9 Ted Talks That Anyone Working In Financial Markets Should Watch

9 Ted Talks That Anyone Working In Financial Markets Should Watch

Ted talks have always been an impactful source of information for topics ranging from self-improvement to industry-focused sessions. If you’re aspiring to work in the financial sector or take any financial market training, then some great Ted talks can not only help you clear your mind, but also help you learn financial services from a new perspective. In this article, we are sharing with you the nine most influential Ted talks on money and finance. So, if you want to know more, keep reading!

1. Investment Logic for Sustainability — By Chris McKnett

In this amazing Ted talk, speaker Chris McKnett shares his thoughts on how huge investments from investors like banks can work towards shaping the world, and not just for the betterment of any business. He explains why investors should look at the social, environmental, and governance structure of a company while investing. This can help in making the world more sustainable.

2. How FinTech is Shaping the Future of Banking —By  Henri Arslanian

Henri Arslanian needs no instruction as he is a known leader with vast experience in the finance sector. In just 14 minutes of talk, he discusses the changes occurring in the financial environment, starting right from the global recession of 2008. If you’re planning to build a career in investment banking or even taking any investment banking certification course, then this Ted talk will help you understand the changing landscape of the finance industry.

3. A Guide for the Average Person to Start Investing with an Investment Bank — By Matteus Pouchain

The speaker Matteus Pouchain tells how investment banks can benefit an average person. He urges everyone to meet and talk to an investment manager of a reputed investment bank. These professionals can help their clients meet their financial goals in a better way. They can also help you identify your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

4. From Tech Start-up to Investment Banker — By Jan Metzger

In this TED talk, Jan Metzger walks you through his challenging yet interesting journey from working as a software engineer to a consultant, and finally to an investment banker. This is a must-watch Ted talk for anyone planning to become an investment banker or wanting to learn financial services.

5. Kids Creating the future bank — By Chris Skinner

Chris Skinner is a renowned banking and technology influencer in the UK. He is quite famous for his books like Digital human and his blog theFinanser.com.

In this TED talk, he talks about the investment as well as growth in FinTech to revolutionize financial services. He discusses how youngsters are building hi-tech platforms to modernize the finance industry and services within it.

6. A Revolution in Banking is Coming — By Tom Bloomfield

CEO of Monzo (a UK-based challenger bank), Tom Bloomfield talks about the evolution of banking from a physical branch, internet to mobile banking. In this talk, he discusses how we are on the verge of a massive revolution in the banking industry — shifting from paper transactions to paperless and cashless transactions via modern applications and top technologies.

7. A Vision for Truly Secure And Seamless Transactions — By Carey Kolaja

This is another great Ted talk that will prepare you well for financial market training. The former VP at PayPal, Carey Kolaja talks about how the modern era of money is turning invisible. She talks about the human relationship between money and payments and how innovation is pushing the industry forward to adapt to the changes.

8. A smart new business loan for people with no credit — By Shivani Siroya

Shivani Siroya, who is the CEO and founder of Tala explains the major issue of profiles and lack of credit score when there is no financial data. She explains how it can affect more than 2.5 billion people in the world.

9. Are you ready to become a banker? —By Marcos Eguiguren

There is no better Ted talk for an aspiring investment banker than this one. Here, Marcus Eguiguren says that banks help in connecting people, and therefore must consider their values. He further states that banks that invest in companies and projects that help with environmental, social, and economic development are known ad value-based banks. Note that, Marcos Eguiguren is the former Executive Director of Global Alliance and presently the co-founder of SingularNet. In this TED talk, he tries to explain the responsibilities of banks towards shaping the economy and a better world.

That’s all about it!!

These are the 9 most impactful TED talks on finance and banking. All of these are short and very crisp. These are the must-watch Ted sessions for anyone working in the finance industry or planning to enter it. If you’re working towards becoming an investment banker or any other professional in the industry, these TED Talks will help you. Moreover, if you’re looking for the best investment banking certification course from a reputed provider, then feel free to visit Imarticus.

7 Money Market Trends That Show The Money Market Is Changing Post The Pandemic

Introduction to and Meaning of Money Market

For those interested in undergoing money market training, let us first understand what the term money market means. 

In common parlance, a money market is defined as a marketplace where you can conduct trading of short-term financial assets. Generally, the maturity period of these assets is up to a year. Hence, you can relate that it has high liquidity. Two of the most important features in which the money market thrives are – the short maturity of assets and the scope of high liquidity.  

The money market is made up of the following – acceptance houses, non-banking financial institutions, and commercial banks. The assets traded in the market are recognized as a very close substitute for money. The transactions must be carried out via written or oral communication or require formal documentation. 

What are the instruments involved in the money market? 

The money market can help your businesses, besides the banks and the government, fulfill their short-term capital requirements at a minimal cost. They fulfill the basic purpose of both the borrowers and the lenders, viz, short-term funding and ease in liquidity. 

The below-mentioned instruments form part of the money market: 

  • Trade and Treasury bills – issued by the Central Government at a discount for a period between 14 and 365 days. 
  • Certificate of deposits – Issued through a promissory note which commercial banks except for a period between 3 months to a year
  • Commercial papers – Generally issued by corporates to meet short-term working capital requirements 
  • Promissory notes – A written promise given by one party to another party to make a payment on-demand at a future date 

Features of the Money Market Instruments 

  • Safety – The issuers have a decent history of lending money, backed by a strong credit rating. It helps to signify that the instruments issued will be safe. 
  • High liquidity – These have a maturity period of less than a year, so it is considered highly liquid. 
  • Discounted price – The instruments are generally issued at a discount on the original face value. Financial planning and analysis skills are necessary to work around them and compare money market trends

Money Market Trends Post The Pandemic

The global money market has undergone significant changes post-pandemic, reflecting shifts in economic conditions and investor behavior. One notable trend is the increasing preference for liquidity and safety. Investors are leaning towards money market funds and short-term instruments as a hedge against market volatility and uncertainty. This trend has been driven by the unpredictability of the global economic recovery, leading investors to seek safer, more liquid assets that offer quick access to cash without the risk associated with longer-term investments.

Another key trend is the rise in digital transactions and fintech solutions in the money market. The pandemic increased the adoption of digital banking and online financial services, making it easier for individuals and institutions to manage their money market investments. Fintech companies are offering innovative products that provide higher returns and greater transparency, attracting a new generation of tech-savvy investors. This digital shift is also enhancing operational efficiency and reducing transaction costs, making money market investments more accessible to a wider audience.

Additionally, the monetary policies of the central bank are significantly impacting money market trends. In response to the pandemic, many central banks implemented ultra-low interest rates and extensive quantitative easing measures to support economic recovery. These policies have led to lower yields on traditional money market instruments, prompting investors to explore alternative options such as higher-yielding commercial paper or short-term corporate bonds. This search for yield is reshaping the landscape of the money market, encouraging innovation and diversification as investors adapt to a low-interest-rate environment.

All about the Money Market Trends 

  • The money market has eased financing requirements for borrowers.
  • The central bank’s monetary policies can be effectively implemented in an economy where the money market is well-developed. 
  • A developed money market helps the central bank control an economy’s industry and commerce.
  • When the commerce of an economy is well-developed, you can carry out your business better. 
  • Since the pandemic, the money market has greatly contributed to finding the right equilibrium between supply and demand forces. 
  • It helps to allocate savings funds into the right investment channels, which you can do with the help of financial planning and analysis.
  • Since the funds used in the money market are cash equivalents, it is easier to transfer the funds from one sector to another. In simple terms, it encourages financial mobility.

Money market training is advisable to understand the money market trends, how the system works deeper and develop financial planning and analysis skills. Anyone who wishes to learn how the system’s flow is maintained must have a good hand at financial planning and analysis. It is said that good financial planning and analysis help in faster and better decision-making. Whether designing an economy’s monetary policies or targeting the capital market’s development, financial planning and analysis are must-have skills.  

Decoding – How to become an Investment banker? 

As we have discussed the importance of financial planning and analysis skills, this brings us to the subject of investment banking. As investment banks bridge the gap between companies (requiring funds for expansion) and investors (potential investors having money to invest), becoming an investment banker is smart. It not only provides you with exposure but also equips you with an all-around experience. 

We have you covered if you are wondering how to become an investment banker. For starters, you can enrol in an investment banking course and learn the basics of the topic therein. The road is right before you for those wondering how to become an investment banker. You need not worry about becoming an investment banker, as the course will equip you with the right set of knowledge and skills desired in the role. The investment banking arena is a dream place to be in as it helps you deal with the money market and capital market instruments day in and day out. 

The program will help set a foundation, and you can kickstart your investment banking journey smoothly. The course also shares interview preparation guides to get you job-ready. It ensures you are ready for a range of job profiles, such as money market analyst, capital market operations consultant, financial market advisor, etc. 

You will be given real-life business cases and complex situations, which will propel your transition from a learner to a market expert. You will be a part of a platform filled with industry leaders where you can learn from their real-time industry experiences. You can visit our website, contact us through chat support, or drive to our training centers in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurgaon.

Advanced Modelling and Strategies in Derivatives Markets

Advanced Modelling and Strategies in Derivatives Markets

A derivative is an instrument that derives its value from another underlying asset or a group of assets. Derivatives can be either exchange-traded or an OTC product. Derivatives include futures, options, forwards, swaps, and credit default swaps. Derivative pricing derives its values from the underlying asset. Underlying assets could be stocks, bonds, indices, exchange rates, commodities, and interest rates, to name a few.

Derivatives are commonly used to speculate or as a hedging instrument to diversify portfolio risk. Learning about derivatives is an integral part of investment banking. Our Investment banking course is specially designed to understand derivatives markets, learn about investment banking, and hone your investment banking skills. 

Pricing Derivatives

  • As explained before, derivatives values are derived from the financial security or instrument to which they are linked. 
  • The pricing depends on the type of the derivative contract. There are also many different permutations and combinations of each derivative contract. Long and short calls, put strategies, or even a combination of different types of options, etc. are some examples. 
  • Futures are standardized contracts created by exchanges and include a certain quantity and quality of the underlying commodity. Futures values are based on the spot price along with the basis amount. Basis amount refers to the difference between the spot prices of the future contact and the future price. This also affects the values used in hedging. Future traders use this to determine the profitability between cash or actual delivery of the product. 
  • Option prices depend on the underlying instrument price, time to expiration of the option, the volatility of the option, interest rate, and the strike or the exercise price of the option. Options can be both in-the-money or out-of-the-money depending on time to expiration. Models like the Black and Scholes model, Binomial tree and trinomial tree, etc., are commonly used to determine option pricing. 
  • In swaps, there are two streams of fixed and variable cash flows over the maturity of the swap contract. The pricing is determined by equating the present value of the two streams. Interest rate, commodity, and currency swaps are the most common derivative instruments. 
  • Forwards are non-standardized, OTC contracts used for currencies arranged between two counterparties (one being the bank) with flexible terms. Forward pricing depends on the relative interest differential between the two currencies.

 Our programs are specially designed to enable you to price derivatives through our derivatives course. Learn investment banking and cultivate your investment banking skills today. Visit: https://imarticus.org/

Risk Management Using Derivative Strategies

Derivatives, as mentioned previously, are used for both speculations and hedging or risk management to protect your portfolio of underlying assets.

 Hedging or protecting against risk using derivatives is commonly used so that if the prices of your underlying portfolio assets depreciate, your derivative position appreciates to offset the portfolio loss. Hedging helps eliminate uncertainty and avoid losses that occur due to price volatility.

  • A put option is an example of an instrument used to hedge a stock portfolio. A protective put strategy is owning a stock portfolio and buying a put option to protect stock price losses below the strike price. 
  • Forward and swap contracts in currencies are used to protect against the effect that exchange appreciation or depreciation has on the portfolio. The currency conversion is fixed at the forward rate, and you are protected against both appreciation and depreciation of the currency. You can convert your foreign exchange earnings at the forward strike rate. Currency swaps can also be used for similar purposes. 
  • In low-interest rate environments, interest rate swaps from fixed to floating rates can be used to minimize the interest outgo, especially on medium-term foreign exchange loans. This enables your company to benefit in a low market interest rate environment to reduce your interest liability.

Risks of Trading in Derivatives

Derivatives are risky instruments when traded uncovered (i.e., without ownership of the underlying instrument). This is because they have gearing or leverage. If the underlying asset price increases 10%, the price of the derivative linked to that asset is likely to move 50%. As this movement is on both the upside and the downside, the risk in a derivative increases exponentially.

Also, for investing a small sum (a fraction of the underlying asset’s value) in the form of option premium, or initial margin on a futures contract, you get exposure to a potentially large payoff. There is the counterparty risk of default in derivative contracts like futures or swaps. Interest rate risk is yet another factor. Derivative contracts are also sensitive to supply and demand pressures.  

Given the complexity of derivatives, it is essential to get a thorough understanding of the derivatives market. If you are desirous of becoming an investment banker, you have to learn investment banking and cultivate investment banking skills.

Contact us through chat support, or drive to our training centers in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurgaon. 

Learning Investment Banking Operations: Worth Switching Your Career?

Learning Investment Banking Operations: Worth Switching Your Career?

Deciding to switch your career can be a daunting task. You have to consider many things, such as the time it will take to learn a new skill set, the financial investment required, and whether or not you will be able to find a job in your new field. This blog post will discover whether or not learning investment banking operations is worth switching your career. 

What investment banking operations are, and what do they entail?

Investment banking operations are the behind-the-scenes support function of an investment bank. They are responsible for processing transactions, maintaining records, and keeping the wheels of the bank running smoothly.

The role of an investment banking operations professional is varied and can include anything from settlements and confirmations to compliance and risk management. It is a challenging field that requires attention to strong analytical skills and the ability to work well under pressure. 

Some skills you need to work in investment banking operations.

  1. Strong Analytics Skills: You will need to quickly understand and make decisions based on large amounts of data.
  2. Attention to Detail: The work can be very repetitive and detail-oriented, so you must be able to stay focused.
  3. Flexibility: The working hours can belong, and the work environment can be stressful, so you must be able to adapt to change.
  4. Communication Skills: You will need to communicate effectively with clients, co-workers, and superiors.
  5. Organizational Skills: You will need to be able to keep track of multiple projects and deadlines at the same time.

Is it worth switching your career to learn investment banking operations?

Do you have the required qualifications?

A bachelor’s degree in economics, business, or finance is typically required.

Some banks may require an MBA or master’s degree as well.

In addition to academic credentials, most investment banks will also require a few years of work experience.

Are you ready to put in the extra hours?

Investment banking is a notoriously demanding job. If you’re not prepared to work late nights and weekends, it’s probably not the right career for you.

Do you have the right personality?

Investment bankers need to be able to think on their feet and make quick decisions.

They also need to be able to handle stress well.

Do you have the required skills?

Investment bankers need to have strong analytical and math skills.

They must also be excellent communicators, both written and verbal.

If you are considering a career in investment banking, it’s essential to do your research and ensure it’s the right fit for you.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but it could be a great fit if you have the required qualifications, skills, and personality.

Discover investment banking course with Imarticus Learning

Students who complete the Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional course will have a head start in their careers as investment bankers. These investment banking courses with placement will prepare students for success in banking operations, treasury, and clearing services at all production levels.

Course Benefits for Students:

  • This investment banking certification will educate students on handling complicated securities and derivative products, their trade-life cycles, and the functions associated with investment banking operations.
  • Students may obtain the help they need to begin their investment banking careers with over 8,000 placements completed and a pay raise rate of 60%.
  • Learners will obtain an industry-recognized certificate upon completing the CIBOP course and accompanying assignments.

Contact us through chat support, or drive to one of our training centers in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurgaon

How can the Investment Banking Industry respond to the threat of disruption post COVID-19?

How can the Investment Banking Industry respond to the threat of disruption post-COVID-19?

The recent COVID pandemic has affected many industries adversely. The investment banking industry was one of the sectors that experienced a fall in ROI (Return on Investment). However, the global COVID scenario is now better than before and the investment banking industry is back on its feet.

Investment banks are now applying post-COVID strategies to induce resilience in their business models. If investment banks need to survive the impact of COVID-19, they have to come up with better business strategies. Read on to know how the investment banking industry can save itself from disruption post-COVID-19. 

Challenges for the investment banking industry 

Do you want to become an investment banking expert? Well, you need to know about the challenges faced by the investment banking industry to propose business strategies that can bear shocks. The major challenges for the investment banking industry during/after the COVID pandemic are as follows: 

  • Investment banks are involved in various in-person activities that were seriously impacted during the COVID pandemic. For example, before an M&A deal, investment banks conduct due diligence to know more about the nature of the deal. Due to the lockdown and travel restrictions, investment banks found it difficult to conduct the due diligence process. 
  • Investment banks are finding it hard to find new talent post-COVID. During the COVID era, educational institutions were closed to stop the spread of the virus. Young enthusiasts that want to become investment banking experts didn’t have access to a proper education during the COVID era. 
  • Client prospecting was severely affected by the COVID pandemic. Since it was difficult to meet with clients in person, client onboarding got more complex. When the turnaround time increased, the ROI was also adversely affected. 
  • Physical workplaces for investment banks were disrupted due to the COVID pandemic. Investment banks had to adjust to the latest WFH (Work from Home) culture. It had some serious impacts on anti-money laundering processes. 

How can the investment banking industry cope with the challenges? 

How the investment banking industry can cope with the challenges are as follows: 

  • Investment banks can select freshers that have done certification courses in investment banking. Since institutional courses were not available during the COVID pandemic, certification courses in investment banking can be the parameter for the selection of fresh talent. 
  • Investment banks should define an action plan to induce resilience in their business strategies. 
  • In the post-COVID era, investment banks should look to restore the critical business processes at their workplace. Quality research has also become important in investment banks post COVID. 
  • Investment banks are looking to undergo digital transformation to ensure high uptime. If investment banks can automate their key business processes with the aid of technology, they can steer through market disruptions. 

How can online courses for investment banking help?

Are you a fresher looking to join the investment banking industry? Well, you can go for online courses for investment banking to know about the industry processes. Imarticus Learning is a reliable source that can provide industry-oriented online courses for investment banking. Imarticus offers a ‘Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional’ program that is known for its industry-oriented learning approach.  

This 180-hour certification course will cover all aspects of the investment banking industry. With this course, you can learn job-relevant skills and can get placed in the investment banking sector. It will provide you with a tech-enabled learning experience for understanding industry practices. 

Conclusion 

With the right business strategies, investment banks can save themselves from disruption in the post-COVID era. Young enthusiasts can look for online investment banking courses to build their careers. Register yourself for an investment banking online course now!  

Why are financial markets courses gaining popularity?

There is an increased interstate in people towards finance and investments. They want to make more investments and naturally want to learn more about its ups and downs. They are also willing to spend time learning new areas to achieve their financial goals. 

On the other hand, this growing interest in people has opened doors for the industry to come up with niche skills and courses that focus on specific topics rather than a border syllabus to be learned over a lengthy period. 

The availability of such specific topics as short-term courses is one of the major reasons for the popularity of courses on financial markets these past couple of years. But it is not the only cause for its popularity. Here are some other significant reasons. 

#1 More trading and investments

The pandemic has forced many towards trading. While the majority are trading based on the various reports on the media, the smarter investors rely on the experts to make trading. The larger investors suddenly needed more experts with them. This increase in demand for such expert investors had led to a rush for the courses for investment banking.  

#2 Precise curriculum

While there is a multitude of online and offline courses in financial marketing and investment banking, only those with a precise curriculum and specific niche are gaining popularity. They are also able to produce experts in those specific fields and can land more jobs. 

One such course is the Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional (CIBOP) at Imarticus which focuses on financial marketing, trade life cycle, and risk management. The course prepares the aspirants for the industry with the help of industry experts. Here, the aspirants will be getting trading simulations for a more hands-on experience during this 180 hrs long course. 

Upskilling

Keeping up with the growing and changing technology is key for all professionals to maintain or improve their career prospects. This is why upskilling is part of the career that many professionals are constantly making use of.

For finance professionals, upskilling is essential, without which many could not have productive work. For the millennials, upskilling is a way to ensure a safe financial future. They also prefer those short-term courses online rather than spending a lengthy period on-campus.

Improve knowledge base

The short-term financial marketing and investment banking courses are more reliable for newcomers in the financial world or professionals looking to improve their knowledge base. Though there are various blogs and videos available online, these courses offer them a more reliable source for information.

They can also get expertise from the industry leaders. Since there is no age bar for such courses, anyone who has a basic degree could pursue them and learn investment banking to become an investment banker.  

This is why courses such as CIBOP will be helpful for them and can also help them gain an interview with the leading companies. They will get constant assistance with their career progress as well. 

Conclusion

Financial marketing and investment banking (IB) were not so popular until the end of 2020. These two industries have seen an exponential increase in participation and career prospects. In 2021, the popularity of these industries has grown such that they are among the top 5 in terms of demand for the related courses.

Financial courses such as IB, Fintech, and Financial Analysis Prodegree, etc., are a few examples. Even the industry giants are entering the ed-tech field. The CIBOP course at Imarticus is done in association with the London Stock Exchange Group.