The aim of this course is to enable you to understand some key investment advice subject areas and apply your knowledge in order to make well-reasoned client recommendations.

The learning outcomes are appropriate both for someone wishing to supplement their studies for the Investment and Risk exams or for professionals looking to brush up on their knowledge.

Course material
The course material consists of:

• 12 chapters of study notes containing several examples
• Revision assessments for each chapter to help confirm your understanding
• Glossary of key terms.

Case study & final assessments
In addition, on completion of the course, you will have the opportunity to complete:

• A 100 question final revision assessment that uses the section revision questions (this can be taken a total of 5 times)
• A case study incorporating 20 multiple choice questions (this can be taken a total of 5 times)
• A final 20 question assessment based on the study material (this can only be taken once). Your assessment results and answers to any questions answered incorrectly will be emailed to you. If you don’t pass, or just want to take a second test, an additional 20 question assessment can be taken.

CPD credit
You will be credited with a minimum of 11 hours of CPD with the time added to your CPD certificate gradually as you complete each assessment. Your CPD hours and results will be added to your CPD certificate which can be viewed and printed from the CPD certificate link on the menu at any time.


LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. To understand how economic factors affect investments and their returns
2. To understand the various forms of investment risk and how a client’s appetite for risk can be determined
3. To understand how taxation affects investments held by UK resident and domiciled investors
4. To understand the role of ethical and socially responsible investment in financial advice
5. To understand the following asset classes, their main features and suitability for certain circumstances:

• Cash deposits
• Government securities and corporate bonds
• Equities
• Property.

6. To understand the following product types, their main features and suitability for certain circumstances:

• OEICs and unit trusts (including Fund Supermarkets and Wraps)
• Investment trusts
• Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs)
• Child Trust Funds
• Onshore and offshore life assurance company products.

7. To understand the basic features of the following types of investment products:

• Venture Capital Trusts
• Enterprise Investment Schemes
• Exchange Traded Funds
• Pension investments
• Employee share schemes.

8. To understand the regulatory framework in overseeing the provision of investment advice
9. To be able to analyse a customer’s circumstances, taking account of any existing arrangements and appropriate asset allocation
10. To be able to apply investment product recommendations to meet customer needs


FULL COURSE CONTENT

1. The Economic Environment
Political factors
Social factors
Economic and financial factors
Management of the UK economy

2. Investment considerations and ethical investment
Need for savings and investments Political factors
Qualifying savings and investment needs
Ethical investment

3. Risk and Returns
Principles of risk and returns
Types of risk that may affect investment returns
Risk reduction
Measuring volatility
Time value of money

4. Asset classes
Cash
Fixed interest securities
Equities
Property

5. Unit trusts and open-ended investment companies
Unit trusts
Open ended investment companies
Fund supermarkets and wrap accounts
Index tracking funds

6. Investment trusts

7. Life assurance investment products
Investment bonds
Endowment policies
Annuities

8. Other investments
Unlisted securities
Enterprise Investment Scheme
Venture Capital Trusts
Derivatives
Exchange traded funds
Hedge funds
Offshore funds
Employee share schemes
Pensions
Alternative investments

9. Tax wrappers
Individual Savings Account
Child Trust Fund

10. Taxation
Income tax
Capital gains tax

11. Portfolio construction

12. Regulation
Customer advice rules for investments
Safeguards for investors

13. Glossary

14. End of course assessments