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Executive Master Degree Program in Fintech, Digital and Decentralized Finance

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Executive Master Degree Program in Fintech, Digital
and Decentralized Finance

The fast evolution of the financial sector, driven by digital and decentralized technologies, demands professionals who can understand and apply innovative solutions such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and decentralized finance (DeFi).

The Executive Master’s in Fintech, Digital and Decentralized Finance addresses this need by training leaders and specialists to lead the digital transformation of financial services.

This program is aligned with emerging trends in Fintech & InsurTech, exploring technologies such as blockchain, crypto-assets, smart contracts, DeFi, and machine learning applied to finance. Its curriculum combines a strong practical componentin cluding case studies and applied project development with a solid theoretical foundation, enabling students to acquire strategic skills to innovate in the financial sector.

Applications for this program are open between February 5th and April 9th, 2026. To apply, click here.

The 2026-27 academic year for this Executive Master Degree Program begins in September 2026.

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    Format

    After Working Hours

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    Length and ECTS

    2 semester
    (60 ECTS)

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    Schedule

    Tuesday & Wednesday
    6:30PM to 10:30PM

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    Start Date

    September 2026

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Who is it for?

This course is aimed at executives, managers, middle managers, technicians, and decision-makers from public and private institutions who wish to deepen their knowledge of Digital Finance, Fintech & InsurTech, Banking, and Insurance, applying emerging technologies such as blockchain, crypto assets, smart contracts, DeFi, and artificial intelligence to the transformation of the financial sector.

It is also suitable for professionals with relevant experience in the areas of Economics, Management, Finance, Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Management who wish to update or expand their skills and lead digital innovation processes in a rapidly evolving financial environment marked by technology and the decentralization of services.

Why choose this program

What Makes This Program Unique

Partners: The program benefits from NOVA IMS’s strong connection to the financial sector and the innovation ecosystem, enabling participants to work on real‑world challenges from banks, insurers, fintechs and technology companies. This proximity ensures training that is fully aligned with the current needs of digital transformation in financial services.

On-campus Learning: The program is taught in person, fostering continuous interaction, knowledge sharing and high‑value networking among professionals from different areas of the financial sector. It includes coffee breaks, meals and structured networking moments. Exceptionally, remote attendance is possible when necessary.

Faculty: A faculty team with extensive experience and international recognition in finance, technology and innovation, ensuring scientific rigor and practical relevance, integrated within an institution that includes researchers ranked among the Top 2% Scientists worldwide.

Benefits for Your Professional Development

  • Master the principles of digital financial innovation and apply them to the creation of advanced financial solutions
  • Use blockchain, smart contracts, crypto‑assets and DeFi to develop new business models
  • Apply AI and machine learning to predictive analysis, risk management and operational efficiency
  • Understand regulatory, tax and risk frameworks to ensure security, compliance and sustainability
  • Integrate advanced technologies into the modernization of financial services
  • Strengthen leadership and change‑management skills in financial transformation projects

Impact on Your Organization

  • Design and implement digital financial strategies based on technology and data
  • Foster a culture of innovation, informed decision‑making and digital transformation
  • Equip teams to use AI, blockchain, automation and decentralized models effectively and strategically
  • Optimize financial processes, reduce risks and reinforce operational security and transparency
  • Develop innovative solutions that drive growth, competitiveness and sustainable value creation

Goals

The course aims to train specialists capable of:

  • Understanding the impact of emerging technologies on the financial sector, including blockchain, crypto assets, artificial intelligence, and smart contracts;

  • Evaluating and applying Fintech and InsurTech solutions to transform traditional financial processes and promote innovative business models;

  • Developing strategic skills in Decentralized Finance (DeFi), including lending protocols, stablecoins, decentralized exchanges, and blockchain-based insurance;

  • Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into predictive analysis, risk management, and decision-making in the financial sector;

  • Analyzing the regulatory and tax frameworks surrounding Fintech and DeFi, ensuring compliance and mitigating operational risks;

  • Designing and implementing digital innovation strategies in financial institutions, startups, and tech companies.

Program Overview

The Executive Master's in Fintech, Digital and Decentralized Finance prepares professionals to lead the digital transformation of the financial sector, combining technology, innovation, and strategic vision to generate real impact in organizations. In a context where blockchain, cryptoassets, smart contracts, decentralized finance (DeFi), artificial intelligence, and machine learning are redefining the future of finance, this program is designed to train leaders capable of transforming technology into efficient, secure, and competitive financial solutions.

With a practical and interdisciplinary approach, the program combines:

  • Emerging technologies applied to finance, with a focus on blockchain, smart contracts, and crypto assets.
  • In-depth knowledge of Fintech & InsurTech, exploring innovative business models and the digital transformation of financial services.
  • Mastery of Decentralized Finance (DeFi), including protocols, stablecoins, decentralized exchanges, and new financial architectures.
  • Applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in predictive analytics, risk management, decision-making, and operational efficiency.
  • Regulatory, tax, and risk management frameworks, essential to ensure the security, compliance, and sustainability of digital financial solutions.
  • Leadership, impact, and change management skills, fundamental to driving teams and innovation processes in the financial sector.

Participants will have access to real case studies, applied projects, and direct contact with business challenges, benefiting from NOVA IMS's strong connection to the financial market, the innovation ecosystem, and international trends in the sector.

This program is not just about learning concepts: it is about transforming technology into financial innovation, data into strategic decision-making, and digitization into sustainable economic value.

The language of instruction is Portuguese; however, if there are foreign students or teachers, classes will be taught in English.

Study plan

The study plan corresponds to 60 ECTS, in a total of 8 course units and a Final Project:

Course Units

  • Blockchain Technology & Smart Contracts
  • CryptoAssets
  • Decentralized Finance
  • DeFi Regulation, Taxation and Risk Managment
  • Final Work Project
  • Fintech & Insurtech: Digital Transformation of Financial Services
  • Leadership, Change and Impact
  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
  • New Horizons
Course Unit
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Admissions and fees

Applications are evaluated by the Admissions' Jury Panel of NOVA IMS, which seeks candidates with relevant professional experience, leadership skills, and a strong motivation to learn and apply advanced knowledge. This process ensures that each class is composed of professionals capable of contributing to a dynamic and collaborative learning environment.

Applications phase

Applications for this program are open between February 5th and April 9th, 2026. To apply, click here.

Entry Requirements

To enter this program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a bachelor's degree;
  • Be proficient in English;
  • Have at least 5 years of professional experience relevant to the course or related areas.

Application Fee

The fee of the application is €51. The application can only be considered after the payment of the application fee, within the stipulated period, non-refundable in case of withdrawal or non-admission in the program.

Registration Fee

After being admitted to the program and upon confirmation of enrollment, the applicant must make a payment of a pre-registration fee (around one week after the admission result announcement), deductible in this postgraduate program's tuition fee, non-refundable in case of withdrawal, with the following value:

  • €1.250 for applicants with a nationality from a European Union member country;
  • €2.500 for applicants of other nationalities, unless their registration fee is provided by an official entity.

Upon registration, students should make the following payments:

  • €35 - for enrollment fee (the value is updated annually);
  • €1.40 - for annual school insurance (the value is updated annually).

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee of this Executive Master is:

  • € 12.000, for applicants with a nationality from a European Union member country;
  • € 15.000, for applicants of other nationalities.

Included in the tuition fee: parking, coffee break, lunch/dinner.

Tuition fee payment dates

Tuition fees may be paid in full or in six installments, with the following payment dates:

Full payment September 25th to 30th, 2026.

Payment in six installments:

  • September 25 to 30, 2026 (corresponding to 25% of the tuition fee);
  • November 25 to 30, 2026 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee);
  • January 25 to 31, 2027 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee);
  • March 25 to 31, 2027 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee);
  • From May 25 to 31, 2027 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee);
  • From July 25 to 31, 2027 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee).

Discounts

  • Financial discount: students who choose to pay the tuition fee in a single payment have a 2,5% discount on the payable amount;
  • NOVA IMS’ alumni who have completed a bachelor's, postgraduate, master's, or doctoral degree at NOVA IMS have a 20% discount on tuition fee, cumulative with the financial discount;
  • Companies that finance the program to at least 2 employees, in the same academic year, have a 10% discount on the tuition fee. This discount is not cumulative with other discounts;
  • Companies that finance the program to 3 or more employees, in the same academic year, have a 20% discount on the tuition fee. This discount is not cumulative with other discounts.

FAQ

Do you have a question? Explore the most frequently asked questions and find the answer here! If you still have unanswered questions, please contact us!

  • Applications

    When can I apply?

    It is only possible to submit the application during its applications phase. However, you can fill the application form at any time, submitting it when the applications phase starts.

    How can I apply?

    The applications are submitted online, in NOVA IMS’ Applications Portal.

    To submit their application, the applicants must register in the Portal, fill the form, upload your Curriculum Vitae, choose the program and pay the application fee in the Portal. The application process is the same for all the applicants, national or international.

    Which documents are required?

    The only mandatory document during the application process is the Curriculum Vitae (in .doc or .pdf format). The applicant can upload other documents such as diploma or other certificate of their qualifications.

    How do I convert a file to .PDF?

    Here is a list of websites where you can convert files to the pdf format, as a reference:

    Is there an application fee?

    The application fee is €51 in the academic year 2026-2027. The payment of the application fee will be made during the application process in the Applications’ Portal, through bank transfer/ATM reference, MBWay, PayPal or Visa. The application will only be considered successfully submitted after the payment of the application fee, within the stipulated time. It’s non-refundable in case of withdrawal or non-admission in the program.

    Can I apply to more than one program?

    You can apply to a maximum of 2 programs per application phase, by paying the application fee for each program, that is, the application to 1 program equals the payment of 1 application fee, the application to 2 programs equals the payment of 2 application fees.

    In the application form, a Tax Identification Number is requested. What is Tax Identification Number? I don’t have one, what should I put in that blank field?

    In Portugal, the Tax Identification Number is required to identify a taxable entity or person, in tax declarations or financial transactions. If you don’t have a Tax ID Number or similar, please put “999999999” in that field of the application form.

    What should I write in the field: “Goals/motivation to apply to this program”?

    In this field, please mention:

    • In which way your background (academic and professional) fits the program;
    • What are your short-term professional goals;
    • What are your expectations with the attendance of this program.

  • Admission

    How does the selection process work?

    The selection process is based on the analysis of the academic and professional curriculum. The members of the Admissions’ Jury Panel may decide to hold an interview with all or some candidates – face-to-face or videoconference).

    In case I am contacted for an interview, can it be held at distance?

    Yes, the interview can be held at distance, preferably via Teams.

    When will I know the result of the application?

    The result of the application will be known, through email, in the date to be announced in the confirmation of submitted application email and/or by the Admissions’ Jury/Programs Manager.

    I was admitted in the program. What’s the next step?

    In case of admission, the applicant must make the payment of the pre-registration fee (around 1 week after the result announcement), until its deadline, in NOVA IMS’ Applications Portal and upload the diploma or other certificate of his latest qualification (example: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD).

    Can I attend more than one program by academic year?

    Yes, you may attend two programs per school year, although it’s not recommended. Please pay attention to the fact that there may be overlap of the Mandatory Course Units of each program, as well as the overlap of the exams.

    I was admitted in two programs, but I only intend to attend one. What should I do?

    In case of admission to two programs, the candidate will have to choose, in the Application Portal, the program in which they intend to attend. After choosing the desired program and paying the pre-registration fee, you must select the option "Withdrawal" in the 2nd program in which you do not intend to attend. Thus, your vacancy is available to a candidate on the Waiting List.

    I'm on the Waiting List. Can I still be admitted?

    Since it is possible for candidates to apply for two programs per application phase, there will be cases where the same candidate has been admitted to both programs, but intends to join only one. In these cases and if the limit number of vacancies is not completed, the remaining vacancy will be assigned to a candidate on the Waiting List.

    I intend the invoice for the payment of the application / pre-registration fees.

    The Invoice-Receipt will be available in this Applications’ Portal up to 2 business days after the payment, in the tab "Billing/Treasury".

    I was admitted in the program, but I need visa. What should I do?

    NOVA IMS can issue a document that proves admission in the program, that will be sent to the student and the Embassy. The document will only be issued or provided after the payment of the pre-registration fee. Regardless of issuance the document, the student must contact the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in their country to get more information.

  • Other Informations

    Is this program taught in Portuguese or English?

    Teaching Language Portuguese. In case there are any foreign students or teachers, the classes will be taught in English.

    Is it possible to park on campus?

    The students can park their vehicles on campus, if they have the access card. There are several parking areas on campus and near to NOVA IMS. 

Applications and Contacts

Applications:

Applications for this program are open between February 5th and April 9th, 2026. To apply, click here.

For more information about this course, please contact:

Renata Barateiro

Marketing and Admissions Coordinator for Executive Education
Marketing & Admissions Department

+351 213 828 619

executive@novaims.unl.pt

Regulations and Accreditations

  • A3ES
  • DGES – Registration number R/A-CR 58/2025 on 24-02-2025.

Partner Entities

  • Fidelidade
    Fidelidade
  • 3 Comma Capital
    3 Comma Capital
  • Legistabela
    Legistabela
  • Metafiscal
    Metafiscal
  • Onstep
    Onstep Consulting II
  • Similarvalue
    Similarvalue
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Curricular
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Discounts for Partner Entities

Employees of Fidelidade, 3 Comma Capital, Legistabela, Metafiscal, Onstep Consulting II and Similarvalue benefit from a 10% discount on the tuition fee, not cumulative with other discounts.