Applied Learning runs a series of Open Courses across a wide range of topics, asset classes & financial disciplines. We provide topical, highly informative and focused courses using well known speakers and trainers from across the financial world.
Forthcoming 2010 Open Course Programmes
Practical Guide to FX Risk & Derivatives
Seminar Overview The course is a practical explanation of foreign exchange risk. The course explains the differences between options, futures and simple spot and forward positions and the emphasis will be on practical examples that the delegates can learn and understand The course also looks at the usage of currency options in creating structured investment products; for example dual currency deposits. There will be no assumption of mathematical knowledge – the course is designed to explain the principles and practicalities – not heavy duty theoretical maths. In particular the course will explain: The nature of currency risk How currency risks can be hedged The limits to hedging How currency derivatives are used Explanation of both vanilla and some exotic option structures Classic currency trading strategies and when to use derivatives and which types By attending this one day course/briefing session delegates will: Gain a clear introduction and understanding of what currency risk is The workings of spot, forward and derivative fx markets Popular derivative strategies in hedging or investing in currency risk Worked through case studies to illustrate practical applications.
17th June 2010
Venue: London - 09:30-13:30 - Delegate Fee £225 (+VAT)
For further information or to book a place please contact Gerald Ashley
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Seminar Overview The Buyside of the Industry has historically stayed out of the spotlight typically occupied by the Investment Banks. However, in terms of firepower, this group of Institutional Investors dwarfs every other participant in the world\'s markets. Who are they, how much money are we talking about, how do they manage it & what risks do they run? These questions will be addressed & more, in this interactive programme. This workshop will cover the following: Session 1 Introduction to the Market Place The main Finanical players in the marketplace Who is managing what and based on what objectives Case Study – How do you choose your Fund Manager? Session 2 Portfolio Management Styles Alpha Generation - What it is and where does it come from? Active style investing - Top down vs Bottom up, Growth vs Value Socially Responsible Investing The growth of Passive index-tracking Fund Management Session 3 Risk Measurement and Management Risk and Return characteristics of the Asset Classes Diversification vs Correlation Fat Tails in Finance Risk-adjusted Performance Measurement - Sharpe Ratios Case Study – Volatility across the Mutual Fund Universe Who should attend? We welcome all participants, in particular, this course is highly recommended for: Professional Advisors Private Bankers Trainee Fund Managers Risk Managers Operations Staff New Entrants in Financial Markets Financial Journalists
18th June 2010
Venue: London - 09:30-13:30 - Delegate Fee £205 (+VAT)
For further information or to book a place please contact Gerald Ashley
STRUCTURED CREDIT PRODUCTS
Seminar Overview The credit crisis has highlighted the extensive use of new, relatively esoteric, credit derivative products and structures. This programme demystifies the terminology and explains the risks and benefits arising from the products. This seminar is in conjunction with the Credit Derivatives seminar (09.30-13.30) -Learn about the investment strategies and techniques used by portfolio managers investing in credit derivatives and structured credit products -Understand the factors that impact pricing of credit products and the risks involved in buying them -Understand the motivations and trades of the major players in the market This workshop will cover the following: Developments in the index markets: -Describe recent innovations in the credit derivatives index markets and their applications -Overview of iTRAXX and CDX – structure, functionality and usage -New indices: LCDX, LevX, CMBX, ABX – structure, functionality and usage Basket credit products -Describe basket structured credit derivatives and applications in trading strategies -First to default baskets -Conceptual approach to basket pricing Impact of changing recovery rate, probability of default, homogeneity of the basket and the passage of time The impact of default correlation Discussion of implied correlation and base Correlation Collateralised debt obligations (CDOs): Understand CDO and CDPO structures and how they related to single name CDS -Overview of CDOs – structure, functionality and Usage -Developments in types of CDO collateral – ABS, high yield, commercial real estate etc. -Recent developments in the CDO market – the impact of the credit crisis On completion of the seminar, delegates will be able to: -Describe the characteristics and structure of credit index products and collateralised debt obligations (CDOs) -Describe the risks involves in investing in these credit derivatives structures -Understand the impact of changing correlation on CDO tranche value
6th July 2010
Venue: London - 14:00-15:30 - Delegate Fee £205 (+VAT)
For further information or to book a place please contact Gerald Ashley
CREDIT DERIVATIVES
Seminar Overview: Increasingly Insurance Companies, Asset Managers, Pension Funds and Private Bankers are using Credit Derivatives to enhance existing products and to look at new ways to control investment risks. This course is specifically designed to meet their needs in understanding how the market works, the key instruments and their characteristics – and an insider’s guide to how such products are created and priced. With the credit markets still under considerable strain this course provides the important knowledge and information to understand how the credit derivatives market really works and its likely future development. - Learn about the investment strategies and techniques used by portfolio managers investing in credit derivatives and structured credit products - Understand the factors that impact pricing of credit products and the risks involved in buying them - Understand the motivations and trades of the major players in the market This workshop will cover the following: Credit Derivatives: Describe different types of single name credit derivatives: -Credit default swap -Total return swap -Credit linked notes Credit default swaps: Understand the impact of different clauses in the Documentation -Key terms of credit default swaps -Documentation -Credit events -Settlement mechanisms Credit derivatives pricing: Understand how to price simple credit derivatives -Inputs to CDS pricing -Pricing CDS v asset swaps – the basis -Pricing a Total Return Swap Some applications of credit derivatives: Apply credit derivatives in different market situations -Credit derivative users -Credit portfolio management – risk reduction and Diversification -Negative basis trades
6th July 2010
Venue: London - 09:30-13:30 - Delegate Fee £205 (+VAT)
For further information or to book a place please contact Gerald Ashley
INSIDE THE EQUITIES MARKET
What you should know about the Equity Markets – A One Day Programme The worlds’ Equity Markets have reinforced those old warnings: ‘The value of your investments can go down as well as up; past performance is no guide to the future’. Opportunities remain, nevertheless; timing is of the essence. What matters is to understand the mechanics of the Market, which are the best Valuation criteria to use & how best to exploit the wider range of Equity-linked instruments available for today’s Investors. This one day interactive course will offer some answers.
September 2010 - To Be Confirmed
Venue: London - 09:30-17:00 - Delegate Fee £375 (+VAT)
For further information or to book a place please contact Gerald Ashley