“Make Me A Trader”

The qualifications you will need to succeed in trading…

What is a Trader?

One of the primary functions of an investment bank is buying and selling products both on behalf of the bank’s clients and also for the bank itself.

Sales & Trading involves transactions in the secondary market.

There are a number of roles involved in sales and trading such as:

• Proprietary trading
• Market making
• Structuring
• Flow / Sales trading
• Sales

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

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

How do I become a Trader?

Trading positions are very competitive and careers are reserved for the most dedicated students and graduates. The financial rewards are huge and becoming a Trader 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 Investments. The CISI Certificate in Investments are benchmark competency exams for individuals working in regulated firms who will be involved in:

• Managing investments on behalf of clients
• Giving advice on investments
• Selling investments to, or on behalf of, clients

As a trader it is an FSA requirement that you undertake your approved exams.

What is the CISI Certificate in Investments?

To work in trading you will need to sit three papers – Unit 2, 3 and 6, to complete the certificate in Investments to work in wholesale trading.

Unit 2 – Securities

The securities paper is designed for delegates advising and/or dealing in securities on behalf of clients.  The aim of the examination is to ensure that candidates have a basic knowledge of market infrastructure, operation, regulation and practice. It covers:

• The different securities traded in the financial markets
• How they are traded
• Primary and secondary markets
• The analysis of accounts
• The risk and reward associated with investing in various asset classes

Please visit www.cisi.org for more information on the new level 4 certificate courses and exam dates.

Unit 3 – Derivatives

The derivatives unit is suitable for individuals advising on investments and dealing with clients in financial and commodity derivatives. This unit gives an understanding of:

• The derivatives markets
• The underlying markets and the principles associated with them
• Trading and investment strategies

Please visit www.cisi.org for more information on the new level 4 certificate courses and exam dates.

Unit 6 – Principles of Financial Regulation

The PFR paper is the regulatory unit for delegates taking wholesale focussed certificates, generally those engaged in front office and operational and settlement roles, whose work is wholesale focussed. The syllabus concentrates on general principles of financial regulation as opposed to the more in-depth coverage of the retail focussed Unit 1. It covers:

• The regulatory environment in which the UK securities industry operates
• The relevance of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and associated legislation and regulations
• The FSA’s Conduct of Business Rules more relevant to wholesale investment

Please visit www.cisi.org for more information on the new level 4 certificate courses and exam dates.

Why complete the CISI Certificates?

These exams are part of the approved examination list to show competency. The CISI Certificates have been designed specifically to meet the requirements of individuals working in the securities and derivatives 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

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

As the exams are computer based they can be taken at any of the specified test centres any time throughout the year .

When can I take the CISI Certificates?

As the exams are computer based they can be taken at any of the specified test centres any time throughout the year. For exam dates for the new level 4 Certificate courses, please visit www.cisi.org

Where can I study the CISI certificates?

Study at a time and place convenient to you with 7city’s hi-tech online distance learning package or train in their state of the art training centre in London.

7c-online™ for the CISI Certificate in Investments  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.

In line with the new RDR requirements 7city will continue to run level 3 Certificate courses as before. In line with the new CISI timetable 7city is also offering a range of new level 4 Certificates including.

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 Investments?

We are able to offer you qualifications cheaper than anywhere else due to our unique relationship with 7city,, 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.

Return to Professional Qualifications Page