Programme detail

This course is taught in 2 parts. Part 1 (Investment Products) introduces various investment products and their associated risks. It also provides a framework for deploying them over an investment cycle. Part 2 (Investment Advisory) covers the roles and obligations of an investment advisor and the process for providing investment advisory. The process starts with knowing the roles and obligations of an investment advisor, the client’s risk profile, needs and product suitability. This is followed by designing the investment solution based on the investment policy statement, managing, reviewing and monitoring the portfolio. Part 1: Investment Products Having a good understanding of different investment products and when and how to use them effectively over an investment cycle is critical for investment advisors and asset managers. This course introduces various investment products and their associated risks. It also provides a framework for deploying them over an investment cycle. This course is also expected to be heavy on the use of case studies and group discussions. Course Learning Objectives By the end of this course, students will: 1. Have a good overview and demonstrate understanding of key concepts including characteristics, benefits and risks, limitations, obligations and conditions, of the following: a. Equities b. Fixed Income c. Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds d. Alternatives e. Structured Products 2. The impact of macroeconomic and market changes and volatility or dislocations on these products and investing through cycles 3. Understand the various investment strategies a. Investment Product Rotation b. Active vs passive c. Sector rotation d. Style investing e. Factor investing 4. Demonstrate understanding of the use of credit and leverage 5. Be able to apply best practices in managing investments including: a. Modifying risk exposure with the help of reposition hedging instruments as prices shift b. Adopting best practices of reducing excessive exposure, reducing leverage and financing when growth prospects become less certain c. Recommending decisions to cut losses and switch into safer and more defensive investments where appropriate 6. Understand how to build a product platform and product proposition Part 2: Investment Advisory Course Description and Scope This course covers the roles and obligations of an investment advisor and the process for providing investment advisory. The process starts with knowing the roles and obligations of an investment advisor, the client’s risk profile, needs and product suitability. This is followed by designing the investment solution based on the investment policy statement, managing, reviewing and monitoring the portfolio. Investment advisory is a critical part of wealth management. Through an investment advisor, clients are able to make better informed decisions on their investments taking into consideration their risk profile, needs and product suitability. The course provides a holistic approach to client-centric investment advisory. Course Learning Objectives By the end of this course, students will: 1. Investment Advisory a. Roles and obligations of an investment advisor b. Client risk profile c. Client needs and product suitability d. Understanding clients’ behavioral biases 2. Designing Investment Solutions a. Investment policy statement b. Asset allocation a. Strategic and Tactical ii. Core and Satellite 3. Portfolio Management Process a. Investment cycle vs economic cycle b. Top-down and thematic approach c. Bottom-up securities selection d. Portfolio optimization and rebalancing 4. Portfolio Review and Monitoring a. Performance measures b. Risk-return evaluation