Fundamentals of Financial Services

A concise and comprehensive primer on financial services that equips beginners with broad sector knowledge and exam-ready confidence.

What will you in Fundamentals of Financial Services Course

Gain clarity on banking fundamentals: history, retail vs. investment banking, roles of central banks.
Analyze key lending products: mortgages, credit lines, payday loans, and compute effective annual interest rates.
Understand investment vehicles: IPOs, stocks (dividend yield, risks), bonds, and issuer credit ratings.

Explore insurance, pensions, forex, fund management, derivatives (options, futures), and fintech innovations.
Learn about ethics, integrity, and the financial services value chain linking savers and borrowers.

Module 1: Introduction to Banking & Saving

⏳ ~30 minutes

Trace the history of banking and distinguish retail, commercial, and investment banking roles.
Examine central banks’ functions, along with savings and borrowing dynamics.

Module 2: Loans & Interest Rate Calculations

⏳ ~45 minutes

Evaluate borrowing products such as credit cards, overdrafts, mortgages, and payday loans.
Calculate effective annual rates and compare lending costs.

Module 3: Investments – Stocks, Bonds & Ratings

⏳ ~45 minutes

Learn how IPOs work and how to calculate dividend yields.
Understand bond investment principles—advantages, risks, and credit rating implications.

Module 4: Derivatives, Forex & Funds

⏳ ~60 minutes

Dive into derivatives (calls, puts, futures), forex markets, and fund vs. direct investing strategies.

Module 5: Insurance, Pensions & Fintech

⏳ ~45 minutes

Explore insurance fundamentals, pension systems, and emerging fintech like crowdfunding and blockchain.

Entry-level friendly: Ideal for roles in retail banking, operations, customer service, and financial advisory.
Certification-ready: Aligns with CISI Level 2, AAT, ACCA, and entry banking qualifications.
Career flexibility: Opens paths in banking, insurance, fintech, financial markets, and wealth management.
Exam prep: Serves as a foundation for finance diplomas/degrees and early-career exams.

9.6Expert Score

Highly Recommended

A strong all-rounder course for anyone new to financial services, combining breadth with practical insight.

Value

9.3

Price

9.5

Skills

9.7

Information

9.6

PROS

Broad coverage of essential financial instruments and market functions.
Ideal for exam prep and foundational finance learning.
Taught by experienced instructors (CA & economics background) with high ratings.

CONS