Introduction

A well-trained and efficiently organised Treasury Operations Department is essential to complete every transaction. The Operations Department provides a vital service to the Front-Office by ensuring that all funds flow in a timely and correct manner and that all the necessary documentation is completed.

Taking into consideration the wider job function of the Operations Staff, this examination has been designed to provide a benchmark for competency in all aspects of the operations and settlement processes. It aims to test candidates’ knowledge of the underlying instruments involved in the international financial markets, the processes for efficient settlements and related basic financial calculations. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate appreciation of the scope, importance and the role of the Operations Department, particularly in ensuring an autonomous service to the Front-Office.

• The ACI Operations Certificate is the only International recognized diploma for Financial Markets and Treasury operations staff. No transaction can take place without operations The operations department provides a vital role in client service, compliance and risk management by ensuring that all funds flow in a timely and correct manner and all the necessary documentation is completed.

  The ACI Operations Certificate Candidates will become up-to-date with the latest developments that affect treasury operations. It also helps candidates to understand the front to end treasury flow, which improves the understanding between trading and operations staff.

  Learning Objectives

  After this training you can

  • Describe the roles of dealers, brokers and operations officers
  • Explain the importance of checking and matching confirmation processes
  • Describe different types of settlements
  • Understand the risks involved with third party payments
  • Describe relevant responsibilities, cycle processes and incorporated controls.
  • Calculate reset / fixing rates and margins for plain vanilla derivative instruments
  • Define the features of the major short term fixed income securities
  • Understand the Industry Best Practice for general setup, controls and business contingency planning (BCP)

  Target Group

  • Recent entrants to the Operations Department (Back-Office)
  • Other trading room support areas
  • Internal and external auditors
  • Compliance and risk officers
  • Product Control, Vendors
  • Back and middle-office professionals

  Course Overview

  • This 4-day course gives a clear in-depth view on operational processes, including derivatives and use in hedging, trading and speculation.
  • Using case studies and exercises, delegates will intuitively understand the mechanics
  • The roles of each participant within the financial market will be explained and provides an understanding of the risk management context of Trading, Sales, Middle-Office and Operations.
  • It gives an understanding of how the whole transaction process management flows as well as the importance of providing quality, customer-orientated service to internal and external clients.

  • Overall Financial Market and front to end Treasury View

  • Deal capture, Trade entry & Confirmations

  • Settlement, netting and clearing

  • Reconciliations and investigations

  • Treasury systems and data management

  • Risk management, controls, compliance, documentation

  • Foreign exchange

  • Money market

  • Derivatives

  • Short-term bonds & notes

  • Best Practices Operations

  Methodology

  • The attendants will receive an English written reader of about 200 pages, which they are required to study before the course begins.
  • During the course each subject area will be covered by a Power Point presentation. This is followed by a session answering multiple-choice questions similar to the ACI exam questions.
  • At the end of the course the attendants can take a practice exam consisting of 85 multiple-choice questions. This exam will be discussed for everyone’s  benefit.
  • The home-study material will consist of the course reader with the presentations
  • Together with the studybook a CD with 5 times access to a database of hundreds of “exam like” multiple choice questions can be purchased. This access can be extended to 45 times access. The requirements of set-up, utilization and registration will be discussed during the training.

  Exam

  The examination lasts 2 hours and consists of 85 multiple-choice questions. Some questions might require the use of a basic calculator. The latter will be provided on screen.