SAM accredited e-learning courses

The topic Portfolio Management deals with various aspects of portfolio formation and performance measurement. A number of different measurement methods for risk and return as well as the concept of diversification are discussed.

In addition, the benefits of performance measurement are explained. Finally, light is shed on various strategic and procedural aspects of asset management.

The subject of derivatives explains the properties and types of derivatives as well as forward transactions. Basic options transactions are also presented and the factors determining the value of options are discussed.

The subject of derivatives explains the properties and types of derivatives as well as forward transactions. Basic options transactions are also presented and the factors determining the value of options are discussed.

In addition, the topic focuses on key option indicators and their interpretation. Finally, various option strategies from the perspective of the investor as well as exotic options are presented.

The topic of investment funds deals with various key aspects of the investment fund business, in particular the advantages of fund investments, the fund offer for investors and the legal bases in Switzerland and the EU.

Different types of appraisal of investment funds are highlighted, including the calculation of the net asset value (NAV).

Furthermore, fund rates, standardized cost variables, and tax aspects of investment funds are explained.

The topic structured products will be taught over six modules. Module 1 and 2 introduce the investment category; they serve to elaborate on the basic structure as well as the four core classes of the structured products.

The topic of structured products examines the structure, key features, investor expectations, opportunities and risks of this asset class.

In addition, the four basic product categories – capital protection products, yield optimization products, participation products and leverage products – are presented and their fundamental differences illustrated. On the basis of practical examples, specific product types are explained in detail within the four product categories.

In addition to the traditional investments – i.e. in particular investments in interest rate instruments and equity investments – there are a number of other asset classes which complement the investment universe and are of great significance to the customer for reasons of diversification.

These include a variety of different investment categories, e.g. precious metals, commodities, and real estate. Furthermore, foreign exchange markets and foreign exchange transactions are also discussed in this context.

In addition to the traditional investments – i.e. in particular investments in interest rate instruments and equity investments – there are a number of other asset classes which complement the investment universe and are of great significance to the customer for reasons of diversification.

They include, among others, investments in private equity and hedge funds, which are presented in this topic.

The topic Wealth Management Advisory deals with various aspects of the wealth management business. It covers behavior-oriented approaches in the generation of wealth, different investment needs during the course of the life cycle, and business considerations of wealth management activities.

The topic of taxes deals with various tax aspects that are important for client advisors.

In addition to questions on the tax system, the topic also includes various types of taxes, in particular the principles of profit and capital tax, withholding tax, inheritance and gift tax and property gains tax.

The topic of Codes of conduct within compliance explains central guidelines and instructions on how employees behave correctly in different circumstances in day-to-day bank practice.

It includes, in particular, rules on employee transactions, handling of gifts and benefits, conduct guidelines in case of conflicts of interest as well as the handling of client relationships which could damage the bank’s reputation.

The topic of data security and confidentiality explains key principles and guidelines for dealing with data and information.

In particular, it covers the instructions for the classification of information, the handling of data and the use of electronic devices.

This module addresses the provisions on Investment Suitability & Appropriateness under MiFID II. It deals with the general duties of care and faith. Moreover, it explains the categorization of clients and the different obligations that must be complied with.

The module also examines the different obligations in asset management and investment advisory business compared to Execution Only relationships. Moreover, it presents the financial products that can be marketed to the different client categories. Finally, the importance of the client’s domicile is addressed.

The topic of investment funds deals with various key aspects of the investment fund business, in particular the advantages of fund investments, the fund offer for investors and the legal bases in Switzerland and the EU.

Different types of appraisal of investment funds are highlighted, including the calculation of the net asset value (NAV).

Furthermore, fund rates, standardized cost variables, and tax aspects of investment funds are explained.

The topic Portfolio management deals with various aspects of portfolio formation and performance measurement. A number of different measurement methods for risk and return as well as the concept of diversification are discussed.

In addition, the benefits of performance measurement are explained. Finally, light is shed on various strategic and procedural aspects of asset management.

The subject of derivatives explains the properties and types of derivatives as well as forward transactions. Basic options transactions are also presented and the factors determining the value of options are discussed.

The topic structured products will be taught over six modules. Module 1 and 2 introduce the investment category; they serve to elaborate on the basic structure as well as the four core classes of the structured products.

The subject of derivatives explains the properties and types of derivatives as well as forward transactions. Basic options transactions are also presented and the factors determining the value of options are discussed.

In addition, the topic focuses on key option indicators and their interpretation. Finally, various option strategies from the perspective of the investor as well as exotic options are presented.

The topic of Structured Products examines the structure, key features, investor expectations, opportunities and risks of this asset class.

In addition, the four basic product categories – capital protection products, yield optimization products, participation products and leverage products – are presented and their fundamental differences illustrated. On the basis of practical examples, specific product types are explained in detail within the four product categories.

In addition to the traditional investments – i.e. in particular investments in interest rate instruments and equity investments – there are a number of other asset classes which complement the investment universe and are of great significance to the customer for reasons of diversification.

These include a variety of different investment categories, e.g. precious metals, commodities, and real estate. Furthermore, foreign exchange markets and foreign exchange transactions are also discussed in this context.

Asset classes which complement the investment universe also include, among others, investments in private equity and hedge funds, which are presented in this topic.

The topic of Codes of conduct within compliance explains central guidelines and instructions on how employees behave correctly in different circumstances in day-to-day bank practice.

It includes, in particular, rules on employee transactions, handling of gifts and benefits, conduct guidelines in case of conflicts of interest as well as the handling of client relationships which could damage the bank’s reputation.

The topic of data security and confidentiality explains key principles and guidelines for dealing with data and information.

In particular, it covers the instructions for the classification of information, the handling of data and the use of electronic devices.

Many areas of financial services have been impacted by digitalisation and this trend is likely to accelerate in the near future. In this module, we will examine the impact of digitalisation and financial technology (fintech) in banking.

Topics covered will include digitalisation of banking services, an introduction to big data and artificial intelligence and how they are being utilised in the financial services sector, including robo-advisors, distributed ledger technology and blockchain, and use of social media.

In this module you will become familiar with the concept of sustainability and its meaning in the investment and lending business. In particular, you will get to know criteria that can be used to assess the three sustainability dimensions of environment, social affairs and corporate governance with regard to an investment or a loan. At the same time, you will learn more about possible strategies for investing financial resources sustainably. You will also receive an overview of sustainability ratings. Finally, you will be shown the features of sustainable banking.

In the module «Family Offices: Structure, governance, and staffing» we focus on the structures that are chosen by Families to run the Family Office. We analyse similarities and differences between Single and Multi Family Offices. Also, we have a look at various governance mechanism that might be chosen by the family to effectively lead the office.

After studying this module,

• you understand the ESG philosophy and its three key topics;
• you can explain drivers and motivations of ESG investing as well as different ESG investing strategies;
• you are aware of the challenges of ESG investing and what can be done to address them;
• you understand the size and growth of the ESG investment market.

The objectives of this module are:

• to get an overview of how ESG is integrated in the investment process;
• to understand how the different ESG investment approaches are applied in practice;
• to understand the major motivations of clients with regard to ESG investing;
• to get an overview of the special features of ESG investment in different asset classes.

The learning objectives of this module are:

• to give an overview of the goals and approaches for considering ESG factors in the financing and lending business;
• to know the current relevance of these approaches in practice;
• to know the importance of ESG risks in corporate financing and approaches for assessing and controlling them;
• to know about approaches to promote a sustainable economy;
• to know the importance of ESG factors in mortgage financing and approaches to promote the construction and renovation of sustainable real estate.

After studying this module,

• you will get an overview of the international ESG regulations;
• you will know how financial products are classified within an EU ESG framework;
• you will understand how clients’ objectives are taken into account in the advisory process and which regulatory requirements need to be complied with;
• you will learn about the ESG guidelines of SwissBanking and the FINMA guidance on greenwashing.

After studying this module,

• you understand the key role of ESG assessments in the ESG investment process and get an overview of the content of ESG assessments, focusing on two important approaches, Best-in-Class and ESG Integration;
• you can provide examples for ESG indicators and ratings used in ESG assessments;
• you can give an overview of the sources and quality of the data used in ESG assessments;
• you can explain differences between ESG investment products by understanding the divergences of ESG assessments in practice.

After studying this module,

• you understand the concepts of stewardship, engagement and voting;
• you are aware of the purposes and goals of engagement;
• you can explain how engagement processes are managed in different asset classes;
• you have got an overview of stewardship codes.

Over the last few years, global sustainability has gained significant traction, although its concerns are not recent. Already in the last century, there were many public disconformities and manifestations on the adverse effects on society caused by issues like war, human rights violations, industrial pollution, and corruption.

Together with climate change, pandemics, and the rapid growth of the world’s population, these challenges must be addressed globally. This concerns the entire economy including finance and asset management.

It is essentially about taking the environmental, social and governance (ESG) consequences and impacts into account in investment and credit decisions, as a complement to financial factors.

In this set of modules, you will understand key trends in ESG philosophy and ESG investing, its data and analysis, as well as stewardship and investor engagement.

The Data Protection Act aims to protect the privacy and fundamental rights of natural persons.

The introductory module describes the aim and purpose of the Data Protection Act, the most important principles of data processing and important measures
to ensure data security.

In Module 2, essential rights and obligations are listed in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Finally, the third module deals with the data protection legislation in Europe from the perspective of a Swiss company and with the enforcement of the data protection law.

The introductory module describes the ecosystem of digital assets as well as their significance and mode of operation. In addition, basic terms are explained and differentiated from one another.

The second module contains an overview of cryptocurrencies. Their three primary areas of use are explained and their function as an asset class and as a means of payment is discussed.

The third module looks at various investment opportunities in cryptocurrencies. The fourth module contains tools and strategies for trading and custody of cryptocurrencies.