Finance, Investment and Securities Regulation

Transcription

1 MALTA INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE Finance, Investment and Securities Regulation January April 2015 AL SERVICE OPERATIONS AND COMPLIANCE Malta International Training Centre Suite 3 Level 1, TG Complex, Brewery Street, Mriehel BKR info@mitcentre.com website : Telephone (00356) , Fax (00356) Vat Reg no Company no C5663 NCFHE Licence no 113 MITC is licensed by The National Commission for Further and Higher Education as a Further and Higher Education Institution, is a member of the MFSA Education Consultative Council and Board Member of the European Certification Body EFICERT

2 Objectives The objective of this course is to provide participants with a thorough and effective introduction to financial markets. Participants will also gain an understanding of the wide range of financial instruments that characterize today's financial markets. Moreover participants will be provided with an insight into the local and the European regulatory context within the securities industry. Course Organiser Malta International Training Centre Intended Participants The course will be of benefit to new or recent recruits in the finance industry as well as experienced staff with new responsibilities in the investment services area. This course is also applicable to persons occupying compliance roles in licensed entities who need to be aware of the current regulatory developments. This course may be useful to lawyers, accountants and auditors. Entry Requirements Prospective candidates should at least be acquainted with the basic principles of finance. It would be deemed helpful if prospective candidates are in possession of/or are in the process of obtaining a qualification, in a finance-related subject. Prospective candidates do not need to have prior relevant experience in the sector. Course Assessment Towards the end of the course candidates will be required to sit for a two hour written exam. In this respect, candidates will be assessed on the topics delivered during the different module sessions. The examination will be a mixture of multiple choice questions and short answers questions with the pass mark is set at 55%. Duration The course consists of 25 contact hours, 10 sessions each of 2.5 hours duration held once a week. Towards the end of the course there will be one revision session. A further 100 hours of self study is required.

3 Certification and Recognition A certificate will be issued to successful participants by the Malta International Training Centre. Possession of such an Award will be taken into positive consideration by the MFSA when determining levels of competence of staff employed by institutions licensed to operate within the financial services sector. Level within the National and European Qualifications Framework The Malta Qualifications Council deems this CPD Award of 5 credits to be at Level 4 on the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) and on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) for Lifelong Learning. Reading List Smart, S. Gitman, L. Joehnk, M. (2013). Fundamentals of Investing. United States: Prentice Hall.International Edition - 12 th Edition Core Book Jones, C.P. (2013). Investments: Principles and Concepts. United States: Wiley International Edition - 12 th Edition Melicher, R.W. Norton E.A (2013). Introduction to Finance: Markets, Investments and Financial Management. United States: Wiley. 15 th Edition Bodie, Z. Kane, A. Marcus, A.J. (2012). Essentials of Investments. United States: McGraw-Hill th Edition Lecturer Sara Antonia Borg, an accountant by profession, occupies the post of analyst at the Malta Financial Services Authority in the Securities and Markets Supervision Unit. She holds an MSc in Capital Markets, Regulation and Compliance from the University of Reading, ICMA Centre, Henley Business School, having graduated with Distinction in Sara is responsible for leading on-site compliance visits to licensed investment firms. In the past she also led compliance visits to collective investment schemes and fund administrators. She also participates and represents the MFSA on European standing committees as organised by the European Securities Markets Authority. Prior to her employment with the MFSA, Sara was employed as auditor with one of the major audit firms and also had the opportunity to work at the Dublin office of the same firm.

4 Programme Schedule Every Thursday between hrs Topic Date Topic 1 Understanding Financial Markets 15 th January 2015 Topic 2 Financial assets and the Investors 22 nd January 2015 Understanding different asset classes (1) i) Money Market securities Topic 3 Fixed-income securities 29 th January 2015 Understanding different asset classes (2) Topic 4 Equities 5 th February 2015 Understanding different asset classes (3) i) Derivatives ii) iii) Commodities Alternative investment Topic 5 Topic 6 Topic 7 Topic 8 Topic 9 Understanding the concept of asset Allocation 12 th February 2015 Collective Investment Schemes and Hedge Funds 19 th February 2015 The retail distribution of financial products within the advisory and the portfolio management context 26 th February 2015 An insight into the local and the European regulatory context within the securities industry (part 1) 5 th March 2015 An insight into the local and the European regulatory context within the securities industry (part 2) 12 th March 2015

5 Topic 10 An insight into the local and the European regulatory context within the securities industry (part 3) 26 th March 2015 Revision Session 16 th April 2015 EXAM: hrs 30 th April 2015 Exam results will be dispatched by post on 11 th June 2015

6 Syllabus Topic 1 Understanding Financial Markets The objective of this session is for participants to understand the mechanisms of the global financial system, including the functioning of markets. Topic 2 Financial assets and the Investors During this session, participants will be provided with an overview of the traditional and the alternative asset classes. This session will also tackle the concepts of risk and returns as well as the diverse client investment objectives. Topic 3 Understanding different asset classes (1): [i] Money market securities and [ii] Fixed-income securities (Bonds) This session will explore in detail the characteristics of the money market securities and the fixed income securities. Topic 4 Understanding different asset classes (2): Equities During this session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of equities. This session will also tackle aspects of corporate governance. Topic 5 Understanding different asset classes (3): [i] Derivatives; [ii] Commodities and [iii] Alternative investments; and Understanding the concept of asset allocation During this session participants will be able to understand the underlying objectives of the use of derivatives as well as appreciate the different characteristics of options, forwards and futures. New alternative investments will also be mentioned. Furthermore the implementation of the asset allocation strategy will also be explained. Topic 6 Collective Investment Schemes and Hedge Funds The objective of this session is for participants to understand the types of collective funds, in particular hedge funds. Topic 7 The retail distribution of financial products within the advisory and the portfolio management context During this session participants will be able to obtain an overview of investment advice and portfolio management from the perspective of retail clients. Topic 8 An insight into the local and the European regulatory context within the securities industry (Part 1) During this session, participants will be provided with an overview of the MFSA's role within the local financial services industry. This session will also examine European regulatory authorities/institutions as well as their effect on the local scenario. Reference will also be made to applicable European Directives.

7 Topic 9 An insight into the local and the European regulatory context within the securities industry (Part 2) During this session, participants will be provided with an understanding of the local securities-related regulation within the context of the provision of investment services. Topic 10 An insight into the local and the European regulatory context within the securities industry (Part 3) This session will provide an overview of the current Conduct of Business obligations within the context of the provision of investment services

8 Course Venue Malta International Training Centre, Suite 3 Level 1, TG Complex, Brewery Street, Mriehel BKR 3000 Fee 625 per participant; which includes tuition, notes / hand outs, examination and certification. Discounts and Cancellation Policy Companies effecting group bookings (four or more participants) are entitled to a 10% discount. A 25% cancellation fee is payable for cancellations received within 15 days of the start of the programme. Terms of Payment In full upon registration unless otherwise agreed with MITC.

9 Award in Finance, Investment and Securitires Regulation Application Form Participant Details Name: Address: Mobile No.: Date of Birth: Sponsor Details Company Name: Company Address: Tel. No.: Fax No.: Fee: 625 per participant A recent CV detailing qualifications is to be submitted together with this application form Important Deadlines Applications and CV to be received by: 8 th January 2015 Intake Date: 15 th January 2015 Examination Date: 30 th April 2015 Please tick the box if you WISH to be included in our database which is used solely for marketing purposes Signature: Date: Malta International Training Centre Suite 3 Level 1, TG Complex, Brewery Street, Mriehel BKR info@mitcentre.com / website : Telephone (00356) , Fax (00356) Vat Reg no Company no C5663 NCFHE Licence no 113 MITC is licensed by The National Commission for Further and Higher Education as a Further and Higher Education Institution, is a member of the MFSA Education Consultative Council and Board Member of the European Certification Body EFICERT