Pascale Elie

Why did you choose City St George’s, University of London?

When I was looking for a Master’s programme, my primary criterion was to find university courses that were line with my professional ambitions and broader vision. When applying for my Scholarship with Chevening, my first choice of programme was Financial Technology and Systems at City St George’s, University of London.

To me it covers the operational aspects that lead to the success of managing a fintech. It covers subjects like “Big Data in Finance” and “Cybersecurity” from a hands-on perspective with real-world application.

Another course that attracted me to the programme was “Regulatory Compliance and Ethics.” For a Fintech founder in an emerging economy, prioritizing Ethical use of technology is a priority grounded in my core values. The other programmes I looked into were too theoretical for me and my long-term plans, to get involved at the level of the Central Bank, an MSc suited better. This programme by far corresponded best to my professional path.

What knowledge and skills has your course helped you develop?

Every course in the programme has been eye-opening, even with my decade of experience as a fintech operator. One of my key takeaways was the deepening of my understanding of cybersecurity and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, as well as how it is transforming industries while posing serious risks to society.

On a practical level, I acquired skills that I now use on a regular basis, such as structuring research projects and coding (as a beginner). But unexpectedly, this programme prepared me for one important life skill in the sector, how to launch a start-up in an unfamiliar environment, very different from my previous experiences. We explored all phases of the process, from team building to developing a minimum viable product (MVP), including facing the realities of working with major players in the industry. The immersive and real-world experiences I had with my teammates were invaluable.

What are your career plans and how has City St George's prepared you for them?

I will continue to be involved in the operations of my company, strengthening its financial structure, opening it up to new funding, while maintaining an influence on the direction of future legislation and regulations concerning fintech and financial inclusion. My time in London and at City St George’s has expanded my network of Fintech professionals, VCs, and most importantly of women in tech and women entrepreneurs. I will use this asset to expand my venture in the UK, serving emerging markets in the Caribbean and West Africa. My exposure to digital assets and asset tokenization has opened my eyes to the global opportunities that await, and I’ve already begun laying the groundwork to seize them by setting the stone towards venture in the area.

In the more distant future and when I reap the fruits of these efforts, I would like to get involved at the Central Bank of Haiti where I want to contribute to modernizing the financial system in Haiti, helping to drive inclusive and sustainable growth at a national and regional level.

What services within your School or the University have you used during your studies?

Returning to University after such a long time was a not-so-easy adjustment. While I’m proficient in English, writing academic papers in the language was a new challenge. Thankfully, City St George’s offered a range of support services that helped me bridge that gap. From academic writing workshops to exam preparation sessions, stress and time management resources, and even guidance on how to use AI (something that didn’t exist during my undergraduate days!), I found the support I needed every step of the way, especially for an international student like me.

I also took on the role of Student Representative for my cohort, which gave me the opportunity to contribute, connect, and advocate for my peers. An experience that was both empowering and rewarding.

How are you finding studying in the UK?

To be more precise, I’d say: what’s it like studying in London? Because this city has played such a huge part in shaping my experience. I’m a foodie and an explorer at heart, and I’ve found a way to combine those passions with long study sessions. The result? A more balanced lifestyle. I’ve become a museum rat, a library explorer, and a Sunday city hiker.

London is a city of endless discovery, which makes being far from home so much easier, especially when flying back during term time was not an option.

What does a typical week at university look like for you?

My week kicks off on Sunday night with planning. I map out my study sessions, set my to-do lists, and build my schedule, something I learned through my first City St George’s student support services. This structured approach gives me room to breathe, and to enjoy life outside of academia.

I make time for social outings, day trips across the UK, museum visits, and nature hikes. I often rotate between the University’s campuses - Northampton, City Law, and Bayes - for library time or group study sessions. I always wrap up the week with my favourite ritual: a “Let’s Explore” Sunday.

What advice would you give to someone considering a degree in your subject?

For those considering a Master’s in financial technology, start learning to code now. It’s not just useful for this degree, it’s a life skill that everyone should have. More importantly, come into the programme with a curious mindset. Be ready to question things, think critically, and challenge the status quo.

Fintech is a fast-evolving field, and those who thrive are the ones who keep asking the why? and what if?

What has been your favourite module or aspect of your course so far?

It’s tough to choose a favourite module because I’ve learned something valuable from every single one. But what really stands out is how practical and applicable the content is to real world scenarios. I also appreciate how the course always starts by unpacking the foundations of a topic before diving into its current and future implications. That structure allows me to grasp both the foundations and the future direction of a topic, which makes the learning truly impactful.