Introduction

With the funds industry going from strength to strength and recovering from the financial downturn, there has never been a more critical time for fund administrators to arm themselves with the academic and practical knowledge required to provide an industry-leading service.

As the demand for attention to detail and timeliness in fund administration increases, administrators need to be equipped to meet the ever-increasing industry and regulatory demands. The Advanced Certificate in Fund Administration enables you to demonstrate, through a certificated qualification, that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide an excellent fund administration service and one which differentiates you from the competition.

Overview

The Advanced Certificate gives a detailed overview of the environment in which investment takes place and an introduction to the role of the fund administrator. It is designed to provide an understanding of the responsibilities of the fund administrator as well as the practical skills to undertake the daily operations of a fund in a consistent, productive and competent manner.

Whilst it is primarily designed for the fund administrator, the Advanced Certificate will be of interest to all fund practitioners. It is suitable for new entrants who would like to expand their understanding, as well as the more experienced members of the funds community who wish to develop their core understanding of the different facets of the funds industry and acquire broader expertise.

Completion of the Advanced Certificate leads on to the Diploma in Fund Administration.

Benefits

This course will:

• Arm you with a certificated, practical qualification, which is underpinned by sound academic content
• Enhance your ability to deliver a high-quality, consistent and holistic fund administration service
• Enhance your own reputation as well as that of your firm
• Improve your workplace performance and increase your potential for career progression

Key features

• An intermediate-level, certificated programme resulting in a practical qualification
• Comprehensive, bespoke course materials written by experienced industry practitioners
• Extensive support and resource material, including online webinars
• A variety of study options
• Awarded in association with The University of Manchester Business School
• Provides a pathway to the Diploma in Fund Administration

Admission requirements

The Advanced Certificate in Fund Administration is designed for individuals who have:

• A sound educational background, or some exposure to the financial services industry
• The ability to complete the reading and written aspects of the course in English

Part I: The Investment Environment

Introduction: The evolution of investment

• An introduction to the development and growth of investment and investment vehicles
• The reasons for outsourcing investment
• The basic roles and responsibilities of investment managers
• The classification of funds as onshore or offshore
• The major fund locations

Unit 1: Investment Objectives

• The main reasons for investment and the expectations of investors
• Different investment styles, risks and rewards
• How funds pay for the services of the investment manager(s)

Unit 2: Asset Classes

• The major asset classes and the characteristics of products in the asset classes
• Asset allocation in portfolios

Unit 3: Investment Management

• How investment strategies are formulated and implemented for different types of funds
  including:
  - Bonds
  - Equity funds
  - Index trackers
  - Property funds
  - Private equity funds
  - Hedge funds
   

Unit 4: The Regulation of Investment

• The difference between onshore and offshore regulatory environments
•  The purpose of regulation and its impact on funds

Unit 5: Regulated and Offshore Funds

•  The main investment vehicles offered in the retail and restricted investor market
   

Unit 6: Structure of Funds

• Unit trusts
• Investment companies
• Partnerships
• Open ended and closed funds

Unit 7: Principal Participants in Investment Management

• The set up and launch of a fund:

- fund sponsors
- jurisdictions and legal entities
- offering documents

• The management of investment:

- board of directors
- general partners
- depositary
- trustees
- investment advisers
- analysts and research
- compliance and risk

• The role of prime brokers:

- relationship with the fund, investment manager and fund administrator

•  Intermediaries, IFAs, sales and marketing:

–– relationship to the fund
–– regulatory issues
•• The role of the custodian and administrator:
–– Relationship to the fund, investment
manager and investors

Introduction: The Evolution of Investment

Unit 1: Investment Objectives

Unit 2: Asset Classes

Unit 3: Investment Management

Unit 4: The Regulation of Investment

Unit 5: Regulated and Offshore Funds

Unit 6: Structure of Funds

Unit 7: Principal Participants in Investment Management

Part 2: Fund Administration and Support

Introduction: The Growth and Development of Fund Administration Services

Unit 8: Fund Operations

Unit 9: Fund Accounting and Cash Management

Unit 10: Transfer Agency

Unit 11: Fund and Fund Administration Compliance

Unit 12: Operational Risk

Unit 13: Secretarial Issues

Unit 14: Reports and Disclosures

Unit 15: Agreements

Unit 16: Problem Areas

Unit 17: The Future of Fund Administration

How to apply

To enrol on the Advanced Certificate in Fund Administration, you will need to complete the course enrolment form (available on the website) and return it by fax, email or post to the address below. If you require any further information, please contact CLT International at cltinternational@centlaw.com

CLT International
Wrens Court
52-54 Victoria Road
Sutton Coldfield
West Midlands B72 1SX
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)121 355 0900
Fax: +44 (0)121 355 5517

www.clt-fundadministration.com