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Tag: financial market

What Does a Money Market Analyst Do?

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Money market analysts collect and scrutinize data to give an interpretation of the market to help companies make proper and informed business decisions. Some of them also analyze financial market trends so that they can help in making investment-based decisions while many others analyze financial statements of a company or the performance of a sector to help pinpoint investment potential.

One of the roles of money market analysts involves the analysis of investments and their performances in the market. They rely heavily on financial analysis, market analysis, and forecasting to determine the value or the investment opportunities of various companies. This detailed process commonly includes the analysis of a company’s profitability, earnings, revenue, outstanding debt, and sales.

Money market analysts primarily use statistical models and financial ratios to interpret data in order to help in comparing a company’s data to that of others in a specific industry. This job role also heavily depends on the use of accounting and thoroughly interpreting and reviewing the financial statements like balance sheets and income statements of a company. 

Skills required to be a money market analyst 

A money market analyst is required to be proficient with Microsoft Excel and have familiarity with data management/data queries tools such as SQL, Access, and Business Objects. Money market analysts are integral to companies as they are responsible for the collection and analysis of data. 

They are always required to have a proper understanding of how a market runs. A money market analyst should also understand the principles of the economy and have the ability to create reports of deductions and recommendations. They are more like experts in charge of running the show behind the scenes. 

Money market analyst job description

A money market analyst is crucial to any start-up or large company. Here are the roles a money market analyst is expected to fulfill:

    1. Carry out financial forecasting, operational metrics tracking, and reporting
    2. Analyze financial data (like past results) to make financial models support decisions, identify trends, perform variance and recommend suggestions for further improvement
    3. Report financial performance and prepare for leadership reviews daily
    4. Collaborate with the accounting team of a company to make sure the financial reporting is accurate
    5. Evaluate financial performance through the analysis and comparison of actual results with forecasts and plans
    6. Guide through the process of cost analysis by creating and enforcing procedures and policies
    7. Provide the analysis of forecasts and trends and further recommend the necessary actions for optimization
    8. Identify and drive improvements for processes, including the establishment of ad-hoc and standard tools, reports, and Excel dashboards
    9. Help increase productivity through the development of automated forecasting/reporting tools

 

  • Fulfill the roles of data mining, market research, valuation comps, and business intelligence

 

Money market analysts are often given the responsibility of tracking a company’s financial plan. They are responsible for the analysis of the performance of any company and also keep a track of and evaluate the market changes and the change in trends. They are not only responsible for creating forecasts, but also to calculate the variance between the said forecasts and actuals. 

All in all, the job of a money market analyst can be a handful and requires a good grasp of knowledge and skills. It is a job role that is in high demand and if you are planning to pursue your career in this sector, then you can go for a reputable investment banker course to have a better understanding of financial planning and analysis.

5 Ways How Technology Is Changing Financial Modelling and Forecasting

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

5 Ways How Technology Is Changing Financial Modelling and Forecasting

For many decades, financial system modeling was based on the same traditional business models with very little innovation and integration. Later, the experts started to realize that when technology is combined with finance, it can make the financial market more efficient and highly accurate. Indeed, this has started to change the world of finance opening doors to versatility and quicker computations.

It has proven to be a revolutionary step for the companies as well. With our CIBOP program offered by Imarticus, you can have the opportunity to learn more about the money market and understand the impact of evolving technology on financial systems. 

  • Increased Efficiency

Technologies such as big data, the cloud, and robotics are contributing to greater agility and efficiency of the financial function, since their application reduces the time dedicated to traditional processes, increasing productivity. It also cuts the time spent on reporting, allowing a greater focus on analysis, decision-making, and risk management, creating value for the organization, as well as representing a change in the company and having an impact on people.

  • Fraud Detection

Since money is involved in financial markets at a global level, this sector is prone to fraud and cyberattacks. Frauds or fraudulent activities can have adverse effects on businesses. Thankfully, with Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), it is now possible to detect data patterns and prevent fraud. Any abnormal behavior in online transactions can be precisely detected by modern Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques, which can help save loads of money on debugging the problem in other traditional ways instead.  

  • Sound Decision Making 

Modern Artificial Intelligence algorithms can help in modeling risk management scenarios, thus making sure that rational decisions are taken most of the time. Finance requires a very delicate task of sound judgment, which surely cannot be left unnoticed and ignored. Even a single bad decision might result in losing millions of dollars on the money market. But thanks to advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms, proper decision-making is ensured, leaving the system more reliable than ever before. 

  • Blockchain Transaction Enhancement

With the beginning of the era of blockchain technology, advancements in financial modelling have taken a big leap. When coupled with an Artificial Intelligence algorithm, blockchain technology blends more easily in the market, causing huge benefits. While on one hand blockchain technology enhances transparency and builds safe transactions amongst peers, Artificial Intelligence, on the other hand, can further improve system security. 

  • Automation of Tasks

Automation in technology can help to avoid many repetitive and tedious tasks. Many software packages are available which can display loads of information and data with just a click of a button, thus avoiding long waiting hours for results. So instead of spending time creating the tasks, the investment banker or any other financial professional can focus more on evaluating the results and their correct interpretation. 

Conclusion

After having understood the various ways in which technology is changing financial modelling systems, it is clear that big data and finance are going to be synchronous. Be it Artificial Intelligence, decision-making processes, blockchain, or automation of systems, technology plays a crucial role in deciphering information correctly and quickly. But there is some downside involved as well.

Inaccurate or improper use of these technologies can disrupt the system completely. It is necessary to make sure that these technologies are developed and maintained by experts and professionals who can

Understanding Mutual Funds: Are They Safe?

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

What is a Mutual Fund

There are different assets and holdings to invest with higher and lower risks in the financial market. A mutual fund works as a company that pools money collected within a diverse set of investors. This money is invested in a varied set of securities, or financial products, such as bonds. The whole set of holdings is known as a portfolio. The management of the funds is carried out by money managers who find the right allocation, optimizing and monitoring the capital gains for the investors.

This limits the decision power of its investors. Indeed, holders do not have voting rights. As a matter of fact, the ownership of the fund is represented by the shares. The gains and losses will then be distributed proportionally among the shareholders. Mutual funds are attractive to conservative risk profiles, as they are affordable, diversified, and allows the investors to easily redeem any fees.

Types of Mutual Funds 

Depending on the nature of the securities included in each fund, the mutual funds can be categorized into different types.

Some of the most common funds are denominated money market funds. This type of fund has a lower risk and is made through short-term instruments. The safety of the fund responds to the type of investment, which is made only through safe assets.

As aforementioned, the risk profiles respond to different types of mutual funds. To more aggressive risk profiles, bond funds address the investment through bonds. Stock funds, conversely, allocate the investment using corporate stocks of a diverse nature (regular dividends stocks, non-regular ones, index funds, or specialized sector funds of a specific industry). Finally, target-date funds manage the investment with a varied set of financial assets, shifting the mix periodically.

Risks Management

Any type of investment has an inherent risk associated with it, which varies according to the sector and types of assets used to invest. The nature of the mutual funds makes them very suitable for risk-averse profiles. Mutual funds reduce the risk through three axes: volatility, concentration, and inflation control procedures. For the former item, a systematic investment plan (small investments in short time intervals), such as those applied in a mutual fund, reduces the risks derived from the market variability.

Following with the next one, i.e. concentration, the famous financial advice gives us a clear hint on the strategy used: “One should not put all the eggs in the same basket”. As mutual funds are defined mostly as a vehicle of investment in varied sectors using different assets, the impact on diversified portfolios allows investors to foresee and prevent dramatic loss. Lastly, the funds also have advantages in terms of taxation, such as tax savings and a paying free-tax scheme for the returns.

Why Should You Partner with Imarticus to Learn About Financial Assets?

In partnership with LSED Academy, we offer a holistic, practical program to certify professionals in Investment Banking Operations. In a more competitive and complex financial work market, we offer a complete 180-hour program to not only get a deep understanding of complex financial assets and products but also to enhance the possibilities to get salary hikes and career development.

The 360-degree program alternates from the comprehension of complicated financial products trade life cycles, risk management courses, and market regulation modules, focusing also on the development of soft skills.

Conclusion

Being able to understand and manage investments using innovative financial assets is a crucial skill to work within the financial market. You can become a part of the Imarticus working force, participate in the investment sector and improve your salary. Get a certification online in banking operations with Imarticus. Join today!

Improving the Credit Risk Process | Risk and Resilience

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Corporate organizations or individuals often borrow money to meet their business requirements. This is where credit risk needs to be considered as there might be a loss if the loan is not paid back. Credit risk assessment is essential and the process needs to be improved constantly.

A CRU Pro degree in credit risk and underwriting from Imarticus Learning can be of great help. The credit landscape is evolving and it is important to maintain the best practices.

How can you improve the credit risk process?

The credit risk process can be managed and improved with proper infrastructure and visualization. If you are interested in credit risk analysis, you should consider the credit risk underwriting course from Imarticus Learning.

credit risk analyst courseThe course will help you leverage current data and maintain the scorecard model. Here are some ways in which you can improve the credit risk process.

  • Constantly Check Data Sources

New data sources are available every day and you can use them to improve your portfolio. This is why you should evaluate all data sources available and apply them to your scorecard model.

  • Scorecard Model Validation

Get your scorecard model validated by an independent auditor. A third-party auditor can check your scorecard model and help you understand how the model can be improved. This will not only help you maximize the effectiveness of your credit rules but also identify the model’s weaknesses.

  • Monitor Your Scorecard Model

Once your scorecard model has been validated, you should keep monitoring it. Scorecard models will degrade with time. But if you monitor it, you will know when you need to improve it. You can use specific resources to understand and track the rate of degradation. Then use specific software solutions to stabilize the model.

  • Use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning can be used to improve credit risk. Such new technologies can be implemented on newer scorecard models to compare them with older ones. You will be able to understand how your scorecard model has evolved from a more traditional model. A credit analyst course will teach you how to use AI and machine learning for credit risk assessment.

  • Use Current Software Solutions

There are several new software solutions available for credit risk management. You can use different tools to assess credit risk and manage the borrower lifecycle. You will also be able to keep your portfolio secure.

  • Be Aware of Financial Crimes

To improve the credit risk process, you need to protect your portfolio. Financial fraud can happen at any time. But it increases due to an unstable or uncertain economy. So, you should always use the best cyber security technologies to detect and eliminate third-party attacks. When you take up a credit analyst certification course, you will learn how to protect your portfolio better.

credit risk analyst coursesLearn Credit Risk and Underwriting

Students who wish to have a successful career in the financial sector can enroll in Imarticus Learning’s credit risk underwriting course. Imarticus Learning offers a credit risk and underwriting Pro degree. The course is in collaboration with Moody’s Analytics. It is ideal for students who want to learn about dynamic banking and loan markets.

Instructors guide students through the credit landscape of the country and help them understand the various ways of loan assessment and financial analysis. This credit analyst course teaches topics like credit administration, credit underwriting, and the use of new-age software solutions for better credit risk assessment. Imarticus Learning and Moody’s Analytics offers an industry certification for all students.

The credit analyst certification course from Imarticus Learning includes live lectures so that students can interact with instructors. Students gain valuable industry experience through this course. It is ideal for a career transition to the FinTech industry.