
Understanding key elements and basic workings of the Financial Services Industry (useful for exams as well)
What you will learn
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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, Moodyβs)
Derivatives β call/put options, futures
Markets β stock exchanges and regions/sectors that they represent
Fund management (vs direct investment)
Forex
Pensions
Fintechs, Crowdfunding, Distributed ledger tech
Add-On Information:
- Navigate the core architecture of the financial services ecosystem, understanding how different entities interrelate to facilitate economic activity.
- Grasp the fundamental principles underpinning financial intermediation, the essential bridge connecting those with surplus funds to those requiring capital.
- Develop a foundational understanding of risk management within financial institutions and for individuals engaging with financial products.
- Explore the operational mechanisms and regulatory frameworks that govern the banking sector, from local branches to global institutions.
- Dissect the various avenues for capital formation and deployment, recognizing the distinct functions and clienteles of different financial service providers.
- Analyze the critical role of central banks in managing monetary policy and ensuring financial stability.
- Acquire practical skills in evaluating personal and business financing options, comprehending the true cost of borrowing beyond nominal rates.
- Cultivate an awareness of ethical considerations and the importance of integrity in all financial dealings.
- Understand how the financial system supports economic growth by channeling savings into productive investments for both individuals and corporations.
- Investigate the principles of risk transfer and pooling as embodied by the insurance industry.
- Demystify the process of companies accessing public capital markets for the first time through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).
- Learn how investors generate returns through equity ownership, focusing on key metrics.
- Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of investing in debt instruments, including government and corporate bonds.
- Recognize the significance of credit rating agencies in assessing the risk profile of borrowers.
- Gain an introductory understanding of derivative instruments and their application in managing financial risk or speculation.
- Explore the function and scope of various financial markets, understanding their geographical and sectoral specializations.
- Differentiate between active fund management strategies and direct investment approaches.
- Understand the mechanics and implications of foreign exchange transactions.
- Grasp the essential concepts of retirement planning and the vehicles used for long-term savings.
- Examine the disruptive impact and innovative potential of financial technology (Fintech) on traditional financial services.
- **Pros:**
- Provides a comprehensive yet accessible overview ideal for exam preparation and building a foundational knowledge base.
- Equips learners with practical skills for personal financial decision-making and understanding broader economic trends.
- Opens doors to a wide range of career paths within the diverse financial services sector.
- **Cons:**
- Due to its broad scope, it may not delve deeply into highly specialized areas of finance.
English
language