Securities OperationsFoundation Course (SOFC)I C M A E X E C U T I V E E D U C AT I O N

Course OverviewThe Securities Operations Foundation Course (SOFC) is an introductory level qualification intended for anyone

entering a career in the securities operations area of the financial markets.

The course has been specifically designed to impart essential information necessary for delegates to develop

a thorough understanding of securities (both equity and debt) markets and, in particular, securities operations

concepts. The course instructor will explain all topics from the perspective of how operational processing is

impacted, including the identification of processing risks and the internal and external controls employed to

mitigate such risks. The course conveys numerous conceptual points, which are combined with emphasis

on the practical aspects of securities operations, including day-to-day challenges.

In order to check that participants have fully understood the topics, numerous exercises are run throughout

the course by delegates working either independently or in small groups.

The course does not assume any prior study or work experience other than a general awareness of the financial

markets.

Being a Level I course within ICMA’s suite of operations courses, the SOFC is an ideal starting point for those

delegates who are new to securities operations, or for existing operations personnel looking to increase their

understanding of the business.

Course StructureThe structure of the SOFC comprises two main areas, initially generic operations concepts, followed by securities

operations concepts.

Generic operations concepts is covered on Day 1 in the morning and comprises a range of concepts that are

applicable across the spectrum of operations disciplines, including (but not limited to) securities operations.

Securities operations concepts is covered over two complete days (until lunchtime on Day 3), and utilises all the

concepts covered in Generic operations concepts, additionally focusing on numerous vitally important aspects of

securities processing. The carefully considered sequence of topics results in delegates gradually accumulating their

understanding in a series of linked building blocks.

The SOFC exam takes place on the afternoon of Day 3, following a ‘free’ revision period, during which the

delegates may choose to self-study; alternatively the instructor will be available to answer any questions and clarify

any doubts about the course material.

“Very useful course to help me better understand the challenges facing the world of securities operations.The material was very high quality, which I have used regularly for reference in my role of designing newsolutions to improve Post Trade processes.”

Sam Romilly, Program Manager – Post Trade, SWIFT

The content of SOFC is as follows:

Generic Operations Concepts

• The Financial Services Environment

• Financial Products Overview

• Financial Markets Overview

• Major Participants

• Fundamental Banking Operations Concepts

Securities Operations Concepts

• Securities Products

• Equity & Debt Issuance

• Trade and Settlement Concepts

• External Trading Infrastructure

• Internal Trading Infrastructure

• External Settlement Infrastructure

• Internal Operations Infrastructure

• Trade Cash Value Calculation

• The Securities Trade Lifecycle: Overview

• Other Securities Transaction Types: Overview

Target Audience

The SOFC is targeted at people entering the world of securities operations

and personnel currently working within this field who wish to gain a broader view

on how their role relates to the bigger picture.

The course is applicable to (amongst others), those working for investment banks,

brokers, buy-side institutions (e.g. mutual funds, pension funds, supranational

organisations), central securities depositories, custodians and regulatory bodies.

In terms of responsibilities within such organisations, the SOFC is suitable for those

working in the following areas; operations, middle office, compliance, risk, legal,

IT and all other non-front office areas.

The course is open to ICMA members and non-members.

Course Content

“I found the course very interesting. The teaching method was excellent and explained many topics around asecurity settlement, with plenty of opportunities for questions and feedback. I will not hesitate to recommendthis course to my colleagues.”

Nina Skansen, Markets Support & Clearing, DnB NOR Markets

Mike Simmons: Mike is an operations specialist and the Programme Director

for ICMA’s Operations stream of training courses. He has been involved with

the capital markets and operations throughout his career, focusing originally

upon securities settlement and more recently on the broader aspects of operations

(derivatives, trade finance, payments, corporate finance and corporate lending).

Mike is the author of two books on Operations – ‘Securities Operations: A Guide

to Trade & Position Management’ and ‘Corporate Actions: A Guide to Securities

Event Management’, both published by Wiley Finance.

Mike is Course Director for ICMA’s Securities Operations Foundation Course (SOFC)

and the Operations Certificate Programme (OCP), and teaches various specialist

operations courses including Collateral Management and Corporate Actions.

Course Director

“The course helped me update my existing business knowledge and analyse the differences between the UKand German markets”

Alexander Lauterbach, Head of Finance, VEM Aktienbank AG

Course Information and RegistrationFeesThe cost is GBP 1,875 for ICMA members and GBP 2,450 for non-members

with further discounts as follows:

2 to 4 candidates – 5% discount each*

5+ candidates – 10% discount each*

*Please note that discounts are applied by way of a refund to the organisation when registration

has closed and the final number of candidates from the firm has been determined.

Payment can be made by secure online credit card or by invoice. Please note that

selecting the invoice method will add GBP 50 (administration fee) to the course price.

Note that anyone requiring accommodation to take the course will be required to

arrange this on their own; it is a class-based but non-residential certificate programme.

Further Information and Course RegistrationTo register please use our online registration system:

www.icmacentre.ac.uk/exec_registration/

For any questions about the course, please contact:

David Senior

Business Development Director

Email: david.senior@icmagroup.org

Tel: +44 (0)20 7213 0329

“The course provided me with a full insight into the securities settlement process.”

Amel Marzoug, Operations Manager, Ikano Fund Management

International Capital Market Association(ICMA)Talacker 29PO Box CH-8022 ZurichSwitzerland

Tel: :+41 (0)44 363 4222Fax: +41 (0)44 363 7772Email: education@icmagroup.orgwww.icmagroup.org

International Capital Market Association Limited(ICMA Ltd)23 College HillLondon EC4R 2RPUK

Tel: +44 (0)20 7213 0310Fax: +44 (0)20 7213 0311Email: education@icmagroup.orgwww.icmagroup.org

ICMA CentreHenley Business SchoolUniversity of ReadingWhiteknightsReading RG6 6BA, UK

Tel: +44 (0)118 378 8239Fax: +44 (0)118 931 4741www.icmacentre.ac.uk

The ICMA Centre, University of Reading has an international reputation for providing

quality teaching programmes tailored to the capital markets industry. Established in

1991 with funding provided by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA),

the Centre is housed in a purpose-built modernist building with state-of-the-art

facilities including two dealing rooms. In 2008, ICMA enabled an expansion

to the building that now includes an additional 50 seat dealing room, 170 seat

lecture theatre as well as new seminar rooms and a dedicated research area.

ICMA Centre

The International Capital Market Association (ICMA) is a unique organisation and

an influential voice for the global capital market. It represents a broad range of

capital market interests including global investment banks and smaller regional

banks, as well as asset managers, exchanges, central banks, law firms and other

professional advisers. ICMA’s market conventions and standards have been the

pillars of the international debt market for over 40 years.

The International Capital Market Association

ICMA Executive EducationFor many years ICMA Exective Education has made investment in executive

education for the financial markets a priority. Its courses are administered and

overseen by the ICMA Centre at Henley Business School, University of Reading.

Five Certificate Programmes are offered:

• Financial Markets Foundation Course (FMFC)

• Securities Operations Foundation Course (SOFC)

• International Fixed Income and Derivatives (IFID) Certificate

• Operations Certificate Programme (OCP)

• Primary Markets Certificate (PMC)

All are recognised as certificates of competence in the capital markets and are

successfully completed by large numbers of international participants each year.