How Is Investment Banking Distinguished From Commercial Banking?

Investment banks help corporations, companies, and governments raise capital, assist in mergers and acquisitions, and provide ancillary services such as derivatives trading, foreign exchange, equity securities, and making markets. They act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers of stock as well. Investment banking training is extensive with the aim of having an in-depth knowledge of financial markets and concepts.

Commercial banks, or retail banks, on the other hand, are set up to deal with commercial transactions like legally taking money from individuals and corporations in the form of accounts and then lending the capital to others with interest.

Any investment banking course providing investment banking certifications will explain that an investment banker deals with companies as a financial intermediary and provides investment and financial advisory services. A commercial or retail bank provides banking services to the general public. Since a commercial bank works with the public, their customer base is much larger than that of investment banks who only works with companies.

One of the key differences between these two types of banking industries lies in the relationship and services offered by both. A commercial bank will only provide standardized services while an investment bank will personalize their services and give customer specific advice. Commercial banks are highly regulated by the government and Reserve Bank, making them more risk averse while investment banks have a higher tolerance for risk since they have lesser regulations. This makes the rewards for investment banking higher. Conversely, the losses in investment banking can be much more substantial.

The role of an investment bank is to identify companies that will benefit from their services and then make presentation to them. For example, with Amazon looking to increase its footprint across sectors, an investment bank can identify other, smaller companies who already have existing inroads in that sector, and pitch to Amazon to try to acquire the smaller company. This was seen with Amazon buying Whole Foods.

Another way investment banks work is by identifying companies that require extra capital investment in order to increase their growth. While these companies might be considering traditional commercial banks for a loan, they might be deterred by the high-interest rates. An investment banker can pitch different ideas, mainly the creation of equity or releasing bonds, to the company. The investment bank is also responsible for drawing up the legal documents for such processes. They make money by charging a commission or a fee. Sometimes, they might even buy some bonds or stock in the company.

A commercial bank provides services that are associated with traditional banking systems for individuals. They will help you procure a loan against interest with collateral or help you open and create various accounts such as RD, FD, current deposits, savings accounts, and more. These services are already pre-defined and do not change from person to person.

There are many banks that proved both forms of banking. For example, it is not uncommon to see banks help a company set up and sell an IPO and then use the commercial side to provide a line of credit to the company. This will ensure that the company enjoys quick financial growth and in turn, increase its stock prices.

Why a short professional program is better than an MBA?

By Reshma Krishnan
Over 50 percent of the students that come to Imarticus Learning and attend our FMVC, CIBOP, CIBIT programs are MBA students. During their counseling sessions as well as their interview prep and mock interviews, we always ask them what they learnt in their MBA and what made them attend Imarticus.

The answers are always the same – I learnt nothing in my MBA. Why is that? MBA’s are extremely popular, so why are they so futile? It’s not the MBA that is futile. The right MBA done at the right time and from the right school is useful, but the majority of MBA’s are not well designed. Here are our top reasons for why short professional programs are better than an MBA.

What is an MBA? An MBA is a multi disciplinary course of study that helps you understand the various facets of running a business, ergo the name, a master of business administration. An MBA assumes that you have come far enough in your career to put the theories you learn during the course– marketing, finance, and operations, into some sort of context. A context that cannot be built without some understanding of how a business functions.

MBA’s are useful but only to those who come in with 5-6 years of relevant work experience. Having already worked on a shop floor of a store or coded for a company, they do an MBA to understand the other facets, which they can then apply to their experience.

This is what generally happens abroad. In India however, the stress on academics and degrees mean that most people do an MBA right after college without any experience leading to a two-year course of study that adds no value, not even to the resume.

But then, you ask, how do we stand out against others during a job hunt? You stand out by doing a course that is tailor-made where the curriculum has been designed in conjunction with specialists and endorsed by companies. A short course does not expect you to have work experience and it’s sole purpose is to help you find a job, and it does that by training you specifically for a role which makes you more employable as you are able to add value to a company from day one.

1. Short professional programs are job-specific – all our programs have been designed by industry experts and tailor made to job requirements. For instance the CIBOP program is designed for Investment Banking Operations roles. For three months, you will be taught by domain specialists, who have worked in these roles giving you real life examples.

2. Professional programs are shorter – Because you spend only three months, you start working sooner and spend less time in the classroom and more time gaining valuable work experience that you can then use to apply to a more prestigious and useful MBA program

3. Short programs focus on getting you a job– our short programs are tailored to a job, which attracts companies because they know our candidates are job-ready.

Imarticus Learning offers the internationally-accredited CIBOP program, designed for careers in Investment Banking. This program provides you an in-depth understanding of complex financial products and their Trade Lifecycles, along with Operational Risk and Regulations.


Beginners Guide to Investment Banking

Investment banking is an expansive and challenging field which several individuals can pursue. Here is everything you need to know to kickstart your career in investment banking.

Investment banking is a field that one can pursue with passion and determination. It is that division of a bank or a financial institution that helps companies secure, implement and manage their finances well in order to succeed and grow. It is a highly dynamic and volatile field which is looking for individuals who have not only completed an investment banking course but are also charismatic and driven.

There are various functions and areas that one gets to operate in, upon completing an investment banking training from evaluating assets to auditing to securing funds and client relationship management. Investment bankers are talented and do multi-functional roles in their companies. While specialization exists, At the heart of investment banking is the ability of the bank to raise funds for the clients and this is done predominantly by issuing debt or selling equity of a company.

Investment bankers need a good quality radar in order to determine the best possible way to raise money quickly. These are crucial decisions which will determine the future of the company and hence investment bankers are highly paid. This also means the job entails long hours and strategic thinking at every step of the way.

Here are the top things that beginners get to do in the field of investment banking.

  • Raising capital: One of the top job functions that every investment banker does is the ability to raise money for a business. Every company needs an understanding of how to raise finances to run the business and to take off. Raising capital will then create enough to buy equipment, employ people and create products and sell. Therefore, an important area of expertise for those pursuing a career in investment banking is knowing how to raise funds for a company.
  • Assisting in Mergers & Acquisitions: Another important aspect of an investment banker’s role in banking is to help clients evaluate other companies before acquiring them. This means taking stock of the assets and liabilities of the other company, auditing and evaluating and creating a forecast which can benefit the client.
  • Issuing Debt: A primary function of an investment banker is to issue bonds to the right investors. This will help raise the required capital for their clients. Companies also hire investment bankers when they must go public i.e. issue an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to raise funds.  The success of this plays a crucial role in how the company flourishes in the future. Since aggressive sales skills are required for this, it is a highly competitive field which is rich in rewards.

Conclusion
Investment banking begins to be lucrative and continues to climb the growth trajectory provided one is hardworking, dedicated and sharp. It is a great career for those interested in finance.

Also Read: How Good is Investment Banking as a Career

Anti-Money Laundering: What Is It And Why It Matters?

Did you know that global money-laundering transactions are estimated to be worth $1-2 trillion? 

Money laundering is one of the biggest issues plaguing the global economy. Companies all across the world look for ways to counter this problem. Money laundering hurts the capital market and makes it difficult for organizations to thrive.

Hence, organizations rely on investment banking professionals to protect the capital market. In the following sections, we will cover the issue of money laundering in detail and learn how companies use anti-money laundering (AML) procedures to counter this issue.

You will also find out how you can become a part of the solution by enrolling in Investment banking courses in India.

MBA online CoursesWhat is Money Laundering?

Money laundering is a significant financial crime. It refers to the process of legalizing money that has been obtained illegally. It focuses on hiding the nature, source, and act of a crime to give it a legal image.

Some of the illegal activities that utilize money laundering are terrorism, corruption, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Governments and companies all over the world strive to combat this issue as it damages the economy and society as a whole.

What is Anti-money Laundering?

Anti-money laundering refers to the provisions and procedures companies use to prevent money laundering in their organization. One of the most popular AML procedures is KYC (know your customer).

In this procedure, a company requires its customer to verify their details such as an address, name, and ID. This way, the company can mitigate suspicious transactions. And, if a customer performs one, it can track him/her quickly.

There are many AML procedures and they help a lot in combating the issue of money laundering. However, industries require professionals that are well-acquainted with the advanced AML procedures.

How you can get involved?

Money laundering is a big issue and one of the best ways to combat this problem is by learning the necessary compliance and skills.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in finance, then you should take a course that covers anti-money laundering provisions and procedures properly. This way, you would be well-equipped to combat this problem at the organization you work in.

The best way to go about this process is to join investment banking courses in India. Most reputable investment banking courses in India cover AML procedures along with the basics of investment banking.

Before joining a course, be sure to check its crucial details such as the investment banking course fees, duration, and modules. After completing investment banking courses in India, you can apply for high-paying roles in the finance sector and help organizations in protecting and growing the capital market.

AML implementations help companies in mitigating money laundering activities. However, they require the expertise of skilled professionals to do so.

You can become a part of the AML solution by enrolling in relevant investment banking courses. If you are interested, then check out Imarticus’ Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional (CIBOP) program to get the right direction.

Does Corporate Finance Excite You? Here Are Some Investment Banking Courses Which Will Help You Achieve Your Goals

Be it the high-pay or the extravagant lifestyle of investment bankers, graduates have largely started to gravitate towards investment banking. If you are attracted to this job profile or interested in this field, then you may want to select an investment banking course that is right for you.

Investment banker courses have now been tailored for both graduates and postgraduates to enhance their knowledge and make them a good fit for the banking sector. 

Eligibility to Become an Investment Banker

Before applying for an Investment banker course, you need to evaluate whether you have the essential qualifications to apply for the same. Investment banking courses online usually look for –

  1. Graduates and postgraduates (degree in finance, mathematics, engineering, analytics, accounting, and economics is preferred)
  2. MBAs
  3. Chartered Accountants
  4. Working professionals in the field
  5. Financial Risk Managers or Chartered Financial Analysts

Investment Banking Courses

Investment banking courses in India will boost your financial aptitude and give you a good knowledge of the market you’re about to work in. Here are some of the best investment banking courses online that you can choose from to boost your expertise in the field –

  • Certificate in Investment Banking Operations from with LSE (London Stock Exchange Group)

This course will give you an in-depth knowledge of investment banking and its complexities. It is one of the investment banking courses with placement on the market. Plus, it comes with a CIBOP certificate which makes it one of the best investment banking courses in India

PGDM Capital Marketing

This program will be good for you if you are looking for a shorter investment banking course duration. Plus, another upside is that it takes on any graduate from a recognized university and inculcates the knowledge of an investment banker in them.

  • Post Graduate Program in Financial Management

This program is a prestigious course offered by the Chennai Business School. It offers knowledge of various subjects relating to the field such as corporate laws, financial statement analysis, financial modeling, and business intelligence. The course in itself is good but the investment banking course fees for this program are pretty hefty.

  • MBA in Masters in Financial Management

It is a part-time banking course after graduation which will give you in-depth topics like financial accounting, business management, cost management, managerial economics, financial management, research methodology, taxation, business law, and financial planning. The investment banking course fees are not much, but it is spread across a timeline of three years.

  • PGDM (BM) Finance

It is a course approved by the AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education). This program is also recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). It will give you enhanced knowledge on the subjects of finance, tax and business. The course covers topics like commercial banking, insurance, wealth management, export finance and credit management.

  • Masters In Financial Management (MFM)

It is a two-year course accredited by the NBA (National Board of Accreditation). It takes on any graduate with a three-year degree recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Topics like accounting, tax and financial markets are deeply taught in this course.

  • PG Diploma in Finance Management

This certificate in investment banking course details is not much as it has a one-year duration course with only two semesters, which makes it one of the shortest courses in the field. It gives you a good understanding of the financial market and enhances your present knowledge.

Completing investment banking courses after graduation can make your job as an investment banker more exciting and challenging for you. You don’t need to look for investment banking courses with placement. You just need to look for an investment banking course duration that suits you. If you complete any of the investment banker courses, the right job will come looking for you. 

How Do Traders Working On The Cloud And Data To Cope With The New Normal?

COVID-19 or coronavirus is spreading like wildfire throughout the world. And, this even forced the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a pandemic. Ever since this disease was spotted, countermeasures have been set to curb its spread effectively. One such way is social distancing.

Because of social distancing and worldwide lockdown, the world’s foundations shook from within. And, it wasn’t late until this shockwave reached the stock market. In fact, both the trade life cycle and banking courses after graduation have taken a huge hit as well.

To do their bit, financial institutions like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) have closed their doors to traders for the first time in history. Things are only slowly returning to normal, and a few traders are allowed on NYSE. However, most of the traders are forced to trade from home and find online alternatives for conventional processes.

Cloud offers a lucrative opportunity for anyone looking to trade online. Traditional problems like lack of storage space, security concerns, and connectivity issues have all but disappeared in the cloud era. Statistics state the same. With an online chatting interface, apps providing a secure interface for traders have seen a substantial rise during the pandemic. Let us see how traders are using cloud services in great detail.

How are traders using the cloud?

Stock trading should never come to a halt because it has the power of crumbling economies. The COVID-19 outbreak can thus be considered a major test. Thankfully, traders are armed with the power of the cloud in today’s world.

TradingData is the central part of any trader’s life. It is even more important to store and analyze the information correctly. Traders are increasingly using cloud solutions to store their data and run their models. The processing power of cloud computing allows them to quickly run multiple analyses like risk assessment within a matter of minutes as opposed to hours or even days from conventional means.

Trading using Cloud ComputingCloud also allows for better traffic management. Traders can be seen leveraging the cloud to tackle any amount of traffic effectively. Mainly because the cloud is a scalable entity, it can quickly go up and down depending on the actual amount of people using it. Moreover, cloud computing offers a cheaper solution to many problems associated with stock trading.

Not to mention, it provides the ability to analyze customer demographics, which allows for targeted solutions for a particular section. So, not only does the cloud act as a cheaper alternative but on top of that, it also improves profit margins.

In the search for normalcy, traders are looking towards the cloud to provide them with solutions. We are fortunate enough to live in a time where we have enough computing prowess to shift the base of operations online. Not only does it allow us to fight the virus but it also provides some benefits overall. In the future, we can expect cloud computing to take up a major role in the trading market.

Are you a B.Com Graduate? Check Out Some Career Options!

B.Com or Bachelor of Commerce degree is a popular stream choice among students after 10+2. This degree basically prepares one for any job relating to finance, numbers, and in some cases, management. These are jobs in Banking, Taxation, Management or Business.

Now, if you are worried about what to do after B.Com, then we will be discussing courses and career options.

The reality of the Job Market

Most students go for B.Com because it provides a lot of career options after graduation. A few more than other streams and some of these career options are definitely lucrative. But, the reality of the job market in today’s date is not as good as one might expect.

Career options after graduationThe truth of the matter is – one will not be able to get his/her dream job just after getting his/her graduation certificate in hand. His/her career after graduation will not soar if he/she doesn’t study a little more or take up a few extra courses after graduation. 

Career Options for B.Com Graduates

There certainly are a few jobs that one can get just after he/she graduates out of college. A few of the jobs that are available after B.Com graduation are:-

Government Jobs: One can surely sit for exams like IBPS or UPSC to get government jobs in the banking sector or finance sector after the completion of his/her graduation degree.

Business Analyst: Even though there are courses to be business analysts, some companies still look for fresh graduates as business analysts. People can amplify their skill sets along with gaining experience for their future endeavors.

Digital Marketing: Most of the time, this job requires certification in digital marketing. Still, most companies look for graduates in commerce for this job. So, anyone looking for a creative job after his/her graduation can surely take a gamble here.

New Age Banking Courses

There are plenty of courses one can opt for after his/her graduation in commerce to get that dream job; and, the courses are like M.Com, MBA, CMA, CA, and B.Ed. But, NMIMS provides the best of new-age courses which can get people a future-proof dream job. 

Career options after graduation

Some of these courses are:-

NMIMS PGP in New Age Banking: The New Age Banking course is perfect for any new age banking job. It provides two certifications within a 2-year span and teaches all the necessary subjects to get its students ready.

M.Sc. Finance: Students are made ready for successful careers in risk management and capital markets through the course. Jobs in banking, mutual funds, fintech, and more are also waiting for students studying this course.

MBA: This course provides an option of specialization in finance, which means it can help one get a high-level management job in the finance sector if he/she has this degree.

Conclusion

There are many lucrative job opportunities after the completion of graduation in B.Com. However, you have to plan your higher studies properly to opt for a better stable job. The charming options provided by NMIMS can be a great way to a course through multiple options after B.Com.

Can I Switch to Investment Banking From Another Career?

Here’s what Shawn Almeda has to say about his jump into investment banking and a job at BNP Paribas through Imarticus Learning.

After engineering, I was struggling to get a good job. Sure, I did odd jobs, but I was not happy or convinced on the path I was taking. It was then that I decided to pursue my long-term second passion, which was Investment Banking.

I heard about Imarticus through a friend who also happened to be doing a course here. After doing a lot more research on Google, reading Imarticus Learning reviews, collecting information about Imarticus through other people and talking to the course counselors, I was convinced that this course is for me.

I would rate the Imarticus Learning’s faculty a 5 on 5.

I would like to thank Lourdes Ma’am, Rajesh Sir and Sharon Ma’am, in particular. The faculty explained even the most difficult concepts really well. During the course, if we had any doubts, we could approach them anytime.

The soft skills class, which was very interesting, helped me to boost my confidence. In all, learning with Imarticus was a really good experience.

I got placed through Imarticus Learning, and I’m excited about my training in the UK.

Currently, I’m working at BNP Paribas – I got placed through the Imarticus Learning placement process. Just five days after joining the company, I got to know that I would be flying to the UK for training. I was not expecting this, but I’m pretty excited because I will be meeting senior professionals in the industry and trying my hand at new things.

After doing the CIBOP course, I would rate Imarticus a solid 5 on 5. This is because moving from engineering to Investment Banking with nothing else in between would have otherwise been difficult for me. CIBOP gave me a great launching pad to get myself into the deep end of Investment Banking.

This brief period of two and a half months doing certified industry-endorsed Investment Banking training gave me a lifetime’s worth of experience. And for that, I would like to thank Imarticus Learning a lot.

Are you ready to jump into the deep end of Investment Banking? Click here to chat with a course counselor today.

For Investment Banking Course, Imarticus Stands Out In A Crowd

For Investment Banking Course, Imarticus Stands Out In A Crowd

Vijay Mehrashareshi’s excellent training experience, and his journey, at Imarticus involves a practical approach of the course that helps the aspirants focus on the subjects at ease.

CIBOP, or Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional, is the course that Vijay Mehra opted for at Imarticus. Being a graduate in accounting and financing from L.S. Raheja College of Arts and Commerce, a short CIBOP course at Imarticus has turned out to be a turning point in his career.

Why did you suddenly plan to take up investment banking as a career option?

It is said and believed that a career in investment banking is one of the most sought-after ones to pursue these days. Aspirants, after completing their graduation and post-graduation degree, are opting to start their investment banking career. This is not a sudden choice, because, from my graduation days, I planned to start my career in the banking sector.

What made you choose Imarticus CIBOP course?

Being a fresher, it was difficult for me to know the core of investment banking. Also, without the help of professionals, it was challenging to learn interview tactics and crack interviews in any top-ranked companies. So after completing my graduation, as I started to look for courses that focus on investment banking, I came across the one offered by Imarticus Learning. This was how I enrolled for this well-known course relating to Investment Banking Training offered by Imarticus learning.

I also came to know that there were numerous programs offered at Imarticus learning. However, it was after going through the Imarticus learning reviews to know about public opinion on the programs under this institute that I opted for it.

Tell us about the curriculum structure at Imarticus. 

This is something that would be beneficent to every job aspirant enrolling at Imarticus. Starting from the mock tests to practical sessions, I was helped by the renowned professors of the institute. The professors trained the student really well and prepared them for cracking interviews.

I came across some experienced professors who gave outstanding support and imparted knowledge during the course. Students from different cities come to enroll for courses offered by Imarticus and learn from these professors. This, in turn, helped me crack the final interview easily at Barclays Shared Services. It was a derivative confirmation process, and before I started to face the interview panel, mock tests and mock interviews conducted by Imarticus helped us a lot.

How did Imarticus help you in your placement?

Though the journey was a short period of two months, I got the opportunity to grasp a better insight into investment banking and to utilize the same in my professional career. So to prosper in investment banking, the CIBOP course offered by Imarticus is the best to opt for. Also, the Imarticus learning placement strategies are definitely the best and prepare the students to get the job of their choice in investment banking easily.

I am extremely grateful to Imarticus that I could become part of this course. After completing my CIBOP course, I got placed at Barclays. I have met people in the company who, even after pursuing an MBA in finance, believe that nothing can be better than Imarticus to start a career in investment banking. Imarticus provides immense knowledge about banking that you can easily use once you are placed.

If one is in doubt about how such a short-term course can prepare students so well, browse through its course details. Before you start your banking career, get enrolled under Imarticus Learning, and get a top-notch assistance from professors. The course curriculum is a planned one for helping aspirants.

Ashwadhama Expresses How Imarticus Learning Gave His Career a Starting Point.

Ashwadhama joined Imarticus Learning as a fresher. He was just out of his graduation when he decided to make a career in Investment Banking and went for a training program by Imarticus Learning, and that was the starting point for his career. He never imagined how this one decision of his life could change his entire career path. He is grateful for the experience he gained at Imarticus Learning.
Ashwadhama expresses how he felt that he had so much to learn at first. Matching to the performance and abilities of his peers was quite difficult for him, but as time passed, he bridged the gap and started learning quickly. According to him, this was not a one-day change. It took him some time to learn and implement every concept taught to him, but he gives the due credits to Imarticus Learning’s experienced faculty for making him excel in the course in due course of time. He adds that his peers and the whole environment at Imarticus Learning made him strive for more than he had ever thought about.
Step by step, he climbed the ladder of knowledge at Imarticus and started to like the subject of Investment Banking. With Imarticus Learning Investment Banking Certification Course, Ashwadhama feels that he has achieved a certain level of knowledge to kick start his career in Investment Banking. For him, the course was a holistic approach to a lot of investment banking concepts.
According to Ashwadhama, what makes Imarticus Learning Investment Banking Certification Course different from the rest of the course providers is the in-depth knowledge that is provided. The technical support and experienced faculty help every student achieving his or her maximum potential. With varied types of learning methodologies and case studies given to students, Imarticus Learning is known to provide students with expert-level knowledge to deal with real-life investment decisions. With real-life case studies and paperwork, the institution makes sure that the students learn every bit of a concept so that nothing is missed out.
Ashwadhama is one example of how Imarticus Learning is changing the lives of the students who seek a career in the investment sector.  Referring to some other Imarticus learning reviews, it is quite clear that the institute is not a traditional learning center but a place where practical and theoretical knowledge go hand in hand. With a methodological approach towards teaching major investment lessons, Imarticus Learning is a promise for a brighter future for all its students.
Coming to the placements done by Imarticus Learning, it is quite inevitable that an institution which provides in-depth knowledge about the subject matter gets all its students placed in the best investment banks across the Globe. With a promising placement record, Imarticus Learning has the most interesting placement score as compared to those in the competition.
So, to be a part of the next investment revolution, enroll for a course at Imarticus Learning and take a step towards a better and brighter future. If you are a graduate, postgraduate or a working professional, Imarticus is the right place for you to pivot in the right direction while sketching your career graph.
Going by the positive Imarticus learning reviews, you can surely take a step forward and enroll for the next batch at Imarticus Learning. If you want to know about the various courses, offerings, and curriculum of the classes.
Get to study in one of the most prestigious institutions and build a career on stable foundations. For more details, you can also contact us through the Live Chat Support system or can even visit one of our training centers based in – Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Banglore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Gurgaon, and Ahmedabad.