The IFF School of Operations

After extensive consultation with practitioners around the globe, we have formulated this programme reflecting the knowledge needs and concerns that are essential in today's market for the education and development of operations staff. Described by many past delegates as the "ultimate operations training course".

Course Highlights

Reasons why you must attend this course:

It is the only course of its kind. 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
Tailored specifically to your needs. Intensive coverage and case studies will focus on the topic areas and industry sectors that YOU choose
You will have the unique opportunity to attend a completely FREE half day pre-course workshop. The workshop is a practical review of all the major financial products and will act as a worthwhile refresher

For details of the course trainer, please download the course brochure

Booking Information

Dates	Prices	Book This Course	Discount
18 - 22 Oct 2010	£ 4599		-
23 - 27 May 2011	£ 4599		-

Course Programme

DAY ONE – 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 studies:
New Product Implementation
Product Valuation

Operational structures and practice in banking, broking and fund management

Case studies:
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 TWO: Processes and Procedure Management

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: Identifying the key data, the sources and distribution

Procedures for the Workflow Associated with:

Equities
Bonds
Money markets
Derivatives

Exercise: Building and analysing the workflow checklist

Core and Added Value Processes for Transactions in:

Equities
Bonds
Money markets
Derivatives

Case Study: 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: 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: Building an effective client service support structure of networks, teams and semi-autonomous 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 THREE: 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: 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 be fully understanding the importance of the treasury function and how it interacts with other operational areas internally and externally

DAY FOUR: 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: 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 FIVE: 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 an 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(s)

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.