Tag: best investment banking course with placement in India

Access to finance is a major concern for small and medium enterprises. They find it difficult to obtain bank loans like large firms do. They mainly have to count on internal funds in order to launch and run their enterprises. SMEs that look forward to improving their capital structure or de-leverage, often face economic crises. This calls for the need to ensure that the capital structures of SMEs are improved and strengthened, and that their dependence on informal borrowing is reduced. 

Although banking finance is an important source of financing in the SME sector, credit constraint is likely to become a constraint in the near future. Therefore, it is important to make more financial instruments available in the money market for SMEs so that they do not have to face financial constraints. Read on to learn more about the scope of investment banking in small and medium enterprises. 

Traditional Lending to the SMEs

The most common source of funding for SMEs is the traditional methods of lending such as overdrafts, bank loans, credit lines, credit cards, and so on. In this kind of lending, the borrower’s creditworthiness is assessed and he is entitled to pay a certain interest amount to the creditor at a specific interval, disregarding the financial condition of the organisation or the return on investment it is earning. In this case, the interest rate may either be fixed or changeable. 

However, traditional bank lending to SMEs can be risky. Monitoring and assessment become a problem since SMEs do not produce any audited financial statement that can provide information on the financial status of the enterprise. In the case of small enterprises, the line between the finances of the business and those of the owner’s personal use is often blurred. It may also happen that the entrepreneur uses the money for some other purpose. 

However, to mitigate the problem, it is ideal to incorporate the use of risk management strategies like mandating the requirement of collateral. 

Alternate Sources of Finance for the SMEs

Alongside the traditional way of deriving funding through banks, SMEs can also count on some alternate and more innovative sources of finance. Some of these instruments include covered bonds, securitised debts, corporate bonds, etc. Through these instruments, SMEs receive funding not through banks, but through the investors in the capital market or derivative market.

Securitisation and covered bonds are also forms of indirect financing tools that can help SMEs with their funding. Through the securitisation of SME debt, banks can easily transfer their credit risk to the money market. In this process, the SME loans are sold to some specialised companies. This helps to create new security that is backed by the SMEs’ payments. 

These debts make sure that SMEs are not directly exposed to the capital markets. The SMEs receive the loan from the bank, and the extension is backed by the activities that the bank carries out in the capital market. 

SMEs can also opt for asset-based finance like asset-based leasing and lending, in which an enterprise obtains funding based on the value that is generated by a particular asset during the course of its business. SMEs can also opt for trade credit instead of short-term bank lending. 

SMEs can also receive funding through equity finance, where an investor provides financial resources to an enterprise in exchange for some ownership interest. The investor is also entitled to entrepreneurial risks, and the return on investment depends on the enterprise’s success. An investor may also choose to sell his share in the firm, or he may also receive his share in case the enterprise is sold.

You can learn about more financial instruments if you opt for an investment banking course. 

Is Investing in the SME Sector a Good Option?

SMEs are a profitable sector and are slowly emerging as the backbone of economic activities. SMEs are also generating employment in many countries. This creates an opportunity for the banks to serve them better. Banks can also extend their digital solutions to the SME sectors.

The focus is improving the access of SMEs to finance and finding innovative solutions to combat the financial crisis, and banks are trying to bring about a holistic approach in the money market to make sure that SMEs can effectively contribute to the economy.

However, although SMEs can be a profitable option to invest in because of the high returns it is capable of generating, the risk factor is also when investing in small and medium-sized companies. If you have not done thorough research, there might be chances of an investor incurring heavy losses. Not only this, but you may also not be able to find a matching seller/buyer almost immediately. Therefore, liquidity is low in the case of SME exchanges. 

SMEs can be extended support in a number of ways so that they can access financial services better. For instance, the financial sector can be assessed thoroughly so as to identify the areas of improvement and allow SMEs better access to finance. Improving the credit infrastructure can also be beneficial. SME finance can also undergo a lot of innovation in the form of e-lending platforms, e-invoicing, supply chain financing, etc. They should also be adequately informed of the best practices and the most successful models. 

Conclusion

SMEs are important for the economic growth of a nation. They also provide employment opportunities. Therefore, it is important to make sure that they receive adequate financial support. 

If you are looking forward to learning more about how investment banking can aid in the growth of SMEs, you can pursue an online investment banking certification course offered by Imarticus Learning. The course is ideally suited for finance graduates who have 0-3 years of working experience. 

The course covers the basics of financial markets, risk management, trade life cycle, and everything that you need to become an expert in investment banking operations. Enrol now.

Investment banking is a highly sought-after area in the money market. The current investment banking industry is valued at 80.54 trillion USD.

Wondering how an investment banking course can help learners? It gives them cutting-edge competition and ensures that they are equipped with both traditional and modern solutions along with solution-based technologies. 

To crack an investment banking hiring process, a candidate needs to access efficient ways in which they can handle the company’s investments.

With Imarticus’s investment banking essentials, one can tread the paths just as smoothly and achieve their goals. 

In this article, we will find out about the investment banking market while looking at some real-life examples surrounding case studies in various areas.

Reasons for case studies 

One of the top reasons why investment banking studies can benefit learners is in terms of making well-thought decisions on investments. Apart from this, here are some more reasons why one should learn from investment banking case studies. 

• Experience: Since investment banking isn’t fairly new and has been in the business since the 19th century, it is a well-explored branch.
  Due to this, enthusiasts can learn from prior cases and gain experience with time. This includes gaining experience and skill sets in all the primary aspects including banking, interpersonal, and analytical skills.

• Skills: When it comes to skills that an investment banker is supposed to have, IB skills often differ from that of a general banker. These include being able to analyse frequently and carrying on with an analytical mindset throughout their job.
  This also involves being able to work in a team as this job requires a certain level of interpersonal communication and team morale.

• Financial complexity: To be able to make good financial decisions in seconds is a good part of the job for an investment banker. As an IB, the primary task is providing a financial outlook into complex financial transactions.
  An investment banker can offer insight into the risks associated with such high-valued investments. Simultaneously, one can devise expert solutions for growing financial challenges in the money market.

Real-life examples 

Before venturing into the case studies, it is important to note that there are two types of investment banking studies taking centre stage.

These are primarily modelling and decision-making studies. Let’s look at how both are distinct and can be utilised for the best solutions.

Case study – Modeling

Background

A prominent investment bank is looking to efficiently price financial derivatives using improved models. Currently, the bank is utilising the Black-Scholes model for pricing their investments. On the other hand, it isn’t quite successful in measuring the losses made in the bank’s derivatives market trading book. 

Challenges presented

The bank needs to come up with more efficient models for handling their accounts. This includes being able to better their money market dynamics.

Solutions implemented

The bank can utilise more sophisticated models in work such as Monte Carlo, Stochastic Search, and even Regressive models. These models can present the bank with a more refined way of handling their finances as well as ensuring accuracy with the highest quality. 

Atop the investment models already at work, they would have to come up with a risk management system with the expertise of an investment banker. 

Case Study 2 – Decision making

Background

An investment banking firm is currently consulting a client seeking a new investment option. At the same time, the nature of investment is high-risk and high-return making it a viable option for investment banking consultancies.

Challenges presented 

Since the firm is seeking a solution for a high-return investment, it is due to include several risks. These include increased volatility, a chance of blind gambling, and other risks such as systemic, regulatory, and counterparty risks.

Solutions implemented 

The first and foremost thing that investment bankers can focus on is the assessment of desired outcomes. One can do so by conducting an independent check and comparing the risks and benefits associated with the proposed venture. 

Simultaneously, they can focus on ongoing market trends and mark the potential implications that come with the new venture. 

Additionally, the firm can utilise potential strategies that are highly effective and maximise their returns on the new investment. These involve working with a comprehensive model including predictive models, and researching alternatives for yielding the best outcomes.

Lessons learned

While we have already discussed the case studies before this, it is essential to note that investment banking studies can only serve as examples. However, the lessons learned over here are vital to the future of identifying trends and making careful decisions. Here are some of the pointers for following the correct route for investment banking.

• Emphasise coming up with strategic instead of traditional solutions.
• Focus on structured solutions along with the strategic counterpart. This helps in devising a potential solution before making an educated guess.
• Equip oneself with Excel and PowerPoint for better accessibility to the figures and potential outcomes.
• Do a thorough assessment of all available figures before presenting them to a team.
• Although it is completely acceptable to present previous figures and the solutions associated with them, it is advisable to look for future implications regarding a particular solution. 
• As most cases can be critical to the outcome, it is best to find a strong logical understanding of the same to predict favourable outcomes.
• Enrich the project with all relevant news and practices for the best outcome.
• Go over a question twice before interpreting them and presenting a solution.
• Lastly, apply professional logic to the problem before moving forward with the solution/s.

Conclusion 

Investment banking studies and their case examples provide valuable insight into the market and the trends that are currently ongoing. At the same time, they also offer a clear cognizance of the future, thereby marking a trend into the future of the investments currently in question. 

Furthermore, they allow students and practitioners to come up with more effective solutions to complex banking problems, which makes it all the more essential. Imarticus Learning’s 150-hour investment banking certification enables learners to opt for a clear-cut course and venture into the world of investment banking in no time.

As it is a highly rewarding field with salaries ranging anywhere between 125,000 to 10 million USD, the investment banking career is a lucrative option. 

Sign up for the programme today! A Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional course can bestow individuals with the required skill set and experience for cracking the investment banking position.

Besides being one of the top courses catering to investment banking enthusiasts, it is also a flexible option for online learners. 

The financial market is a dubious field of gain and risk where investors trade in stocks, derivatives, forex and other financial instruments. The derivatives market, in particular, is gaining prominence, with the global derivatives market size expected to reach 39170 million USD by 2027.

A security with a price based on or derived from any number of the underlying assets is a derivative. An agreement between several parties based on the asset or assets constitutes the derivative itself. The two main uses of financial derivatives are speculation and investment hedging.

This article will explore some of the most popular derivatives in the financial market and how investors use them.

What are derivatives?

Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from an underlying asset, such as commodities, stocks, bonds, or currencies. They are used for various purposes, including hedging against price fluctuations, speculating on future prices, and arbitrage. 

The underlying asset’s price determines a derivative’s value, but the derivative itself is a separate and distinct financial instrument. 

For instance, a company that relies on a particular commodity might use a derivative contract to lock in a price for that commodity to mitigate the risk of price fluctuations. On the other hand, an investor might use a derivative contract to speculate on the future price of an asset or to take advantage of price differences between different markets.

6 trending derivatives

Trading carries potential risks from market fluctuations, varying currency exchange rates, etc. However, investors trading in the derivatives market can earn substantial profits through appropriate predictions. If used correctly, derivatives can act as safety nets and help mitigate losses in the spot market. 

Here are six popular derivatives and how investors use them:

Futures contracts

Futures are agreements between two parties to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified price and time in the future. Investors use futures to hedge against price fluctuations, speculate on an asset’s future price, and arbitrage price differences between markets.

Options contracts

Options provide investors with the right to buy or sell an elementary asset at a specified price and time in the future. However, once bought, buyers are not obligated to hold on to the agreement terms of the contract. Investors use options to hedge against price fluctuations, speculate on the future price of an asset, and generate income through selling options.

Swaps contracts

These are agreements between two parties to exchange cash flows based on different financial instruments. Investors use swaps to hedge against interest rates, currency, or credit risk, speculate on future interest rates, or create synthetic assets.

 

CFDs (Contracts for Difference)

CFDs are agreements between a seller and buyer to exchange the difference between an underlying asset’s closing and opening price. Investors use CFDs to speculate on price movements in various financial instruments, including commodities, stocks, indices, and currencies.

 

ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)

ETFs are investment funds that trade on stock exchanges and track the performance of an underlying index or asset. ETFs help investors gain exposure to a diverse range of assets, hedge against market risks, and speculate on the future direction of markets.

 

CDS (Credit Default Swaps)

CDS are insurance-like contracts that protect against a bond or loan default. CDS are useful in hedging against credit risk, speculating on the likelihood of default, and trading on the creditworthiness of companies or countries.

Benefits:

Using derivatives in investment can offer several benefits, including:

Hedging against price fluctuations

Derivatives can be used to hedge against price fluctuations in underlying assets, reducing the risk of losses for investors.

Generating higher returns

The possibility of higher returns than traditional investments makes derivatives an attractive option for investors looking to increase their portfolio returns.

Portfolio diversification

Derivatives can diversify investment portfolios, spreading risk across various asset classes and reducing overall portfolio risk.

Speculating on market movements

Derivatives can be used to speculate on the future direction of markets, providing opportunities for investors to profit from price movements in underlying assets.

Efficient use of capital

Derivatives require less capital than traditional investments, allowing investors to use their capital more efficiently and potentially generate higher returns.

While derivatives offer many benefits, they can also be complex and carry significant risks. 

It is important for investors to carefully consider their investment goals and risk tolerance before using derivatives. Investors should also thoroughly understand the underlying assets and the risks associated with derivative contracts.

Conclusion

Derivatives can be a powerful tool for managing risk and generating returns. They are a great way of earning high profits at low investments. However, they come in varying complexity and require careful consideration. 

With a thorough understanding of the underlying assets and the risks associated with derivative contracts, investors can use derivatives to effectively manage their investment portfolios and achieve their financial goals. 

If you are interested in the derivatives market and aspire to build a career in finance in India, you can check out Imarticus’s Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional course. 

This investment banker course will help you understand the various elements of investment banking, such as risk management, trade life cycle, financial markets etc.  

Enrol to get a headstart in your finance career. Visit our training centers in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, or Ahmedabad, or get in touch via the chat support system.

In 2021, the global enterprise asset management market size was valued at just $ 3.9 billion. By 2030, this industry is expected to be valued at $ 10.6 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.75% during the forecast period of 2022 to 2030. As the industry grows, it is also creating job opportunities for skilled, qualified professionals. If you aspire to make it big in the financial services industry, asset management is no doubt a lucrative option.

However, investing in the right training is key to success. This is because asset management has undergone a sea change due to the advances in technology. Besides building knowledge of financial fundamentals, contemporary asset managers must understand how to leverage technology to build a competitive edge.

In this blog, we explain what exactly is asset management. We also recommend how pursuing an investment banking course with placement support can help you build skills to succeed in this niche financial services career.

What is asset management? 

Asset management refers to the practice of investing a client’s wealth into various assets and optimizing the returns earned. There are dedicated asset management companies (AMCs) that focus on this activity. They manage assets to the tune of millions and billions of dollars for clients who can include corporations, high-net-worth individuals, insurance companies, pension funds, and sovereign wealth generated by governments.

The process of asset management is highly regulated. Hence, asset managers must be aware of these regulations. They need to follow strict mandates and risk parameters. However, they also need to use their instincts on how to generate institutional wealth for their clients. driven by an investment mandate. Asset management companies generate revenues through the fees charged for their services.

Asset management services and examples 

A financial asset is essentially an instrument that derives its value from a contractual right or ownership claim. Examples include cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities like gold, cryptocurrency, real estate, and bank deposits.

The asset manager meets with clients to assess their needs, risks, and goals, based upon which they can design an asset management plan. They need to study the market in-depth and use their knowledge to make data-driven decisions that help them optimize the returns while balancing risk. They must also keep up-to-date on regulations, and ensure that no fraud occurs in the process of their jobs.

Here are two examples of asset management services:

• Say a government offers a market-linked pension scheme to its citizens. Every year citizens make investments in their pension policy. The investments made by citizens are managed by asset managers who invest the funds in the stock market, to drive higher returns for pension holders.
• Another popular example is asset management companies offering mutual funds. The asset manager will devise various processes and parameters to ensure the strategic investment of funds into relevant assets. For instance, an equity mutual fund will invest most funds in the stock market. While that funds will go for safer debt-related instruments.

Skills of an asset manager

A contemporary asset manager must have a combination of skills as follows: 

• They need strong analytical and critical thinking skills and be detail-oriented
• They must be skilled in Math, and excellent at financial fundamentals
• Communication and negotiation skills are equally important as acid managers engage with clients and a host of other stakeholders.
• Strong time-management and project-management skills are an asset
• They must understand how to leverage data to make timely decisions
• Asset managers must also have a strong understanding of regulations and legal compliance
• The asset management field has been greatly impacted by technology. Asset managers must have a thorough understanding of cloud-based, enterprise asset management software, and technologies like the Internet of Things, which are bringing efficiency and real-time intelligence to their field

Invest in niche training 

A career in asset management demands niche skills. The best way for ambitious professionals to enter the field is to pursue an investment banking course onlinewith placement support. Ensure that the program exposes you to the financial markets landscape, cash equities and fixed income assets, foreign exchange, and money markets, to name a few. You can continue to work at your day job while pursuing this program remotely. Certification of the program is an important aspect. Ensure that it is certified by a respected and established partner from the financial markets field.

Conclusion 

Asset managers are highly respected in the financial services industry. They play an important role in helping businesses and high net worth individuals grow their wealth. No doubt this career path comes with its own set of risks and challenges. But the rewards include a steady rise in compensation, recognition, and career growth. Investing in a high-quality certification program can help ambitious professionals grow niche skills, and make their foray into this fast-growing financial services field.

To know about Imarticus’ Certified Investment Banking Operations program, contact us through chat support, or drive to our training centers in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Delhi or Ahmedabad.

After completing your 12th-grade education, choosing the right career path to your future success and happiness is important. Banking courses for students are now a common choice due to the industry’s growing need for qualified employees.

Banks, however, are crucial to the financial system and the economy. Banks are considered essential elements of the financial system, and they effectively and efficiently transfer cash from depositors to borrowers. 

 The eligibility requirements, duration, fees, syllabus, scope, and salary information for banking courses after 12th grade are all covered in this blog.

Overview of Banking Courses

A bank is a financial organization that lends money while taking deposits from the general public and producing demand deposits. One of the most well-liked and lucrative industries in India is banking. It provides a range of employment options for applicants with various backgrounds and skill sets. 

However, in the past, banking services were only available for making cash withdrawals, safeguarding deposits, and providing loans. But thanks to technological improvements, banking services have grown and now provide us with various convenient services that make life easier, like online cash transfers, rapid loans, immediate SMS and email services, insurance plans, online bill payments, ATM services, etc., and many more.

• IPU CET, SET, and other entrance tests, among others, are used to determine admission to the appropriate undergraduate banking programs.

• After the 12th grade, there is no upper age limit for enrollment in banking programs in private, central, state, regional, and other universities.

• The UG programs indicated above last for three years.

Following high school, you can enroll in banking courses that will provide the essential information and abilities needed to operate in various banking sectors, including retail banking, corporate banking, investment banking, risk management, treasury operations, etc.

What are the best Banking Courses After 12th?

Depending on your interests and skills, you can select from various banking courses once you complete your 12th-grade education. 

Popular Banking Courses After 12th Commerce

The list of banking courses after 12th includes:

COURSES	DURATION	BENEFITS	POPULAR COURSES
Certificate Banking Courses	Short-term courses	A career in banking.	CFA, CPA, CBCA. FRM, MBA
Diploma Banking Courses	Longer courses	More expertise in a specific banking domain.	Diploma in Banking and Finance, Diploma in Actuarial Science, Diploma in Banking, Finance and Insurance, Diploma in Risk Management
Bachelor’s Degree Banking Courses	Full-time degree courses	A strong foundation for their career in banking.	BBA in Banking, B.Com in Banking and Finance, B.Sc in Banking and Finance
Master’s Degree Banking Courses	Advanced degree courses	Become leaders or managers in the banking sector	MBA in Banking and Finance, M.Com in Banking, M.Sc in Banking and Finance

The Eligibility Criteria and Fees of Banking Courses

Depending on the degree of the course, different individuals may be eligible for banking courses after completing grade 12. The standard requirement is a minimum of 50% in your 12th-grade class from an accredited board. You might also need to take admission examinations or interview for some courses. 

A banking diploma program costs between INR 7,500 to INR 70,000, while the tuition fees for banking certificate programs vary from INR 3,000 to INR 20,000.

The syllabus for best banking courses for students after 12th covers various topics related to banking and finance, such as:

• Banking Laws
• Financial Management
• Financial Markets
• Foreign Exchange
• Taxation
• Accounting
• Risk Management
• Investment Banking
• Treasury Operations
• Business Communication
• Business Ethics
• Computer Applications

Career Opportunities After Completing a Banking Course

After high school, there is a strong need for qualified individuals in the banking industry. Thus the potential for banking courses is extremely great. Public sector banks, private sector banks, foreign banks, cooperative banks, regional rural banks, non-banking financial businesses (NBFCs), insurance firms, mutual funds, stock exchanges, etc., all provide various employment options.

After finishing banking courses after your 12th grade, you can apply for some of the following popular employment roles:

• Bank Clerk
• Bank PO
• Bank Manager
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Advisor
• Credit Manager
• Risk Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Internal Auditor

Ending Note

After graduating from high school, taking the correct banking education may lead to countless options for a rewarding and successful career in the financial sector. Pursuing a banking education might give you a competitive edge and make you stand out in the job market due to the growing need for trained individuals. 

Banking courses may provide the information and skills you need to achieve whether you want to work as a bank clerk or an investment banker. The best Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional (CIBOP) curriculum is available at Imarticus Learning, with a 100% job interviews guarantee. 

This 150-hour course will provide a solid grounding in financial markets, the trade life cycle, risk management, and regulation so you can confidently enter the workforce. The CIBOP program may help you advance your career as an operations expert for investment banking, whether you’re a graduate or a professional with fewer than three years of experience.

Join the CIBOP program to give your career the push it needs if you’re interested in pursuing a career in banking!

Investment banks provide financial services to individuals, large corporations, and public sector enterprises. Some of the services include the issuance of IPO, underwriting functions, securing loans, business prediction and correction, fund management, and helping in capital raising, merger and acquisition processes. Currently, more than 300 investment banks are operating in India.

 

High growth trajectory and financial gratification make a career in investment banking a lucrative option. An investment banker helps clients raise capital to fund their ventures, offers investment-related advice, and ensures financial stability. Good mathematical, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills are necessary for aspirants wishing to make it big in this financial sector. 

Read on to learn how to make a successful career in investment banking.

Tips to Make a Career in Investment Banking

To be an investment banker, a prospective candidate needs to be focused and methodical. Listed below are a few tips to make a successful career as an investment banker – 

Selecting the right subject combination

Considering the qualities desired in an investment banker, a prospective candidate must choose the right combination of subjects from the beginning. Having subjects like mathematics, computer science, statistics, economics, and accountancy in high school is desirable.

In undergraduate courses, they may continue with a similar combination. A bachelor’s in commerce with accountancy as the core subject and/or a bachelor’s in science with economics make the base for a perfect candidate. Besides, an MBA in financial management can open multiple avenues in investment banking. 

Derivatives markets, corporate finance, trade life cycle, economics, foreign exchange, equity investment, financial reporting, and analysis are some of the core areas an investment banker must be proficient in. 

Pursue a relevant internship

Consider joining internship programmes in investment banks after graduation. It gives exposure and hands-on experience to build the requisite skill set. Exemplary performance as an intern can lead to a permanent position in the organisation. Aspirants can avail these opportunities through well-reputed job portals and campus placement.  

Networking

It is a great way to secure meaningful interviews. It could benefit your professional life later on. A few time-tested modes of networking are as follows – 

• Attending recruitment events is one of the easiest ways to build your network. 
• Leveraging LinkedIn contacts can connect you to professionals who can guide you on industry-related topics and interview-related queries.
• Consulting a career centre can help connect a prospective investment banker to recruiters. 
• Connect with a member of the local CFA society, who may support with relevant contacts.

Understanding interview sequence

Limited vacancies and a huge number of aspirants give rise to fierce competition in the finance industry. Investment banking interviews are systematically structured into multiple rounds differing from bank to bank. The first round tests the candidate’s problem-solving skills, technical aptitude and overall personality. 

The final round of interviews is more intense and demands the best use of one’s analytical prowess. Young recruiters are more prone to ask technical questions, while senior ones test the behavioural aptitude of aspirants. Renowned study centres help the candidates tackle probable or model questions typically asked in these interviews. 

Commanding soft skills

Attributes like analytical, interpersonal communication and behavioural skills are essential to become a good investment banker as they have to deal with a wide range of clients of varying sensibilities.

Good CV

A well-written CV gives a peek into the candidate and highlights his/her skills. The resume should be compact and concise. It saves time for the recruiter and creates a positive impression.

Acts of active social engagement and involvement in sports, athletics, co-curricular activities etc., are also appreciated as they reflect a prospective candidate’s overall personality.

Commanding technical skills

Technical skills form the backbone of the banking industry. In-depth knowledge of mathematics, statistics, accountancy, valuation, financial modelling, and Excel are a must for those seeking to build a career in investment banking. Keeping up with emerging technologies and trends is a prerequisite to standing out. Fundamental knowledge of APIs and blockchain is also highly appreciated.

Conclusion

The role of an investment banker demands a lot of hard work besides technical and soft skills. A thirst for learning new skills and expertise would help boost your career in finance. Fierce competition rules this professional domain. 

Enrolling in the Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional course at Imarticus can give your dream the right direction. With guaranteed job interviews support, hands-on training, real-world projects and an internationally-recognised certificate, you are bound to make a mark in investment banking.

Accounting and banking are two of the most popular professions among finance graduates. A banking or accounting career is lucrative, with great potential for growth. 

Finance, however, has numerous opportunities that finance graduates are unaware of. With competition for banking jobs increasing, the number of finance professionals seeking careers off the beaten path is rising. Read about alternate career paths that finance professionals can pursue in this article.

9 alternate career options for finance graduates

From financial journalism to trading, here are nine alternate sectors where professionals can build a career in finance in India.

• Management Consulting

This career is made for you if you have an MBA in finance. Management consultants create solutions to business problems and oversee the overall management of the different departments of a company. Their insights help make strategic decisions and improve the company’s performance.

Management consultants need the know-how to navigate a company’s financial decisions. They create forecasting models, analyse financial data and communicate their inferences to their colleagues and employees.

• Finance Journalism

Becoming a financial journalist is a unique career path for finance graduates. A financial journalist’s role is to research events in economy and commerce and relay this information to his/her audience.

It is a great career for individuals who have an interest in the field of media and journalism. Financial journalists require verbal and written skills, along with a deep understanding of finance and commerce.

• Investment Banking

Investment banking is another career option for finance professionals. The primary role of investment bankers is to secure funding for businesses and agencies and act as financial advisors. They also oversee mergers and acquisitions on behalf of their company.

To become an investment banker, a finance professional needs to have financial modelling and analytical skills. They also require strong people skills and the ability to work well under pressure.

• Entrepreneurship

Business-minded finance professionals can choose the entrepreneurial route. They may offer their financial services on a contractual or freelance basis to multiple companies.

Finance graduates can enrol in courses such as financial analytics, big data or taxation to specialise in a specific niche. Besides financial know-how, this career path requires a go-getter mindset with excellent interpersonal skills.

• Stockbroking

A career as a stockbroker or stock trader is best for the people who like to be their own boss. They trade in bonds, shares and precious metals like gold and may work as freelancers for companies.

Being a broker is a high-risk job with the potential to have high pay-offs when done right. One has to be highly disciplined and determined to become a successful stock trader.

• Risk Management

Risk management is one of the most lucrative careers for finance and accounting graduates on this list. A risk manager formulates policies to eliminate risk and losses for his/her company and modifies existing risk management policies.

They work in various industries, including real estate, SCM, education and human resources. To become a risk manager, an individual must have a background in accounting and knowledge of the latest analytics and forecasting technologies.

• Finance Educator

If you have a knack for simplifying complex finance concepts and teaching them to others, then being an educator in the finance domain might be the job for you. As a finance professor, an individual is responsible for moulding the next generation of finance professionals.

To become a finance professor, individuals need a finance degree (master’s degree or higher) and communication and interpersonal skills. They need to be compassionate with a desire to provide the best possible education to their students.

• Actuary

Being an actuary is another alternate career option for accounting graduates. They utilise financial statistics and mathematics to gauge the impact of decisions and unforeseen events on the company. They are also crucial to the operation of insurance companies.

Actuaries require strong mathematical and analytical skills with a keen sense of business and finance. They also need communication and soft skills to interact with their clients.

• Production Management

Production management is a unique career for finance and accounting professionals passionate about the entertainment industry. Production managers look after the financial side of theatre, TV and film production. They manage payroll, create production budgets and track regular expenses.

Versatility and multi-tasking skills are a must for this fast-paced job. Some finance professionals may choose to become freelance production managers on a contractual basis.

Conclusion

Gone are the days when banking and accounting were your only options for a career in finance in India. From investment banking to production management, there is an abundance of opportunities for finance graduates.

Are you looking to pursue an exciting career in finance? If yes, then check out the Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional (CIBOP) programme by Imarticus Learning. This investment banker course covers the derivatives market, trading, and foreign exchange, helping you kickstart your dream career.