Understanding key elements and basic workings of the Financial Services Industry (useful for exams as well)
What you will learn
Banking – History of banking
Banking – Distinctions between Retail/Investment etc
The role of banks
Central banks
Saving and Borrowing
Evaluating different sources of borrowing (mortgage, overdraft, credit card, payday loans etc)
Calculating effective annual IRs
Ethics and Integrity in Financial Services
How the financial services sector links savers and borrowers, both on a household and corporate scale
Insurance
IPOs
Sources of return for shareholders
Calculating dividend yields
Benefits and risks of shareholding
Bonds
Advantages and disadvantages of bondholding
Credit rating agencies (S+P, Fitch, Moody’s)
Derivatives – call/put options, futures
Markets – stock exchanges and regions/sectors that they represent
Fund management (vs direct investment)
Forex
Pensions
Fintechs, Crowdfunding, Distributed ledger tech
Description
Thank you for stopping on our course.
The Financial Services industry is one of the most widely publicised, we all interact with it in different ways and yet sometimes we don’t know what goes on within.
Fundamentals of Financial Services has been developed as an introductory repository of information for the way the industry works.
It is developed with the following potential learners in mind:
– Anyone new to the industry
– Anyone seeking knowledge about the basics relating to FS institutions, products and services
– Anyone sitting the any financial services exams – foundation or basic levels, including:
- New employees at various financial institutions
- Anyone interested in Economics and the Economy
- CISI Level 2 “Fundamentals of Financial Services” candidates
- ACCA students
- AAT students
- Finance diploma, degree students
- Accounting diploma, degree students
- Tax students
- Financial Services entry level
- Banking entry level
- Apprentices in the Financial Services industry
- Anyone interested in Economics and the Economy
We developed it to help people:
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– Prepare for exams
– Learn more about the Financial Services industry
– Get a good foundation of the basics within the industry
We have provided information to suite the above mentioned groups of people and also anyone curious about the topic.
We wish you success your endeavour’s within the industry and look forward to interacting with you on LinkedIn.
We welcome your feedback, questions and comments.
English
language
Content
Fundamentals of Financial Services
Introduction and History of Financial Services
Banking – Retail and Investment
Banking – Central Banks
Asset Management and Private Banking
Savings and Borrowings
How to calculate Annual Effective Interest Rate
Ethics and Integrity in Financial Services
Insurance
Different types of business entities
Initial Public Offerings (IPO’s)
Sources of returns for shareholders
Working out dividend yield
Benefits and risks of shareholding
Bonds
Advantages and disadvantages of Bondholding
Credit Rating Agencies
Derivatives
Stock Markets
Fund Management
Foreign Exchange
Pensions
Fintech – Financial Technology
Conclusion
Add-On Information:
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Course Overview
- This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the foundational principles governing the global financial services sector. You will explore the multifaceted ecosystem where money, credit, and investments interact, gaining insight into how financial markets operate and contribute to economic stability.
- We will demystify complex concepts, making them accessible to beginners and equipping you with a robust understanding of the industry’s architecture. Delve into core components that constitute the modern financial landscape, including capital allocation mechanisms and the flow of funds between different economic agents.
- Explore the dynamic evolution of financial instruments and services, recognizing how innovations and technological advancements (FinTech) are continually reshaping client expectations and operational efficiencies within the industry. We will touch upon broad categories of financial products and their general purpose in wealth creation and risk mitigation.
- Gain an appreciation for the crucial role of regulatory bodies and frameworks in maintaining market integrity, ensuring consumer protection, and preventing systemic risks within the financial system. Learn about the overarching principles guiding responsible conduct and corporate governance across institutions.
- Understand the interplay between macroeconomic factors, government policies, and the performance of financial markets. This includes how global events, interest rate fluctuations, and inflation can influence investment decisions and credit availability.
- Examine different models of financial organization and delivery, from traditional operations to digital-first platforms, highlighting the ongoing transformation of how financial services are accessed and utilized globally.
- Acquire a strategic perspective on the various participant roles within the financial services industry, including investors, borrowers, intermediaries, and market regulators, recognizing their individual contributions and collective impact on economic activity.
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Requirements / Prerequisites
- No prior financial background or specific industry experience is formally required; this course is designed to be accessible to absolute beginners.
- A foundational level of numerical literacy and comfort with basic arithmetic operations is beneficial, as financial concepts often involve quantitative reasoning.
- An innate curiosity about how money works, how economies function, and a desire to understand personal and institutional finance is highly encouraged for an optimal learning experience.
- Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to navigate online learning platforms and utilize common office software, will be helpful for accessing course materials and completing assignments.
- A willingness to engage with new terminology and complex concepts, coupled with a proactive approach to learning, will ensure successful comprehension and retention of the material.
- Access to a reliable internet connection and a suitable device (laptop or desktop computer) is necessary for participation in online components and resource access.
- Proficiency in English is essential, as all course materials, lectures, and assessments will be conducted in English.
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Skills Covered / Tools Used
- Develop critical thinking abilities to objectively analyze financial news, reports, and product offerings, enabling you to discern credible information from misleading claims.
- Enhance your problem-solving skills by applying theoretical financial concepts to practical scenarios, such as evaluating different investment opportunities or understanding market dynamics.
- Gain proficiency in interpreting various financial statements and basic performance indicators, allowing you to gauge the health and potential of different financial entities.
- Acquire the fundamental vocabulary of finance, enabling you to confidently discuss and understand conversations about economic trends, market movements, and financial product features.
- Utilize basic spreadsheet functions (e.g., Excel or Google Sheets) for organizing financial data, performing simple projections, and understanding the impact of different financial variables.
- Cultivate decision-making frameworks that incorporate risk assessment, potential returns, and personal financial goals when considering different financial strategies or products.
- Learn to identify and understand the various financial instruments available in the market, appreciating their diverse characteristics, risks, and potential applications for wealth management or capital raising.
- Improve your overall financial literacy, empowering you to make more informed personal financial choices regarding savings, investment, and future planning.
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Benefits / Outcomes
- Empower yourself to make astute and well-informed personal financial decisions, from budgeting and saving to understanding basic investment vehicles and their implications for your future.
- Lay a solid groundwork for pursuing advanced studies in finance, economics, or business, providing a comprehensive introductory perspective that facilitates deeper specialized learning.
- Enhance your career readiness for a multitude of entry-level positions within the financial services industry, including roles in financial planning, customer service, risk analysis, or market operations.
- Develop the capacity to critically evaluate financial advice received from various sources, ensuring you can distinguish between sound recommendations and potentially biased or unsuitable suggestions.
- Gain a profound understanding of the societal function and economic impact of financial institutions, recognizing their contribution to economic development, innovation, and global commerce.
- Boost your confidence in engaging with financial topics, whether in professional settings, personal planning, or everyday discussions about economic news and market trends.
- Acquire practical insights into wealth creation and preservation strategies, equipping you with knowledge that extends beyond theoretical concepts into actionable personal finance management.
- Receive a foundational certification or acknowledgment that signifies a basic mastery of financial services fundamentals, useful for professional resumes and academic applications.
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PROS
- Provides a robust and comprehensive foundational understanding of the financial services sector, crucial for anyone entering or interacting with the industry.
- Offers practical knowledge that is immediately applicable to personal financial management and decision-making in everyday life.
- Serves as an excellent springboard for diverse career paths within finance, banking, insurance, investment management, and corporate finance.
- Demystifies complex financial jargon and concepts, making the world of finance accessible and understandable for individuals from all backgrounds.
- Enhances overall financial literacy, a vital skill for personal empowerment and navigating the modern economic landscape effectively.
- Designed to stimulate critical thinking and analytical skills essential for evaluating financial information and making informed choices.
- Acts as a strong preparatory course for further specialized studies or professional certifications in various areas of finance.
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CONS
- The breadth of topics covered may require significant self-discipline and diligent study to fully grasp the nuances of each area, particularly for learners without prior exposure.