The CISI Investment Operations Qualifications have been specifically developed to provide financial services professionals with specialist knowledge and expertise to foster strong careers in all areas of investment operations including asset servicing, collective investments, platform services, regulation, financial crime, derivatives, pensions, settlements, securities services and risk.
For help deciding which qualification is right for you, download the Operations brochure.
In the Foundation Level,
- The CISI Level 2 Award in Fundamentals of Financial Services is an important first step in developing the essential basic knowledge required for working in financial services. You will learn about the industry and commonly used financial products, such as shares, bonds and insurance and it will provide you with an understanding of financial terminology.
It is ideally suited to new or junior employees working in financial services. It is also appropriate for school leavers who are considering a career in finance. - The CISI Level 3 Award for Introduction to Investment offers a comprehensive introduction to the financial services industry, with a specific focus on investments. It is the foundation exam for many higher level CISI qualifications. The qualification covers key financial principles and products in depth including assets and markets, equities, bonds, derivatives and investment funds. It explores the broader economic environment in which the financial services industry operates and looks at how economic activity is determined and managed in different economic and political systems. The qualification offers the first introduction to financial services regulation and ensures candidates are provided with an understanding of ethical behaviour and acting with integrity. It is suitable for new entrants to the industry and staff who are beginning their career in financial services. The broad topics covered to make the qualification suitable for all staff, not just those responsible for making investment decisions, including administration, finance and accounting, IT, customer services, sales and marketing and HR and training. The International Introduction to Investment focuses on international markets.
In the Qualifying Level,
- The CISI Level 3 Investment Operations Certificate IOC is our most established qualification and is taken by practitioners globally to enhance their knowledge and skills of the administration and operations areas of the financial services industry. The qualification will provide you with an overview of the financial services industry and its regulation, whilst also will cover technical units relevant to the area in which you work. It offers flexibility, as you can choose from a wide selection of units and study at a time and pace convenient to you. The Investment Operations Certificate IOC is one of our most popular qualifications and is taken in over 50 countries. Completing the Investment Operations Certificate IOC demonstrates professionalism and commitment to high standards and offers access to higher-level qualifications and career progression. The Investment Operations Certificate IOC is suitable for all staff working in or aspiring to work in, the administration and operations areas of financial services. There are no entry requirements and the exam is open to all levels. The Investment Operations Certificate IOC is increasingly used as a benchmarking tool by major banks and investment firms to ensure that staff possess practical knowledge which can be immediately applied to business activities.
- The CISI Level 3 Award in IT in Investment Operations (ITIO) has been developed for IT staff working in financial services, who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of IT needs specific to the financial services arena. The securities industry is dependent on technology and this qualification aims to address the challenges of managing IT systems and covers best practice techniques used in the industry. ITIO is suitable for staff working in IT within the financial services industry. It may also be of interest to those who are new to, or hoping to move into, financial services.
- The CISI Level 4 Award in Managing Operational Risk in Financial Institutions is a higher-level pathway for risk professionals who may have achieved Operational Risk as part of the Investment Operations Certificate (IOC) or for practitioners who are looking to increase their knowledge in the discipline. The Certificate will equip you with the knowledge and practical techniques to be able to investigate an operational risk incident, manage operational risk in the long term, model appropriate behaviours to support operational risk management in the workplace, and effectively recommend and contribute to measures to enhance the operational risk culture and operational risk management in the workplace.
It is suitable for practitioners in risk, compliance and investment risk control, including Risk Controller, Risk Manager and Risk Modeller.
In the Advanced Level,
- The CISI Level 5 Advanced Certificate in Global Securities Operations explores the challenges of securities operations and covers best practice techniques used in the industry. It builds upon material covered in the Global Securities Operations unit of the IOC and is a stepping-stone to the Diploma in Investment Operations. It will equip you with the knowledge and expertise to pursue a higher level role within operations. The Advanced Certificate in Global Securities Operations is primarily aimed at Supervisors, Team Leaders, Assistant Managers, Managers and Senior Technical Specialists working in investment operations (custody, settlement, corporate actions and cash management). If you have already successfully completed the Global Securities Operations unit within the IOC you only need to pass the Advanced Global Securities Operations exam to complete the qualification.
In the Professional Level,
- The Level 6 CISI Investment Advice Diploma or Diploma in Investment Operations offers practitioners the opportunity to specialise in the administration of investment funds and custody and settlement. Within the industry, it is widely acknowledged as the most appropriate higher level qualification for professionals wanting to pursue a career in investment operations. The Diploma in Investment Operations is a valuable qualification if you hold a supervisory level position and you are aspiring to a senior management role in investment operations. If you have already successfully completed either the Advanced Certificate in Global Securities Operations or the Advanced Certificate in Operational Risk you will only need to pass the Global Operational Management exam to complete the qualification.