Finance & Accounting

Chartered Financial Analyst

This course prepares participants for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation by covering investment analysis, portfolio management, and ethical standards. It focuses on practical applications of financial theories and tools, enabling professionals to make informed investment decisions and enhance their analytical skills.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Investment professionals face increasing pressure to deliver superior returns while managing risks effectively. The CFA programme equips participants with the skills to analyse financial statements, assess investment opportunities, and construct diversified portfolios. This course addresses the complexities of financial markets, enhancing the ability to interpret data and make informed investment decisions, which is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the industry. Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world investment scenarios, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge directly to their roles, ultimately leading to improved decision-making and performance in their organisations.

Ethical considerations are paramount in finance, as trust and integrity are essential for client relationships. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios that highlight the importance of ethical standards in investment management. By practising ethical decision-making, participants will develop frameworks to navigate dilemmas, enhancing their credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of clients and stakeholders. This course will also cover the CFA Code of Ethics and professional conduct, ensuring that participants understand the implications of their decisions. Ultimately, this training will empower professionals to uphold high ethical standards while achieving their financial objectives, fostering long-term success in their careers.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of case studies, practical exercises, and simulations to build participants' analytical capabilities. Each day includes workshops where participants apply financial models and valuation techniques to real-world scenarios. Participants will produce financial analysis reports, investment proposals, and ethical decision frameworks as evidence of their learning. This hands-on approach ensures that participants can directly apply their knowledge to workplace challenges, reinforcing their understanding of complex financial concepts and ethical standards. Additionally, peer discussions and feedback sessions will facilitate collaborative learning, allowing participants to refine their skills and enhance their professional network. This methodology supports active engagement and practical application of the CFA curriculum.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse financial statements to assess company performance and valuation.
Calculate key financial ratios and metrics for effective investment decision-making.
Construct diversified investment portfolios based on risk-return profiles and client objectives.
Evaluate investment opportunities using discounted cash flow analysis and comparative methods.
Justify ethical investment decisions in line with CFA standards and best practices.
Compare various asset classes and their impact on overall portfolio performance.
Develop frameworks for ethical decision-making in complex financial scenarios.
Present investment research findings effectively to stakeholders and clients.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Investment Analysts - seeking to deepen their analytical skills and knowledge of financial markets.
Portfolio Managers - aiming to enhance portfolio construction and management techniques.
Financial Advisors - looking to improve client investment strategies and ethical practices.
Corporate Finance Professionals - wanting to strengthen their financial analysis and investment evaluation capabilities.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Financial statement analysis and interpretation.
Valuation techniques for various asset classes.
Portfolio management and risk assessment.
Ethical decision-making in finance.
Investment research and analysis methodologies.
Application of financial models in real-world scenarios.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Foundations of Financial Analysis

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a fictional company's financial statements, calculating key ratios and preparing a brief valuation report using DCF and comparables. They will discuss their findings in small groups to enhance collaborative learning.

Output: A financial analysis report summarising the company's performance and valuation.

09:00–09:54Introduction to the CFA programme and its importance in finance.
09:54–10:48Understanding financial statements: balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement.
10:48–11:00Key financial ratios and their implications for investment analysis.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Key financial ratios and their implications for investment analysis. (continued)
12:12–13:06Overview of valuation methods: DCF, comparables, and precedent transactions.
13:06–14:00Ethics in finance: an introduction to the CFA Code of Ethics and professional standards.

Day 2Investment Valuation Techniques

Applied activity: Using a provided case study, participants will perform a DCF analysis and compare it with market multiples to determine the fair value of a fictional tech company. They will present their valuation methods and results to the class.

Output: A valuation report detailing the findings and recommendations, including a presentation.

09:00–09:54Deep dive into discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis and its components.
09:54–10:48Comparative valuation techniques: multiples and market analysis for different industries.
10:48–11:00Asset-based valuation approaches and their applications in real-world scenarios.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Asset-based valuation approaches and their applications in real-world scenarios. (continued)
12:12–13:06Understanding market efficiency and its implications for valuation accuracy.
13:06–14:00Case study: Valuing a technology company using multiple methods and presenting findings.

Day 3Portfolio Construction and Management

Applied activity: Participants will create a diversified investment portfolio for a fictional client based on their risk tolerance and investment goals, using asset allocation strategies discussed in class. They will justify their choices in a group discussion.

Output: A portfolio construction report outlining asset allocation and expected performance metrics.

09:00–09:54Principles of portfolio theory and the efficient frontier concept.
09:54–10:48Asset allocation strategies: strategic vs tactical approaches to portfolio management.
10:48–11:00Risk management techniques in portfolio management, including diversification and hedging.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Risk management techniques in portfolio management, including diversification and hedging. (continued)
12:12–13:06Performance measurement and evaluation of investment portfolios using benchmarks.
13:06–14:00Case study: Constructing a diversified portfolio for a fictional client based on risk tolerance and investment goals.

Day 4Investment Analysis and Research

Applied activity: Participants will research a specific sector, analyse key indicators, and present potential investment opportunities based on their findings. They will work in groups to enhance collaborative learning and critical thinking.

Output: An investment research presentation summarising the sector analysis and recommendations.

09:00–09:54Conducting investment research: qualitative vs quantitative analysis techniques.
09:54–10:48Understanding macroeconomic indicators and their impact on investment decisions.
10:48–11:00Sector analysis and its relevance to investment strategies and portfolio performance.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Sector analysis and its relevance to investment strategies and portfolio performance. (continued)
12:12–13:06Evaluating fixed income securities and their role in diversified portfolios.
13:06–14:00Case study: Researching a specific sector and presenting investment opportunities to stakeholders.

Day 5Ethics and Professional Standards in Finance

Applied activity: Participants will work in groups to analyse a series of ethical dilemmas faced by finance professionals, developing a decision-making framework to address each scenario. They will present their frameworks to the class for feedback.

Output: A group report outlining ethical frameworks and recommendations for best practices in finance.

09:00–09:54In-depth exploration of the CFA Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
09:54–10:48Real-world ethical dilemmas in investment management and their implications.
10:48–11:00Developing frameworks for ethical decision-making in complex scenarios.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Developing frameworks for ethical decision-making in complex scenarios. (continued)
12:12–13:06Case studies of ethical breaches and lessons learned from them.
13:06–14:00Preparing for the CFA exam: strategies, resources, and study techniques.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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