Professional Certificate in Complex Financial Instruments in IFS
| Course Provider | 
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| Dates | March 26, 28 April 2, 4, 16, 18, 23, 25 Class Duration - 6pm - 9pm |
| Exam | 26th May 2012 (12.30am for 2 hours) |
| Application Deadline | 9th March 2011 |
| Venue | Institute of Bankers, IFSC, Dublin 1 |
| Course Fees | Full Fee: €2900 Network Members Fee: €1740 |
| Accreditation | Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications(NFQ) |
| CPD Hours | To be confirmed |
Graduate Testimonials
"The lecturer was very competent and had an excellent style when presenting the material" Peter Rogan, AVP Hedge Funds Operational Controls Group , Citi
"I think the programme was excellent as it gave me an in depth analysis of how these finanical instruments work and are used with in the market. It also illustrated the weaknesses and changes of these instrumnets in light of the recent financial crisis." Brendan McNally, Fund Accounting Assistant Manager, Caceis Fastnet Ireland Limited
Programme Introduction
Complex financial instruments, constructed through the use of derivatives, have seen a phenomenal growth in both range and usage over the past decade. Understanding the risk and return characteristics of these products has become critical in the asset management, valuation and trading areas of International Financial Services.
The objective of this programme is to provide candidates with not only an understanding of how the types of complex financial instruments are used in the financial markets but also their use in hedging, risk management and more speculative strategies.
Programme Objectives
On completion of this programme candidates will be able to:
- Explain how the most common complex financial instruments and derivatives work and understand their uses;
- Evaluate the benefits and risks of differing instruments and explain how they can be used for speculation, arbitrage, hedging and general risk management;
- Describe how these instruments are used for investment strategies within the major asset classes (equities, currencies, bonds, commodities and property);
- Appraise the role of regulation and the rating agencies on the application of financial instruments;
- Understand the role that complex financial instruments played in the recent market turmoil and what lessons can be learnt for the future; and
- Review the use of complex financial instruments in financial institutions from an internal and external viewpoint, including Accounting Treatment/Reporting, Risk Management and Regulation.
Who Should Attend?
This programme is designed for those directly involved in the design and trading of derivatives, and also at those working in areas of international financial services organisations who engage in activities that require a good working knowledge of the characteristics of derivative products. Such roles should include, but are not limited to:
- Fund valuation teams
- Fund administrators
- Treasury staff in banks, financial institutions and non-financial corporations
- Sales and marketing personnel engaged in complex instruments
- Institutional investors
- Fund managers
- Compliance officers
- Accountants
- Risk managers
- Regulators
Programme Structure
Emphasis in the lectures is on the communication of key concepts and on the practical application of these concepts using examples and illustrations. Participants are expected to have read material in advance of the lectures and to participate in classroom discussions.
Lectures will take place in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), Dublin.
Learning Supports and Assessment
When your registration has been processed you will have access to the following learning supports:
- Access to the online Student Centre (using your password which will be sent to you following registration), including:
- Individual lecture and examination schedule
- Lecture notes and handouts
- Past exam paperSecure access to your examination results
What are the Entry Requirements?
Experience in derivatives, although preferable, is not a requirement for attending the Professional Certificate in Complex Financial Instruments in International Financial Services.
Programme Leader - Kevin McConnell, Head of Research- Bloxham Stockbrokers
Kevin, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is Head of Research at Bloxham Stockbrokers since 2001. He is a member of the CFA Institute in Ireland and is a Registered Stockbroker with the Irish Stock Exchange. Kevin specialises in covering the Banking sector and overall investment strategy for Bloxham, advising institutional investors and the in-house funds on investment decision making.
Over the past 10 years, Kevin has been heavily involved in a corporate advisory role to Irish public listed companies, specialising in identifying strategies for maximising shareholder value. He was recently voted "Best Equity Strategist in 2009" in the annual Institutional Stockbroking Survey conducted by Finance magazine, and his work has widely covered in the domestic and international media.
Programme Syllabus
- Options
- Futures/Forwards
- SWAPS
- Credit Derivatives
- Structured Products
- Understanding Exchange Traded Funds and Contracts for Difference and UCITS
- Measuring and COntrolling Risk
- Accounting for Derivatives
- Implications of Derivatives usage
- Convertible Bonds
- Collaterised Mortage Obligations (CMOs)
- Collaterised Debt Obligations (CDOs)
- Mortage Backed Securities (MBSs)/Asset Backed Securities (ABSs)
- Exchange Traded Funds (EFTs)
- Credit Default Swaps (CDSs)
- Contracts for Difference (CFDs)
The Institute of Bankers School of Professional Finance is a recognised school of University College Dublin, affiliated with the UCD College of Business and Law.