CISI Certificates

Become FSA approved

Achieving Financial Services Authority (FSA) 'approved person' status is a crucial step in moving your career forward if you work in the securities and derivatives market. Studying with BPP gives you the very best chance of success.

We offer a comprehensive programme of Certificates issued by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), the professional body for those who work predominantly in the UK securities and investment industry.

Three-step process

Our study materials are designed to help you pass first time around. Whether you're a classroom or distance learning delegate you'll benefit from our three steps to success:

• Knowledge
• Revision
• Added support

This, combined with access to our online learning portal, gives you a fantastic opportunity to progress your career in a front-of-house position such as trading or investment advice.

Recently, the average pass rate for students sitting CISI Certificates with BPP was 93%, with a 100% pass rate for those sitting the technical foundations paper in CISI Corporate Finance.

This level of success is no coincidence. Our tutors have an average of seven years' teaching plus ten years' industry experience – no-one is better qualified to give you the support and knowledge that you need.

Personal and business success

CISI Certificates benefit you as an individual, as well as the organisation that you work for. You will be able to demonstrate a more thorough understanding of the products your company deals in. As an FSA 'approved person', you'll have the confidence of your clients and your organisation as a whole.

Dates and prices will be available soon.

Structure

In order to achieve any one of the six CISI Certificates listed on the left-hand menu, you must first complete either Unit 1 FSA Financial Regulation (this covers both retail and wholesale), or Unit 6 Principles of Financial Regulation (which has an emphasis on wholesale).

You will then need to add a further Unit in one of Securities, Derivatives, Investment Management, Financial Derivatives, Commodity Derivatives or Investment and Risk in order to achieve your Certificate.

In additional to these six Certificates, there is also a seventh Certificate, known as the Certificate in Corporate Finance. This qualification has its own regulatory unit, as well as a technical foundation unit. Ideal for those involved within the corporate finance industry.

Please note that Unit 4 – Certificates in Securities and Financial Derivatives is no longer available.

• Certificate in Securities
• Certificate in Derivatives
• Certificate in Investment Management
• Certificate in Financial Derivatives
• Certificate in Investment & Risk
• Certificate in Commodity Derivatives
• Certificate in Corporate Finance

FSA Financial Regulation

This unit considers the regulatory environment in the UK and the background that led to the creation of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) as the sole regulator. The role of the FSA is considered as well as the content of the FSA Handbook. The material also looks at the detail of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA), defining regulated activities and specified investments, the authorisation process for firms and the approval process for individuals performing controlled functions.

Thereafter, we consider other sources of regulation including measures designed to prevent financial crime as well as considering a number of European Union (EU) Directives, with special emphasis on the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID).

The next part of the unit is extremely important since it considers the FSA’s Conduct of Business Rules (COBS) and Client Assets Rules. MiFID has had a dramatic impact on these rules and this underlines the fact that regulation is increasingly being determined at the European level.

Securities

This unit considers the different securities traded in the financial markets including shares, warrants, bonds (with special emphasis on UK Government bonds) and currencies.

We then consider how securities are brought to market and discuss the role of stock exchanges. Initial Public Offerings as well as further issuances (including rights issues and bonus issues) are described. The rules around stakebuilding are also examined. The trading of securities is then described before we examine how securities trades are cleared and settled at securities depositories.

Attention is then given to regulations across a number of important markets with special emphasis on the rules relating to disclosure of interests in shares. Accounting is then addressed with an examination of the main financial statements that companies must produce before we move on to the analysis of accounts. Finally we examine investment management by considering the risk and reward associated with investing in various asset classes.

Derivatives

We begin with an introduction to futures and options and discuss much of the terminology that it is important to understand. We also consider the cash products that underlie derivative contracts. We then move on to discuss derivative exchanges and consider the trading platforms and clearing mechanisms used.

We analyse how futures and options are priced and examine a number of arbitrage trades. With particular emphasis on NYSE Euronext.liffe, we discuss trade reporting requirements, order types and the need for trade registration.

Over the counter (OTC) derivatives offer much more flexibility than exchange traded derivatives. We discuss a wide range of OTC products including forwards, swaps, structured products and options.

We then examine the principles of clearing, margining and settlement, with the emphasis on LCH.Clearnet. We will also consider how market participants employ a variety of options strategies when hedging or speculating. Finally, we look at how regulations are applied in the main derivatives markets.

Investment Management

We will cover the fundamental approaches and methods used within the investment management industry. The course gives a solid grounding in financial maths, covering statistical techniques such as calculating standard deviation and variance, as well as approaches for discounting cash flows to obtain present values. The basic principles of financial maths are carried over into the asset valuation section as the characteristics of bonds, equities and derivatives are covered, alongside various valuation methodologies.

In order to understand businesses the fundamentals of accounting are covered along with an introduction to financial statement analysis. The use of resources within the economy is also examined with sections on both micro and macro economics. The jigsaw is completed with a look at portfolio management and techniques for constructing portfolios, as well as methods for evaluating and measuring investment performance.

Principles of Financial Regulation

This unit considers the regulatory environment in the UK and the background that led to the creation of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) as the sole regulator. The role of the FSA is considered as well as the content of the FSA Handbook. The material also looks at the detail of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA), defining regulated activities and specified investments, the authorisation process for firms and the approval process for individuals performing controlled functions. Thereafter, we consider other sources of regulation including measures designed to prevent financial crime as well as considering a number of European Union (EU) Directives, with special emphasis on the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID).

The role of the FSA is considered as well as the content of the FSA Handbook. The material also looks at the detail of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA), defining regulated activities and specified investments, the authorisation process for firms and the approval process for individuals performing controlled functions.

Thereafter, we consider other sources of regulation including measures designed to prevent financial crime as well as considering a number of European Union (EU) Directives, with special emphasis on the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID).

Financial Derivatives

This unit begins with an introduction to futures and options. We consider derivative exchanges and the trading platforms and clearing mechanisms used. We analyse how futures and options are priced and examine a number of arbitrage trades, as well as trade reporting requirements, order types and the need for trade registration on NYSE Euronext.liffe.

Over the counter (OTC) derivatives offer much more flexibility than exchange traded derivatives. We discuss a wide range of OTC products including forwards, swaps, structured products and options.

We then examine the principles of clearing, margining and settlement, with the emphasis on LCH.Clearnet. We will also consider how market participants employ a variety of options strategies when hedging or speculating. Finally, we look at how regulations are applied in the main derivatives markets.

Investment and Risk

This unit is aimed at employees who advise and/or deal on behalf of retail clients.

We start by discussing the macro-economic factors that impact on people’s investment needs. We then discuss a wide range of asset classes. Whilst many of these (such as equity and bonds) are covered in the Securities unit, students require an understanding of National Savings and Investments products, collective investment schemes, tax wrappers such as ISA's, property and the products offered by life assurance companies.

Socially responsible investment is considered briefly before we then discuss aspects of investment risk and reward. This leads to an examination of the tax regime in the UK with attention given to income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax and corporation tax. The unit is completed by discussing the process of providing financial advice and techniques used when managing and advising on investments.

The syllabus for the Investment & Risk exam has significant overlap with Unit 2 Securities, particularly in the sections on bonds and equities. We would recommend that delegates requiring both units consider sitting the Unit 2 Securities course first to provide the basic knowledge of these asset classes. Please be aware that this Unit 2 Securities course content will be also repeated within the Investment and Risk materials.

Commodity Derivatives

We begin with an introduction to futures and options and discuss much of the terminology that it is important to understand. We also take a look at underlying commodity markets before considering other markets such as debt, equity and foreign exchange. We then move on to discuss derivative exchanges and consider the trading platforms and clearing mechanisms used.

We analyse how futures and options are priced and examine a number of arbitrage trades. With particular emphasis on UK exchanges, we discuss trade reporting requirements, order types and the need for trade registration.

Over the counter (OTC) derivatives offer much more flexibility than exchange traded derivatives. We discuss a wide range of OTC products including forwards, swaps and options.

We then examine the principles of clearing, margining and settlement, with the emphasis on commodity derivatives. We will also consider how market participants employ a variety of options strategies when hedging, speculating or trying to exploit arbitrage opportunities. Finally, we look at how regulations are applied in the main derivatives markets.

Certificate in Corporate Finance

The Certificate in Corporate Finance is the first part of the Corporate Finance Qualification (CFq). This tests your understanding of basic corporate finance concepts and the regulatory environment. 

The full certificate includes both the regulation and technical foundations units, the contents of which are shown below. These units can be taken as a full course or booked individually.

Corporate Finance Regulation

We consider the regulatory environment in the UK and the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The role of the FSA is considered as well as the content of the FSA Handbook. 

The material also looks at the detail of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA), defining regulated activities and specified investments, the authorisation process for firms and the approval process for individuals.

We also consider money laundering and insider dealing within financial crime, the City Code on Takeover and Mergers, the Companies Act and finally the equity capital markets, including the UKLA Listing rules.

Corporate Finance Technical Foundations

This unit requires a good knowledge of the mathematics behind risk assessment and valuation methods. We consider various quantitative methods, as well some detailed accounting analysis. We also look at how a business can raise finance and the cost of capital associated with their capital structure. 

We then consider the four methods used to value a business. Finally, we look at the motivations behind acquisitions and disposals, and finish by discussing the documentation used in corporate finance.

Introduction to Financial Maths 

Attend this new one-day course to prepare for the financial maths you will encounter on your Certificate in Investment Management training.

Tailored to meet the needs to CISI Certificate in Investment Management and IMC delegates the Introduction to Financial Maths is ideal if you want to brush up your maths skills or simply want to recap, so that you get the most out of your training. Step by step our tutors will cover the topics listed and provide guided question practice and support:

• Location and Dispersion (means, medians and mode)
• Financial Maths (basic discounting and compounding, annuities, perpetuities, mortgage repayments)
• Statistical Measures (standard deviation, normal distribution, covariance)
• Share Valuation and Return
• Bond Valuation and Return Measures (include duration calculations and riding yield curve calculation)
• Return Measures (HPY, time weighted, money weighted)
• NPV and IRR

Flexible learning

The BPP CISI courses are designed to fit around your personal and business life. Choose to study either on a classroom-based course or, at your own pace, via distance learning.

Taught courses

CISI taught courses focus on teaching the more technical aspects of the syllabus, running through examples and practising questions to help you get to grips with the complex issues involved.

All our courses are taught by tutors with both academic and professional experience. The classroom environment is fully interactive, meaning you can ask questions and get immediate feedback from your tutor.

Distance learning

The BPP distance learning options allows you to study when, where and how you want – using online tutorials, revision kits and study guides, as well as MP3 and MP4 downloads. You'll also receive tutor support at every stage – with contact via phone and email.

Key study points

• MP3 and MP4 downloads
• Online tutorials and revision kits
• Full tutor support, whether learning in the classroom or distance learning
• Rapid email response
• Mock exam papers and consolidation exercises
• Study guides for time management tips and learning techniques
• PowerPoint course slides of class tutorials

Flexible start dates

We offer start-dates for unit courses throughout the year. For more information please contact the BPP team on +44 (0)20 8746 4178 or email us at financialservices@bpp.com

Entry requirements

Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment (CISI) Certificate courses are aimed at people who currently work, or aim to work in front-of-house positions advising on investments and securities.

In order to achieve any one of the six CISI Certificates, you must first complete either Unit 1 FSA Financial Regulation (this covers both retail and wholesale), or Unit 6 Principles of Financial Regulation (which has an emphasis on wholesale). 

How to apply

We offer start-dates for unit courses throughout the year. To apply, either complete the online application form, contact the BPP team on +44 (0)20 8746 4178 or email us at financialservices@bpp.com

Study locations

You can study for a CISI Certificate face-to-face at our London centre in the City. Here you'll find state-of-the-art facilities and comfortable, high-quality classroom environments. But remember, if you prefer to study from home or overseas, you can also study for CISI Certificates via our distance learning package. You can also sit your regulatory units in Edinburgh.

• BPP London

In-house training

In-house training for a CISI Certificate can be a cost-effective and convenient way for multiple members of staff to take the CISI. To find out how we can help your business, please call 0845 226 2422 or email in-house@bpp.com