The IFF School of Operations Management

• No other training company provides the operations function with such a thorough yet highly practical programme
• The residential nature of this programme allows the inclusion of case studies with a deeper level of appreciation and understanding
• This programme will bridge the gap between theory and market practice. It will provide you with an insight into every area of operations from structure, procedure and accounting to risk and regulation
• Intensive coverage and case studies will focus on the topic areas and industry sectors that YOU choose

Scroll down for agenda or book onto this course.

Day 1 – Operations Structural Issues

Managing and Developing the Operations Structure

• The role of operations teams in securities, derivatives and treasury environments
• The role of operations teams in investment and retail banking environments
• Relationships with Front and Middle Offices

Case Study 1: New Product Implementation – Product Valuation

• Operational structures and practice in banking, broking and fund management

Case Study 2: Setting up a new fund – Providing a global client service package

• Defining the role of the manager, supervisor and team leaders
  – Personnel development, motivation and management
  – Responsibilities
• Key challenges in the operations environment of today and tomorrow

By the end of day one you will have a clear understanding of the operations structure and its interaction internally and externally. Roles will be analysed and defined and challenges identified.

Day 2 – Operations Structural Issues

The Role and Impact of Technology in the Operations Function

• Using technology
• System implementation and migration projects
• Problems and benefits associated with technology in the operations environment
• Managing static data

Exercise 1: Identifying the key data, the sources and distribution

Procedures for the Workflow Associated with:

• Equities
• Bonds
• Money markets
• Derivatives


Exercise 2: Building and analysing the workflow checklist

Core and Added Value Processes for Transactions in:

• Equities
• Bonds
• Money markets
• Derivatives

Case Study 3: Stock Lending – advantages and disadvantages of using and managing a stock lending / borrowing process

Prime Brokerage, Fund Administration and Custody

• Primary functions
  – Execution, PB services, custody, trustee, administrator, transfer agent
• Relationship and process flows for
  – Investment companies, pension funds, unit trusts, hedge funds, private wealth management
• Core and added value services
• Performance calculations
• Outsource issues
• Managing risks in the process flows

Exercise 3: Compiling a presentation based on a corporate actions checklist

Investors, Retail and Private Client Banking

• Core transactions and products
• Documentation
• Dealing with customers
• Reporting requirements
• Complaints and disputes
• Added value services

Exercise 4: Building an effective client service support structure of networks, teams and semiautonomous units

Day two will provide you with an intensive exploration of key processes and procedures in various
operational areas within banking, broking and fund management. Practical exercises will reinforce the
learning process and there will be time at the end of the day to discuss with the tutor particular issues that
may be relevant to you in your role and organisation.

Day 3 – Treasury Operations and Accounting

Analysing the Core Calculations, Recording and Accounting Requirements

• Interest
• Discounting and present value
• Settlement amounts
• Netting concepts and systems
• Payment systems
• Funding processes for trading and fund management activity
  – Cash flow predictions
  – Repos
  – Reconciliation of accounts
• Collateral management
• FX and currency transactions, processes and procedures
• Taxation


Case Study 4: The role of SWIFT and CLS

Day three focuses on the treasury operations structure and role exploring the concepts of the value of money, cash flow issues and management, risk controls and also allows us to explore the role of SWIFT in treasury and indeed other areas of the operations function. By the end of the day, you will fully understand the importance of the treasury function and how it interacts with other operational areas internally and externally.

Day 4 – Operational Risk and Regulation

• Operational risk and operations risk
• Practical operational risk management
• Developing robust processes, reconciliations and procedures
• Business continuity and DR planning
• Basel and EU Directives
• Understanding UK, European, Asian and US

Regulatory Environments

• Compliance and Operations
  – Client money rules
  – Money laundering
  – Conduct of business

Case Study 5: Operational risk management in investment and retail banking. This is a day devoted to the massively important subject of risk and you will undertake a series of exercises looking at identifying risks, measuring impact and devising practical solutions to manage these risks. Once again the tutor will be available during and at the end of the day to discuss specific risk issues that you may have.

Day 5 – Operational Risk and Regulation

• Establishing the management style
  – Proactive management techniques
  – Potential dangers
  – Effective meetings
  – Identifying and managing issues to a successful conclusion
• Setting and achieving targets
  – Identifying and managing costs
  – Efficiency targets
  – Personnel appraisals, rewards and targets
• Operations as a revenue generator and business protector
  – Analysing the effectiveness of workflows and processes
  – Identifying and managing capacity
• Using management information effectively
• Managing and developing customer services operations
  – Identifying and training key relationship people
• Developing effective relationships with senior management
  – Production and distribution of information
  – Escalation procedures
  – Presentations
• Planning, budgeting and team development

Key Exercise: Comparing the critical responsibilities and tasks of operations teams in investment banking, fund management and retail banking The Future Challenge for Operations Managers and Teams

• Guest speakers: Industry experts provide a view of the future developments in operations
• Open session: Delegates can chat one to one with the tutor

The final day focuses on the business management issues and the role that operations play in it. You will
not only use the day to bring together all the learning points covered so far, but also you will be able to take away practical solutions and ideas to use in your own environment.

The importance of the operations functions in the successful financial markets organisation cannot be overstated. From fundamental record keeping to specialist client value added services, the delivery and efficient support services to traders, sales and fund managers is vital to maintain and grow market share and meet fierce global competition.

This unique new programme is a major step forward in the realm of professional development for operations staff. The programme provides intense training in not only the characteristics of the products, market and clearing structures and the roles of participants but it comprehensively looks at the procedures and processes  associated with transactions and details the critically important controls needed to ensure safe, effective operational delivery to the business.