This class exists in these courses :
• IÉSEG > IESEG Degree - Programme Grande École > Semester 2 > 2,00 ECTS

Prerequisites

The course builds on the concepts and methods covered in basic financial markets, financial analysis and accounting/auditing courses. As such, it is at the crossing of finance and audit fields. Student should be familiar with common financial products, reading annual reports, accounting concepts such as historical cost vs fair value, and the systems of internal/external audits. Students should have general knowledge of risk management, stock markets and the business cycle, and statistical analysis. No specific knowledge of the asset management industry is required, as the concepts will be introduced in due time.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student should be able to :

• understand the environment surrounding the asset management industry

• identify investment firm department functions and explain the business risks associated with those functions

• understand the professional standards and best practices related to the asset management industry

• identify the relevant financial, operational and regulatory risks pertaining to specific investment strategies

• master which controls and analyses are effective to mitigate specific risks

• identify potential ethical violations and relate those violations with specific ethical rules

• design a due diligence analysis

• master the techniques to conduct a due diligence analysis

• communicate and consult effectively with internal auditors/compliance officers and/or investment consultants/managers on internal controls and due diligence aspects of their business

Course description

The following topics will be covered during the elective:

- key actors inside/outside an asset management firm
- the changing regulatory landscape surrounding asset management firms
- financial, operational & compliance risk assessment, reporting and monitoring
- investment valuation issues
- performance measurement issues
- investor reporting
- prevention and detection of conflicts of interest
- fraud cases and fraud detection techniques in the investment industry
- ESG issues

Class type

Class structure

Teaching methods

• Case study
• Interactive class
• Presentation
• Project work

Assessment

Assessment will comprise MCQ, a final exam, a group project and in-class participation. The final exam will comprise MCQ and problems solving. Active participation is required and will be assessed individually
throughout the course.

Internet resources

• IESEG Online

• www.sec.gov

• www.cfainstitute.org

• www.caia.org