The course is delivered through eleven structured lectures, followed by assessment and a final exam.
Lecture 1: Introduction to the CFA Program and Exam
Learners are introduced to the CFA qualification pathway, exam levels, registration timelines, and effective study planning. The lecture focuses on realistic expectations, time management, and long-term preparation strategies.
Lecture 2: Ethics and Professional Standards
This lecture explores ethical principles, professional conduct, and decision-making frameworks expected of financial analysts. Case-based learning is used to demonstrate ethical challenges in real-world finance.
Lecture 3: Quantitative Methods
Learners develop a foundation in quantitative techniques used in investment analysis, including statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis.
Lecture 4: Economics
This lecture covers microeconomics and macroeconomics, demand and supply, monetary and fiscal policy, and international trade concepts relevant to financial markets.
Lecture 5: Financial Reporting and Analysis
Learners study financial statements, ratio analysis, and the quality of financial reporting, building skills essential for equity and credit analysis.
Lecture 6: Corporate Finance
This lecture focuses on capital budgeting, cost of capital, capital structure, dividend policy, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.
Lecture 7: Equity Investments
Learners explore equity valuation methods, market efficiency, industry analysis, and the role of equities in portfolio construction.
Lecture 8: Fixed Income
This lecture introduces fixed income securities, bond valuation, yield measures, yield curve analysis, and credit risk assessment.
Lecture 9: Derivatives
Learners gain an understanding of derivative instruments, including forwards, futures, options, and swaps, with emphasis on practical applications and risk management.
Lecture 10: Alternative Investments
This lecture examines real estate, private equity, hedge funds, and other alternative investments, including their risk characteristics and portfolio role.
Lecture 11: Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning
The final lecture integrates risk–return analysis, portfolio construction, behavioural finance, wealth planning, and performance evaluation.
The assessment and final exam evaluate learners’ understanding of concepts, analytical thinking, and exam-style application of knowledge.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the Financial Analyst Exam Preparation course, learners receive a free digital certificate of completion. Optional premium certificates and academic transcripts are available separately.
