CISI Diploma in Investment Compliance

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) Diploma in Investment Compliance qualification has been designed for financial services professionals and gives you a thorough grounding in UK compliance.

This qualification will extend your expertise and give you the know-how to explain UK legislation and FSA regulation to advisory and operations staff in your organisation. Once passed, you'll not only be able to use the prestigious MCSI designation after your name – you'll also enjoy significantly enhanced career prospects.

To complete the CISI Diploma in Investment Compliance, you must pass the exam for each of the three modules. This usually takes approximately two years.

Key Information

  • BPP is a CISI accredited training provider
  • Experienced full-time tutors with industry experience
  • Comprehensive revision aids
  • Training centres in London and Edinburgh
  • Considered to be the most important of the compliance courses
  • Proven online and printed study materials
  • Classroom or distance learning options available
  • Excellent first time exam pass rate
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Boost your prospects

If you are ambitious to develop your career in the City, banking and financial services, then you'll know that a detailed understanding of investment compliance is absolutely essential. Our course will help you develop your technical knowledge and skills in a way that will benefit you personally, as well as your company.

Get on the fast track to success with our CISI Diploma in Investment Compliance. You'll find the highest quality teaching, course materials and student support at BPP. It's no coincidence that our pass rates are consistently above average.

The UK's leading qualification

The CISI Diploma in Investment Compliance is a leading finance qualification and the most important of the compliance courses. It covers securities, investment, financial regulation and compliance in three detailed modules.

To complete the CISI Diploma in Investment Compliance, you need to pass the exam for each of the three modules. This usually takes around two years – though BPP offers flexible options for studying in the classroom or by distance learning, so you can follow a timetable to suit you.

How the course is structured

The CISI Diploma in Investment Compliance is broken down into three modules. You must pass the exams for all three modules to complete this qualification. Modules 1 and 2 are assessed by Computer Based Testing (CBT).

Module 3 is assessed by written exam. 

BPP prepares you for success

We have a wealth of experienced and expert tutors who will prepare you for the CISI Diploma in Investment Compliance. Our full-time tutors will work with you, not just at the study centres and in the classroom. They are also available to answer your questions by email. Your personal tutor team will give you important study and exam tips throughout the course.

World-class learning support

All of our CISI Diploma students benefit from Study Texts, PowerPoint™ Course Slides (for classroom delegates only), support from your tutor by phone and email, advice and guidance to help you prepare for your exam.

As part of the CISI Diploma in Investment Compliance you will have access to:

  • online recordings
  • interactive content
  • practice papers
  • BPP Learning Media, including our course notes, study texts and review exercises.


Progress tests and practice papers ensure you are thoroughly prepared for your exams and assessments. Study packs are exam-focused, easy to use and right up to the minute.

Choice and flexibility

We understand that it can be time-consuming and demanding when you are looking to combine both work and study. Our flexible courses are designed to fit around your work and home commitments, and to give you all the support you need.

Dates and prices will be available soon.

Module 1 – Introduction to Securities & Investment

The aim of this module is to give you an understanding of the breadth of the financial service industry, the regulatory framework, how the industry functions and the basics of the various financial instruments.

The subject matter is broken down into various chapters, the first of which looks at an overall introduction to financial services and the economic environment.

The material then goes into more detail about different asset classes in particular distinguishing the features between equity (shares) and debt (bonds). It then proceeds to look at a series of financial products (such as loans and mortgages), derivatives (such as futures and options), pooled investment funds (such as unit trusts) and investment wrappers (such as ISAs).

We then conclude with a basic review of both financial services regulation and an examination of the taxation and trust system in the UK.

Revision aids for Modules 1 and 2

Your revision aids for both Module 1 and Module 2 consist of:

  • Question banks accompanied by full answers so you can learn as you go, developing your knowledge and exam technique
  • Practice exams, which are excellent preparation for the real thing
  • Review exercises. These are great for testing your memory and evaluating how much you have retained and learned
  • Unlimited access to our online audio-visual tutorials, which cover key syllabus areas at all levels

Visit the IOC™ pages for further details

Module 2 – FSA Financial Regulation or PFR

This module 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. You will consider the role of the FSA 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 module 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.

Revision aids for Modules 1 and 2

Your revision aids for both Module 1 and Module 2 consist of:

  • Question banks accompanied by full answers so you can learn as you go, developing your knowledge and exam technique.
  • Practice exams, which are excellent preparation for the real thing.
  • Review exercises. These are great for testing your memory and evaluating how much you have retained and learned.
  • Unlimited access to our online audio-visual tutorials, which cover key syllabus areas at all levels.
PFR is the Principles of Financial Regulation module - an alternative module to the FSA Financial Regulation module.

Visit the IOC™ pages for further details 

Module 3 – Regulation and Compliance

This module provides delegates with an understanding of the legal, regulatory and ethical framework of the UK financial services industry. The module covers the FSA handbook of rules and guidance, the regulatory framework surrounding the disclosure of substantial holdings of shares, takeovers, insider dealing, money laundering and the regulation of markets and exchanges.

Revision aids for Module 3

Your revision aids for Module 3 consist of:

  • Past Papers with Model Answers. Fantastic for building your knowledge and perfecting your exam technique
  • Press Cuttings. We make sure you are kept abreast of topical issues
  • Mock Exam. An ideal way to identify your weakest areas and refocus your revision efforts

See the CISI Diploma for further details.

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

Taught courses focus on teaching the more technical aspects of the CISI Diploma in the Investment Compliance syllabus. We will run through examples and practice questions to help you get to grips with complex issues.

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

Distance learning

The BPP distance learning option 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 +(0)20 8746 4178 or email us at financialservices@bpp.com.

Entry requirements

If you already hold a CISI IOC™ or CISI Certificate, then you just need to take the third Regulation and Compliance module to achieve a CISI Diploma in Investment Compliance.

If you are successful in achieving this qualification you will be eligible for MCSI membership of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and access to the CISI Compliance Forum.

How to apply

Study locations

You can train towards the three modules required for a CISI Diploma in Investment Compliance at our London training centre, in the heart of the City, or at our regional training centres in Edinburgh. You can also, of course, study by distance learning using our online materials.


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