Developed by students at the University of Bradford as part of its MSc Financial Technology (FinTech) programme, the concept is part of a wider wave of fintech innovation emerging from the university, with students exploring how technology can transform everyday financial services.
Bradcoin, a campus-wide rewards system, would allow students to earn digital tokens for participating in societies, events, and other activities.
The tokens could then be redeemed with campus vendors, encouraging greater engagement while offering real-world value.
Nathaniel Diamond, 27, from Nigeria, who previously worked in software engineering, said: “Technology gives me that experience of constant evolution of what I’m doing.
“If you’re good at something today in tech, in the next five months you will probably see somebody who’s done something better than that and you must upscale.
“And I love that.
“Education is an investment.
“It is active learning here.
“Every day we are learning how fintech is reshaping the finance industry.”
Other student-led projects include TrueRate, a foreign exchange comparison tool designed to help international students minimise financial losses from unfavourable bank transfer rates.
Dhruviben Valand, 23, from India, said: “Fintech is a huge industry.
“It’s a great opportunity to develop my career.
“The university is very helpful for students, especially international students.
“It’s a great environment to learn.”
Further ideas include FairCredit Bradford, a tool to help students build their credit scores during university and access hardship loans more quickly.
Another project, SmurfGuard, proposes an AI-based system to help banks identify small-scale money laundering and other unusual transactions.
Dr Sherena Huang, assistant professor in finance and financial technology at the University of Bradford, said: “Students can develop their financial technology projects to help with everyday activities.
“Deposits, savings, investment, fraud detection, or personal award management advice, can be done together.
“Even with university student loans, we can use fintech to improve the process.
“Students not only learn the theories, programming or coding, but they learn how to practice their knowledge and concepts in the real world.”
Fintech refers to software, apps, and digital tools that improve traditional financial services.
This includes digital banking, payments, lending, investment, and technologies powered by AI or machine learning.
The global fintech market was valued at £343 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach £400 billion this year.