How do I choose the right banking course for my goals?

Start by identifying the banking sector you're interested in—retail banking, investment banking, risk and compliance, or digital/FinTech innovations. For an introduction to how banks work, try Introduction to Banking from the Corporate Finance Institute. Interested in investment banking? Consider Financial Markets by Yale or Investment Banking: Financial Analysis and Valuation from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. For digital transformation and FinTech roles, explore Digital Transformation in Financial Services by Copenhagen Business School.

Which banking course should I start with as a beginner?

These beginner-friendly courses are great for learners new to the banking sector: Introduction to Banking – Covers how banks operate, interest rates, and core banking products. Financial Markets – Taught by Nobel Laureate Robert Shiller, this course introduces financial systems, risk, and banking institutions. Economics of Money and Banking – A foundational look at how money, central banks, and lending work together.

What’s the difference between a banking course, Specialization, and Professional Certificate?

A course teaches a focused topic—like credit analysis, bank operations, or compliance, such as Fundamentals of Credit Analysis . A Specialization bundles several courses for progressive mastery—such as Finance & Quantitative Modeling for Analysts Specialization . A Professional Certificate (less common for banking alone) may be part of broader training in finance, data analytics, or FinTech—such as Google Data Analytics Certificate or IBM Data Analyst Certificate , which are relevant in modern banking roles.

Can I take free banking courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning banking topics on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many banking courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in banking topics, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn banking?

The skills and experience that you might need to already have before starting to learn banking include an interest in money and financial assets, good analytical skills, attention to detail, a strong technology background, and an understanding of institutional finance. As banking continues to grow more digital and online by the day, more banks are looking for people who know how technology is impacting the business of handling money. So it might be helpful to learn computer programming and financial modeling concepts before starting to learn banking. Personality skills that would be useful to have before learning banking could include an ability to handle stress, to work well with others, and have confidence in dealing with retail banking customers.

Best Banking Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Banking Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
Corporate Finance Institute
Introduction to Banking
Skills you'll gain: Banking Services, Banking, Retail Banking, Customer Analysis, Financial Statements, Balance Sheet, Organizational Structure, Financial Services, Commercial Banking, Income Statement, Investment Banking
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
64 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Columbia University
Economics of Money and Banking
Skills you'll gain: Market Liquidity, International Finance, Financial Systems, Banking, Balance Sheet, Payment Systems, Financial Policy, Financial Market, Derivatives, Finance, Capital Markets, Economics, Financial Regulation, Market Dynamics, Financial Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Mixed · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Banking and Financial Institutions
Skills you'll gain: Banking, Financial Systems, Bank Regulations, Risk Management, Payment Systems, Financial Regulation, Credit Risk, Operational Risk, Retail Banking, Financial Services, Commercial Banking, Financial Market, Business Modeling, Balance Sheet, Economics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
265 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Yale University
Financial Markets
Skills you'll gain: Financial Market, Investment Banking, Portfolio Management, Finance, Capital Markets, Financial Services, Corporate Finance, Derivatives, Investments, Financial Regulation, Risk Management, Behavioral Economics, Equities, Underwriting, Securities (Finance), Lending and Underwriting, Market Dynamics, Governance, Insurance, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG)
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
31K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Investment Banking: Financial Analysis and Valuation
Skills you'll gain: Business Valuation, Financial Analysis, Investment Banking, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Modeling, Financial Statements, Mergers & Acquisitions, Cash Flows, Corporate Finance, Financial Forecasting, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Spreadsheet Software, Benchmarking, Forecasting
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
188 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Corporate Finance
Skills you'll gain: Finance, Capital Budgeting, Return On Investment, Financial Modeling, Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, Business Valuation, Financial Management, Corporate Finance, Cash Flows, Risk Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
6.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Preview
Knowledge Accelerators
From Excel to Power BI
Skills you'll gain: Power BI, Data Presentation, Dashboard, Data Visualization, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Microsoft Power Platform, Data Visualization Software, Business Intelligence, Microsoft Excel, Data Import/Export, Data Modeling, Data Transformation, Data Sharing, Business Analytics, Data Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Goldman Sachs
Fundamentals of Business Finance, with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women
Skills you'll gain: Income Statement, Financial Statements, Balance Sheet, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Analysis, Entrepreneurial Finance, Business Metrics, Growth Strategies, Business Strategies, Financial Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Mergers and Acquisitions
Skills you'll gain: Mergers & Acquisitions, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Business Valuation, Financial Statement Analysis, Intercompany Accounting, Financial Analysis, Financial Modeling, Corporate Accounting, Specialized Accounting, Capital Markets, Financial Statements, Corporate Tax, Corporate Finance, Price Negotiation, Financial Management, Accounting, Financial Accounting, Tax, Investments
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
575 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
Coursera Instructor Network
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management in Banking in India
Skills you'll gain: Bank Regulations, Compliance Management, Risk Management, Risk Mitigation, Banking, Risk Management Framework, Business Risk Management, Operational Risk, Risk Analysis, Credit Risk, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Commercial Banking, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Financial Regulations, Regulatory Requirements, Financial Industry Regulatory Authorities, Analysis, Planning
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
Coursera Instructor Network
Foundational Banking and Financial Services Skills in India
Skills you'll gain: Banking, Investment Banking, Financial Systems, Commercial Banking, Financial Services, Retail Banking, Capital Markets, Operational Efficiency, Front Office, FinTech, Automation, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
14 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Geneva
Investment Management
Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management, Investment Management, Financial Market, Risk Management, Investments, Financial Planning, Strategic Decision-Making, Financial Systems, Wealth Management, Asset Management, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Capital Markets, Risk Analysis, Market Dynamics, Performance Measurement, Behavioral Economics, Finance, Equities, Financial Forecasting, Customer Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months