance

Aligned with UAE Vision 2031, Zayed University’s Master of Science in Finance is a comprehensive, advanced program designed to equip graduate students with the technical skills and strategic insights needed to excel in the financial industry.

Other program highlights include the following:*

1. • With a curriculum that covers essential areas like Statistics and Quantitative Methods for Finance, Corporate Finance, and Equity Valuation, gradate students gain in-depth knowledge to analyze financial markets and make informed decisions.
     
     
   • With an emphasis on Financial Statement Analysis, Derivatives and Alternative Investments, and Portfolio Analysis, the program prepares graduates for a wide range of roles in investment banking, asset management, and financial consulting.
     
     
   • Courses such as FinTech, Organizational Behavior and Leadership, and Business Ethical Standards ensure a well-rounded education, blending technical expertise with leadership and ethical considerations.
     
     
   • The Thesis in Finance offers an opportunity for gradate students to apply their learning to real-world problems, ensuring they graduate with both academic excellence and practical experience.
     
     
   • The program prepares graduate students for the CFA Level 1 exams, providing them with the foundational knowledge required for the prestigious CFA certification.
     
     
   • Graduate students will have access to Bloomberg terminals, enhancing their data analytical skills and gaining the practical experience needed to achieve Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) certification, a highly recognized credential in the financial industry. 
     

*Revised curriculum pending final approval.

Final Thoughts: Is Finance a Technical Degree?

As a multifaceted discipline, finance integrates technical and business acumens, allowing professionals to tailor their skills according to their specific interests and career goals. Although finance includes highly technical disciplines such as financial engineering and quantitative analysis, it also requires business acumen, market understanding, and strategic decision-making skills. “The finance sector in the UAE offers some of the highest paying finance jobs, particularly in fields like investment banking, private equity, and corporate finance. Whether you are looking to enter the industry with a finance degree or advance your career to an executive level, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and financial success”. Zayed University’s Master of Science in Finance is ideal for graduate students who want to develop a strong blend of technical expertise in finance along with a deep understanding of business strategy, preparing them to tackle complex financial challenges and drive decision-making in a dynamic global market.

Become a leader in shaping the future of corporate and societal value creation with a Master of Science in Finance from Zayed University. Contact the College of Business today at +971-2-599-3605 / dgs.recruitment@zu.ac.ae