Friday 24 February 2017

Imarticus Global Fintech Symposium


Imarticus Learning teams up with leading Global FinTech players to bring to you a first-of-its-kind Global FinTech Symposium. FinTech, or simply put, Financial Technology, is an industry composed of start-ups and established companies trying to replace or disrupt traditional financial processes with the use of technology.
This is an upcoming industry and has the potential to impact every single person and therefore makes it one of the fastest growing areas for venture capitalists. We welcome you to join this FinTech consortium where our panelists from global organizations will share their journey and experience on what it takes to excel in the world of FinTech.
AGENDA
 4:00pm – Introduction to the Imarticus Global Fintech Symposium
 4:10pm – Introduction to the 4 panelists and a short opening remark from each
 4:30pm – Discussion 1: The rise of Fintech in the Indian context
 4:40pm – Discussion 2: Global Fintech – Leveraging their experiences
 4:50pm - Discussion 3: Trends in Fintech – will they disrupt traditional financial services?
 5:00pm - Discussion 4: Fintech startups – a buzz or a reality?
 5:15pm – Questions for the panelists

Managing Risks in Commercial and Retail Banking: Review

When it comes to retail banking, this book by Amalendu Ghosh is cited as one among the top 10 important books. This book is believed by experts to take an in-depth, as well as logical look at dealing with every single aspect of risk management, which forms a part of the banking sector. By providing the reader with an ample number of case studies and real life examples, this book attempts to simplify all the complex processes and present them for the reader’s benefit.

The author, Amalendu Ghosh, occupied the post of Chief of the Department of Banking Supervision of The Reserve Bank of India, where he is believed to have served for about 36 years. He is well renowned as an expert in the supervision of banks and has been intimately involved in the implementation of the new Basel Capital Accord. His proximity to the world of commercial and retail banking makes him one of the experts on the topic, especially when it comes to the risk management aspect. He has also released a manual for conducting of bank supervision, especially that which is required in the switch related to risk based bank supervision system.

He has had an enriching experience at his post of riskmanagement consultant, to around two commercial banks, which intermittently make him the candidate, who is more than qualified for writing this book. This book, which seems to be right in the quintessential corner of Ghosh, was published by John Wiley who happens to be one of the oldest publishers of USA and is acclaimed for publishing a number of renowned titles under risk management, financial engineering, valuation, financial instrument analysis, among which Ghosh’s book seems to be a valuable contribution.

Divided into about seven parts, this book essentially deals with the number of risk management approaches and systems. These are namely, credit risk management, market risk management, operational risk management, risk based internal audit, corporate governance and all the lessons that could be derived from the South-East-Asian and American Financial Crises. Beginning with the first part, it deals with a thorough analysis of what all constitutes a risk. The topics covered here would be types of risks and the various models on how each bank is supposed to manage their problems. The second part is all about the models, which is made use of by various banks in order to rate and evaluate all the credit risk management issues. Here the author offers a number of techniques, which are useful for credit portfolios and rating based loan pricing mechanisms.

The book successfully brings together a number of concepts, ranging from methods and procedures in the field of risk management, to the author’s personal experiences. It is said that this book is the bible for all those financial analysts, students of investment banking, accounts aspirants and auditors. Mainly because it is a distilled form of all the valuable experiences of a top notch, seasoned banker and an authority figure on bank supervision. This is also one of the reason why professional training institutes like Imarticus Learning, usually ask their students to refer to this book. 

Monday 20 February 2017

Is CFA Really Useful in India

CFA or Chartered Financial Analyst, is a considerably well known designation, which is believed to give the charter holders, an entry into the most coveted circle of top finance professionals all over the world. This credential can not only guarantee you the dream job, in addition to no having to give any entrance exams but also can help you network with the topmost players in the investment banking and corporate finance industry. This examination is offered by the CFA institute in the United States of America and consists of three levels. Due to its approach and the kind of benefits it provides, the CFA credentials are very much in demand these days. More and more finance enthusiasts attempt to give these exams, both in India and abroad.

While some endeavor to attempt CFA on their own, the majority prefers to take up a professional course for the same. Institutes like Imarticus Learning, have a unique mentor run program, where every student is assigned to a mentor, who is an experienced charter holder and acts as their guide to crack this prestigious exam. If you are a finance aspirant and looking to become a certified CFA charter holder but, are still apprehensive about the usefulness or validity of the course; then read on why one should do this course, especially in India. Financial Times, which is a leading daily in India states the following about the CFA designation, “Among countless finance degrees around the world, the Chartered Financial Analyst qualification has become the gold standard.”

Firstly, the designation is truly the most prestigious title in the field of Finance and Investment. It is not only know widely known, but is also one of the most respected qualifications in the field. Statistics state that there are about 128k professionals, in about 145 countries, who are all CFA Charter Holders.
This means, that CFA holders can be found in almost all the major countries, over the world. Not only that, but there are also a number of CFA societies, that exist and function smoothly, giving the professionals, an unparalleled network, which can help leverage their careers. These societies are tied up with a number of top banks and financial organizations, which makes it easier for CFA holders, who are looking to get hired by the same.  If you are a part of such a society, landing a job with the most elite of companies becomes a cake walk.


One of the biggest benefits of having a CFA degree is the fact, that you don’t have to keep on giving entrance tests, or undergoing screening procedures, as a part of the interview procedure. There are reportedly 19 countries, which have waived off, wither a part of or all of their requirements, especially for professionals with a CFA license in the field of trading and investment. As a CFA holder, you have the chance of being employed by top global investment banks, majorly in the asset management and research departments. CFA holders are not only paid better, but also have a distinctive advantage over their competitors during interviews. These are the many benefits of this certification and must do it, for the sake of not getting left behind. 

Friday 17 February 2017

The Indian Education Sector Seems To Be Experiencing A Revolution Courtesy Edtech Startups

education
Did you know, in the past two years, our economy has experienced the emergence and development of close to 900 start ups, all of which are entirely focused on the education sector. The Indian Education Sector values up to $100 billion and has been experiencing quite a lot action in terms of Edtech start ups. With the evolving age of internet and technology, more and more students are able to access the virtual world of learning. This includes interactive videos and textbooks, on line classroom discussions,  exclusively customized learning modules and content from some of the best universities. With the addition of the online learning courses, the doors to education at a more accessible level have been thrown open. From foreign universities offering online courses, to professional training institutes like Imarticus Learning offering online certification courses in Finance and Analytics.

Conventional educational systems seem to be undergoing certain cataclysmic shifts, as the students and teachers both, try and embrace all the comfort, convenience and efficiency that is offered by these Edutech companies. The online courses trend is becoming more and more relevant by the day and being known as MOOC’s or Massively Open Online Courses, is witnessing increasing popularity and acceptance among the student population. While on one hand, time honored institutes like Harvard and Oxford are taking notice of this trend, the government of India is also accepting its importance. The HRD Ministry in India, in similar vein has launched the Swayam initiative, which is a program that is set to offer about 200 e-courses and another 10,000 e-courses under the AICTE, which will all be planned over the next couple of years.

Statistics state that the number of students, registering for online courses has been steadily increasing at the rate of 70% per year. Nikhil Barshikar, who is the CEO of Imarticus Learning states, “Online courses offer fantastic flexibility, convenience and customization; while delivering impactful learning outcomes for students”. He went ahead to add that, “Our online course have been popular among students because they are upgrading their skills with industry relevant subject matter, that is not available in their university curriculum.” As HR Managers come to recognize the importance of updated curriculum, broader talent pools and thorough online assessments, these online certification courses are clearly gearing up to change the way training and learning takes place.

This revolution has been driven by many key factors, one of which includes the emergence of Big Data and Analytics. This has not only revolutionized the way education is looked at, but it has also paved way for more efficient student-teacher relationships. For instance, institutes have been able to leverage data analytics in order to assess the teachers’ abilities and help them provide better guidance to the students. While big data and analytics have paved a greatly important way in the education sector, they have received important implications in other fields related to the education sector. For instance, lets take the example of student loans.

Student loans were earlier the domain of just the banking sector in general. This is no longer the case as there happen to be start ups, which are ready to venture into this field. All these companies have to do, is leverage analytics and provide the loans, with the completion of all the formalities in as less as 8 hours and more importantly, online. This huge change can usher in great benefits for those looking to get skilled by depending on loans. There are great chances of India becoming more and more tech-scary and paving way for technology being able to mold itself to the various different boards of Indian Education. 

Saturday 4 February 2017

Roles of a Financial Analyst in the Finance Industry

The department of finance, makes for one of the most important department of any organization, covering everything from bookkeeping, to providing the heads with reliable, relevant and timely financial information, which is accurate to the T. This financial information is basically of key importance, as it has vital role to play in the dealings of the business organization. Those professionals who are responsible for performing these various duties are known as Financial Analysts.

Any Financial analyst, has a very important role in trying to determine, the company’s present financial value as well as future business prospects. Various other functions of these professionals include,  analyzing financial information to produce forecasts, of any particular business, that helps in a number of investment decisions. They are supposed to interpret the varied data, that is responsible for influencing the aforementioned investment decisions.

A financial analyst is involved in taking various other decisions, in particular those, that are involved in the creation of spreadsheets, conducting analysis, graphical representations in terms of charts, diagrams, graphs and so on but, not necessarily in the digital format. Most often these professionals perform roles, that revolve around illustrating various financial trends, in order for them to be transformed into, much simpler and understandable information in terms of the presentation of the same. Another responsibility that these professionals are assigned, is to develop a number of financial models, in order to be able to maximize business profits, which would be a direct result of accurate predictions of business opportunities and investments; while on the other hand maintaining minimal risk levels, especially when it comes to the maximization of the profits for the same. These functions are accomplished,  basically by not only reviewing, but also analyzing revenues and expenses of the business entity and then presenting them to the senior management of the firm.

The perfect candidate for a job like this, would be a professional who has sound knowledge about budgeting, making financial analysis and analyzing various business plans, in the most efficient and effective manner. Careers in this field are considered by many to be of a challenging nature, as they demand a professional to be of par excellence, especially when it comes to oratory skills as well as written skills. The industry of financial analysis, is usually on the lookout for potential candidates, who posses qualities like critical thinking, perseverance and investigating skills, especially for all the varied business related problems, that arise as an accompaniment to any business venture. While the job profile of any financial analyst, might expect qualities like determination and great responsibilities, this field is known to be extremely rewarding, especially in terms of salary packages. While there are many professionals working in the finance industry, who go on to change their jobs and switch to this field, it is not necessary to belong to a certain field to further your career here.

Candidates can belong to any field of study, such as business, economics, math, computer science or engineering, as well as those who have an MBA degree in finance. But the most popular route is to pursue a certification course, which offers a candidate the perfect, comprehensive training, especially when it comes to working in the industry. Many professional institutes like Imarticus Learning are offering great courses for candidates in the field of finance, analytics and more



Thursday 2 February 2017

How to Study for CFA Level 1 Exams

CFA is a world renowned designation, achieved after clearing the CFA exams, which are divided into three levels, taking place either annually or biannually.

Step 1: Cover the Basics
Research about everything from the curriculum, eligibility criteria, exam duration, required study time; make a skeleton plan, preview your study material and get started.

Step 2: Get Down To The Books
Study from both online and offline sources, consider joining a CFA course. Don’t stick to only rudimentary methods of studying, use flashcards, audio-visuals, anagrams etc. 

Step 3: Review And Polish

Take mock-tests, time yourself, make practice tests your best friends, solve, solve and solve! Ensure that you use your calculator to the utmost.