Accelerated Success: Natalie Montanez

Duke University’s Master’s in Financial Technology (FinTech) program is known for producing graduates who go on to become leaders in financial innovation. Among the current students preparing to follow that path is Natalie Montanez, a student in the inaugural cohort of Duke FinTech’s accelerated program.

Natalie is currently a Data Governance Associate Director within the Global Trade Repository at Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC). In her role, she validates clients’ securities and derivatives transaction data, as well as develops XML reports for the DTCC’s clients and regulators. To further build her technical skill set and deepen her understanding of how cryptocurrencies and distributed ledger markets are changing traditional financial markets, the DTCC gave her the opportunity to join the Duke FinTech accelerated program. After seeing the program’s unique combination of in-demand technical and business topics, Natalie decided to be part of the first cohort of the accelerated program.

Even though the program just started, Natalie has already started to build the skill set she desires. She has gained a deeper understanding of the current financial market system, as well as developed relevant technical skills in Python and Solidity coding. Natalie has also been able to develop the business savvy she needs to progress in her career. Additionally, through the accelerated program, Natalie is building the skill set she desires in one year, allowing her to earn a professional degree without sacrificing two years in the workforce.

Natalie will graduate from the Duke FinTech program in May of 2026.

If you have questions about our accelerated program, please contact us at pratt_fintech@duke.edu.