ABOUT
CFA LEVEL I PREPARATORY PROGRAMME (IBF LEVEL 1)
This is a premier IBF-accredited programme focusing on investment principles and products. You will learn valuation of different asset classes and derivatives including managing portfolios. The programme draws heavily from curriculum curated by practitioners and academics across the globe.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Aspiring individuals with no financial background seeking a solid grounding in finance
- Finance professionals aspiring to deepen knowledge in finance
INTAKE SCHEDULE
The CFA Singapore Level I Preparatory Programme (Modular) offers flexible learning options, allowing participants to select individual modules based on their specific needs. However, once a module is chosen, participants must commit to the dedicated schedule for that module and attend the relevant sessions accordingly.
Intake | January 2025 | April 2025 |
Course Duration | 11 January – 7 June 2025 | 5 April – 6 September 2025 |
Registration Deadline | 9 January 2025, 6:00 PM | 3 April 2025, 6:00 PM |
Early Bird Deadline | 2 December 2024, 6:00 PM | 3 March 2025, 6:00 PM |
FUTURE INTAKES
- July 2025
- October 2025
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Demonstrate knowledge of various investment principles and products
- Analyse and evaluate financial statements
- Analyse the macroeconomic environment and microeconomic structure of industry and firm
- Demonstrate understanding of valuation of various asset classes and derivatives
- Understand key principles in portfolio management
- Understand and apply the CFA Institute Code and Standards
KEY TOPICS
1. Quantitative Methods
Course Outline:
This module covers fundamental quantitative techniques used in financial analysis. It introduces concepts like time value of money, probability, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. Topics also include descriptive statistics, correlation, and sampling techniques.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand and apply time value of money concepts.
- Use statistical tools to interpret financial data.
- Conduct hypothesis testing and regression analysis for financial decision-making.
- Estimate parameters and create confidence intervals for financial models.
2. Economics
Course Outline:
This module introduces microeconomics and macroeconomics concepts. Topics include demand and supply, market equilibrium, fiscal and monetary policies, international trade, and economic growth models. Students will explore the impact of economic policies on financial markets and investment.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand key economic principles that impact financial markets.
- Analyse macroeconomic data and its effects on investment strategies.
- Recognise the influence of international trade and exchange rates on investment.
- Apply economic models to assess market conditions and investment risks.
3. Corporate Issuers
Course Outline:
Focuses on corporate governance, capital structure, and financial management strategies of companies. Topics include cost of capital, capital budgeting, and risk management. It also discusses financial ratios and performance metrics used to evaluate corporate issuers.
Learning Outcomes:
- Evaluate corporate governance structures and their impact on financial performance.
- Analyse financial statements to assess a company’s performance and risk.
- Calculate and interpret key financial ratios to evaluate corporate health.
- Apply capital budgeting techniques to assess investment projects.
4. Financial Statement Analysis
Course Outline:
This module covers the interpretation of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. It includes ratio analysis, financial adjustments, and techniques to evaluate the financial health of companies.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand and analyse financial statements to assess a company’s profitability and financial health.
- Use key financial ratios for performance evaluation.
- Apply adjustments to financial statements for more accurate analysis.
- Assess the quality and reliability of financial information.
5. Equity Investments
Course Outline:
This module introduces equity securities, stock valuation models, and market efficiency. Topics include the valuation of common and preferred stocks, equity market structure, and strategies for analysing individual securities.
Learning Outcomes:
- Value equity securities using various models like the Dividend Discount Model.
- Understand market efficiency and factors influencing stock prices.
- Analyse equity securities using fundamental and technical analysis.
- Apply risk and return principles to equity investments.
6. Fixed Income
Course Outline:
This module focuses on fixed income securities such as bonds, treasury bills, and other debt instruments. Topics include bond pricing, yield measures, interest rates, and the risk associated with fixed income investing. It also covers the use of bonds in portfolio management.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand and calculate bond prices, yields, and durations.
- Assess interest rate risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk in bond investments.
- Use fixed income securities for portfolio diversification.
- Understand the pricing and valuation of bond securities.
7. Derivatives
Course Outline:
This module covers financial derivatives, including options, futures, forwards, and swaps. Topics include how to value and use derivatives for hedging and speculation, with an emphasis on their applications in risk management.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the fundamentals of derivative contracts and their applications.
- Calculate the value of options using pricing models.
- Use derivatives to hedge against market risk or enhance portfolio returns.
- Assess the risks and benefits of using derivative instruments.
8. Alternative Investments
Course Outline:
This module introduces alternative investment vehicles such as private equity, hedge funds, real estate, and commodities. Topics include the benefits and risks of alternative investments, their role in portfolio diversification, and valuation techniques.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand different types of alternative investments and their roles in a portfolio.
- Evaluate the risks and returns associated with alternative assets.
- Understand private equity, hedge funds, real estate, and commodity markets.
- Assess the use of alternative investments in portfolio management.
9. Portfolio Management
Course Outline:
Focuses on portfolio theory, asset allocation, and investment strategies. Topics include modern portfolio theory, the efficient frontier, risk and return measures, and portfolio performance evaluation.
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply modern portfolio theory to construct efficient portfolios.
- Use asset allocation strategies to manage risk and return.
- Assess portfolio performance using risk-adjusted returns.
- Apply risk management techniques to optimise investment portfolios.
10. Ethical and Professional Standards
Course Outline:
This module covers the CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, ethical decision-making frameworks, and the legal obligations of investment professionals. It emphasises professional integrity and ethical behaviour in the investment profession.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand and apply the CFA Institute’s ethical standards and professional conduct guidelines.
- Identify ethical issues in investment decision-making.
- Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to resolve dilemmas in practice.
- Demonstrate professionalism and integrity in financial decision-making.
COURSE DELIVERY SUPPORT
- 20 sessions of classroom delivery including Q&A segment
- Recorded lectures to revisit classroom delivery
- Comprehensive slides with illustration examples
- Mock examination in preparation for CFA Level I exam
- 6 sessions of revision classes*
- IBF Assessment*
*Only included in IBF funded Preparatory Programme.
REQUEST FOR COURSE BROCHURE
Ready to take the next step?
Start your CFA® journey with us. Our next intake will begin on 11 January 2025.
Complete the e-application form or contact [email protected]