“Make Me An Investment Banker”

The qualifications you will need to succeed in investment banking / corporate finance…

What is an Investment Banker?

Investment banking is the traditional aspect of investment banks which involves helping customers raise funds in the Capital Markets and advising on mergers and acquisitions. Investment banking may also involve subscribing investors to a security issuance, coordinating with bidders, or negotiating with a merger target.

“That sounds very fancy, but what does that all mean?”

Well, to secure a career as an investment banker you will need to know, so keep reading to find out how…

How do I become an Investment Banker?

Investment Banking is very competitive and careers are reserved for the most dedicated students and graduates. The financial rewards are huge and becoming an Investment Banker will require you to go the extra mile. If this is the career path for you, you will want to get the industry standard qualification…

What qualification do I get?

You will need to train for the CISI (Formerly SII) Certificate in Corporate Finance. The Certificate in Corporate Finance is aimed at individuals working in corporate finance and related areas, such as venture capital, who need to demonstrate a sound understanding of both regulatory and technical aspects of the subject. It has been recognised by the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC) as an Appropriate Examination for the Corporate Finance Adviser function.

The certificate comprises of two units; Corporate Finance Regulation and Corporate Finance Technical Foundations.

Corporate Finance Regulation (Unit 1)

This unit tests your knowledge of:

• The UK legislative and regulatory environment in which corporate financiers operate in the UK
• The rules and procedures of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) relating to corporate finance
• European Union legislation
• The Takeover Code
• Rules governing the UK equity capital markets

Corporate Finance Technical Foundations (Unit 2)

This unit covers corporate finance business including:

• Quantitative methods used in the corporate finance industry
• Financial and accounting analysis
• Capital availability and cost to the corporate finance industry
• Business valuation
• Corporate transactions
• Corporate finance documentation

Why complete the Certificate in Corporate Finance?

These exams are part of the approved examination list to show competency in corporate finance. The CISI Certificate has been designed specifically to meet the requirements of individuals working in the capital markets who need to obtain Financial Services Authority (FSA) Approved Person status. They must be taken by those in client facing roles.

CISI and the RDR – make sure you’re qualified to meet the new RDR qualification standards.

In case you are not familiar with the new RDR regulations yet, the FSA’s Retail Distribution Review (RDR) introduces new exam requirements for those who advise retail clients on investments. All RDR qualifications routes must be at level 4 or higher. This is an important change because most Appropriate Examinations are currently at level 3 in the UK qualification structure. The FSA deadline for existing advisers to obtain level four qualifications has been confirmed as 31 December 2012. The CISI is introducing level 4 Certificates for Securities and Derivatives which form part of the Certificate in Investments. Please keep checking their website for information on the Certificate in Investments and the changes to QCA level 4 courses: www.cisi.org

When can I take the Certificate in Corporate Finance Exams?

CISI exams are computer based and can be taken at any of the specified test centres any time throughout the year. For any new level 4 certificates, please check www.cisi.org

How will I study for the Certificate in Corporate Finance?

You will study at a time and place convenient to you with 7city’s high-tech online distance learning package.

7c-online™ for the CISI Certificate in Corporate Finance is the industry benchmark featuring interactive learning resources and performance monitoring to identify weak areas and send targeted content and advice to remedy problem areas.

Through your 7c-online™ account you can access classroom recordings, online mocks, practice question banks, email a day and the online helpdesk. Active analysis of your work patterns and performance guides your study and is seamlessly integrated into your online account, ensuring a cohesive learning experience.

Recordings
Classroom sessions are available as recordings to watch via your 7c-online account. Complete with the tutors’ annotations, they re-create the classroom environment and are ideal for re-capping and future playback after the course.

Mobile Learning
Classroom recordings are also available as downloadable podcasts in MP3 or MP4 format – ideal for learning on the move!

Email-a-day
Email-a-day delivers bite-sized practice questions to your desktop from the day you enrol on the course to the exam day itself. It will identify your weak spots, sending targeted content and advice to remedy problem areas and giving you a convenient and easy way to stay on top of your studies.

Questions and Online Mocks
Our question bank contains hundreds of constantly updated practice questions. By taking mock exams at key times, you can keep on top of your learning and be constantly sharpening your mind for the real thing.

How can I get the best price on the CISI Certificate in Corporate Finance?

We are able to offer you qualifications cheaper than anywhere else due to our unique relationship with 7cityy, who is a leading qualifications provider, so you get the best training available.

If you would like to find out more about training in London or through distance learning you can get an exclusive discount if you contact Ben Scott or Stuart Empson on 0845 072 7620.

You must quote Benedix as a reference to claim your discount

If you would like a personal consultation with regards to qualification choices contact a consultant at Benedix on 0208 742 9749.

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