A prerequisite for a profitable, controlled and successful financial services business is a strong, stable and efficient operations function (the “back office”).

 

Despite huge investments in computerisation over the last few decades in an attempt to achieve the highest level of automation or straight through processing (STP), experienced operations personnel are still required to deal with transactions which, for whatever reason, fall out of the automated process and require human intervention.

 

Over recent years, and certainly leading up to the financial crisis of 2008, the operations function in many financial services firms was degraded at a time when there was significant growth in activity both in terms of business volume and complexity. This was partly a result of the mistaken belief that the investment in computer systems would make the operations function more or less redundant.

 

This includes the capital markets products and how, where, and why they are traded, explaining the different trading and investment strategies and how they are supported operationally.

 

You will also gain a deeper appreciation of the operational aspects of the financial markets, how inherent risks can be identify and obviated, and the tools available to help you achieve operational excellence. Finally, the argument for the investment in a strong operational function will be made and that operations is not “just another cost”, but an critical factor in the profitability and creditability of any financial services institution. 

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Course Objectives​

Attend this intensive and highly practical course and learn: 

• The role and importance of operations in the typical front, middle and back office structure 

• The roles and responsibilities in the back office Internal and external relationship management and communication

• Segregation of duties and reporting lines

• Operational resources and how they should be managed

• Staff management and motivation

• The concept of STP and why it can break down

• Maintaining static data

• Counterparty fails

• How various trading/investment strategies can impact operations

• The life cycle of transactions and how market participants interact

• Operating in a multiple market, multiple product environment

• Managing limits

• Cash and collateral management

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Who should attend?

• Finance, Cost & Project Managers

• Business Advisors

• Financial Controllers

• Senior Management

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Early Fee: USD 1295

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Standard Fee: USD 1695