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Investment Banking 101: Corporate Finance Foundations cover image

Investment Banking 101: Corporate Finance Foundations
Learningidol

Independent Online Learning • Updated 2026 Content • Transparent Pricing • Digital Certificate Included

Summary

Price
£19 inc VAT
Study method
Online, On Demand 
Duration
1.6 hours · Self-paced
Qualification
No formal qualification
Certificates
  • Reed Courses Certificate of Completion - Free
Assessment details
  • Final Exam (included in price)
Additional info
  • Tutor is available to students

Overview

Investment Banking plays a central role in corporate finance, capital markets, and strategic transactions. It supports organisations in raising capital, executing mergers and acquisitions, conducting valuations, and navigating regulatory frameworks.

This course introduces the foundational principles of Investment Banking, examining deal processes, valuation methodologies, financial modelling techniques, capital raising strategies, and regulatory awareness. Learners explore how investment bankers structure transactions, perform due diligence, assess company value, and manage negotiations through to deal closure.

Core modules address discounted cash flow analysis, comparable company analysis, precedent transaction analysis, leveraged buyout modelling, mergers and acquisitions processes, initial public offerings, and underwriting fundamentals. Regulatory frameworks affecting securities markets are also introduced to provide contextual understanding of compliance environments.

Designed for flexible, on-demand study, this programme allows learners to progress at their own pace while completing structured modules, an assignment with evaluation, and a final online examination. Upon successful completion, learners receive a digital certificate of course completion.

This course provides theoretical knowledge and academic understanding only. It does not confer professional financial licensing, regulatory certification, or investment advisory authority, nor does it guarantee employment outcomes.

Certificates

Assessment details

Final Exam

Included in course price

Curriculum

11
sections
45
lectures
1h 39m
total
    • 1: Disclaimer 01:00
    • 2: Lesson 1: Overview of investment banking 02:00
    • 3: Lesson 2: History and evolution of investment banking 02:00
    • 4: Lesson 3: Role of investment bankers 02:00
    • 5: Lesson 4: Functions of investment banking 02:00
    • 6: Lesson 1: Overview of the investment banking process 02:00
    • 7: Lesson 2: Deal origination 02:00
    • 8: Lesson 3: Due diligence 02:00
    • 9: Lesson 4: Valuation 02:00
    • 10: Lesson 5: Negotiation and structuring 02:00
    • 11: Lesson 6: Closing the deal 02:00
    • 12: Lesson 1: Overview of valuation techniques 02:00
    • 13: Lesson 2: Discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis 03:00
    • 14: Lesson 3: Comparable company analysis (CCA) 02:00
    • 15: Lesson 4: Precedent transactions analysis (PTA 02:00
    • 16: Lesson 5: Leveraged buyout (LBO) analysis 03:00
    • 17: Lesson 1: Overview of financial modelling 03:00
    • 18: Lesson 2: Building financial models 03:00
    • 19: Lesson 3: Forecasting financial statements 02:00
    • 20: Lesson 4: Sensitivity analysis 02:00
    • 21: Lesson 5: Scenario analysis 02:00
    • 22: Lesson 1: Overview of capital raising strategies 02:00
    • 23: Lesson 2: Debt capital markets 02:00
    • 24: Lesson 3: Equity capital markets 02:00
    • 25: Lesson 4: Private placements 02:00
    • 26: Lesson 5: Syndicated loans 02:00
    • 27: Lesson 1: Overview of mergers and acquisitions 01:00
    • 28: Lesson 2: Types of M&A 02:00
    • 29: Lesson 3: M&A process 02:00
    • 30: Lesson 4: Valuation in M&A 02:00
    • 31: Lesson 5: Financing M&A 02:00
    • 32: Lesson 1: Overview of IPOs 02:00
    • 33: Lesson 2: Benefits and risks of going public 02:00
    • 34: Lesson 3: The IPO process 02:00
    • 35: Lesson 4: Valuation in IPOs 02:00
    • 36: Lesson 5: Underwriting an IPO 02:00
    • 37: Lesson 1: Overview of the regulatory environment 01:00
    • 38: Lesson 2: Securities Act of 1933 01:00
    • 39: Lesson 3: Securities Exchange Act of 1934 01:00
    • 40: Lesson 4: Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 01:00
    • 41: Lesson 5: Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act 02:00
    • 42: Lesson 1: Career opportunities in investment banking 02:00
    • 43: Lesson 2: Challenges and risks in investment banking 02:00
    • 44: Lesson 3: Future trends in investment banking. 02:00
    • 45: Final Exam 13:00

Description

Investment Banking forms a cornerstone of global capital markets and corporate finance advisory services. This programme provides an academically structured introduction to the core concepts and processes that underpin investment banking operations.

The course begins with an overview of Investment Banking, tracing its historical evolution and clarifying its role in facilitating corporate growth and capital formation. Learners examine the key functions of investment banks, including advisory services, underwriting, and capital market intermediation.

The investment banking process is analysed in detail. Learners explore deal origination, client engagement, due diligence procedures, valuation assessment, negotiation strategies, and transaction structuring. The process of closing a deal is examined to illustrate legal and financial coordination.

Valuation techniques form a central focus of the programme. Learners study discounted cash flow analysis, comparable company analysis, precedent transactions analysis, and leveraged buyout modelling concepts. Emphasis is placed on understanding valuation logic rather than advanced spreadsheet construction.

Financial modelling modules examine forecasting techniques, financial statement projection, sensitivity analysis, and scenario modelling. Learners gain awareness of how analysts test assumptions and assess risk exposure.

Capital raising strategies are explored to illustrate debt and equity financing mechanisms. Learners examine debt capital markets, equity capital markets, private placements, and syndicated loan structures.

Mergers and acquisitions modules analyse types of M&A transactions, strategic motivations, valuation considerations, and financing approaches. The IPO process is examined to clarify underwriting functions, valuation in public offerings, and associated risks.

Regulatory environment modules introduce key securities legislation affecting capital markets. Learners gain awareness of compliance frameworks and governance principles that shape financial transactions.

The programme concludes with analysis of career pathways, industry risks, and emerging trends within Investment Banking.

Assessment includes a structured assignment and final examination designed to evaluate comprehension of corporate finance principles, valuation methodologies, and transaction processes.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for:

  • Learners interested in Investment Banking

  • Students preparing for finance-related careers

  • Corporate finance enthusiasts

  • Business graduates seeking valuation awareness

  • Professionals exploring capital markets

  • Individuals preparing for finance interviews

No prior advanced finance background is required. The programme provides academic introduction rather than regulated financial qualification.

Requirements

There are no formal qualifications required to enrol in this Investment Banking course. Basic numeracy and familiarity with financial terminology are beneficial but not mandatory. Learners should possess English reading comprehension to engage with financial concepts. Access to a stable internet connection and a suitable device is required for on-demand study. Commitment to completing the assignment and final online examination is necessary to receive the digital certificate of completion.

Career path

Investment Banking knowledge may support progression into finance analyst roles, corporate finance assistance, valuation support positions, capital markets coordination, or further academic study in finance, economics, or business administration.

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FAQs

Interest free credit agreements provided by Zopa Bank Limited trading as DivideBuy are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service. Zopa Bank Limited trading as DivideBuy is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, and entered on the Financial Services Register (800542). Zopa Bank Limited (10627575) is incorporated in England & Wales and has its registered office at: 1st Floor, Cottons Centre, Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QG. VAT Number 281765280. DivideBuy's trading address is First Floor, Brunswick Court, Brunswick Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1HH. © Zopa Bank Limited 2026. All rights reserved.