Investment Funds:
Characteristics & Markets

Course Description

With approximately 20 trillion euros in collective assets, the investment fund market is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing financial markets. Despite the size and importance of investment fund markets, the intricacies of their operations are not well known.

This course provides a detailed introduction into investment funds by describing their diverse characteristics, operating procedures and markets. The course covers both the general characteristics of funds and several specific fund markets (e.g., Luxembourg, Ireland, U.S., France and Germany). It also looks at likely future developments in the investment fund industry. No previous knowledge of investment funds is required.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, delegates will have a good understanding of

the different types of investment funds and their characteristics
investment fund markets and how they operate
the functions of fund accounting, portfolio management, distribution, transfer agency, custody and others
fund documentation (e.g., a prospectus) and how to use it
legal and risk issues impacting investment funds (including UCITS III)
technology and standards used in the fund industry
current trends that are likely to shape the future of investment funds

Target Audience

Professionals starting a career in the investment fund sector; financial service professionals from other areas who are involved with investment funds; other professionals interested in investment funds.