PREPARATION FOR THE EFA® CERTIFICATION EXAM.

The high levels of competence and sophistication achieved by private banking clients in the last decade have been accompanied by a remarkable development of a series of non-traditional investment instruments. These alternative instruments have come to play a fundamental role in both the clients’ portfolios and in the offering of financial institutions. This course aims to provide students with a clear understanding of the role of private banking in a global environment and to introduce the key factors participating in the decision-making process of a private banking client. Nowadays, investment policy, the cornerstone of wealth management, cannot afford to turn its back on alternative investment products. A business structure that responds to the requirements of investors must develop on the basis of a wholly integrated model within a financial institution.

WHAT IS THE EFA CERTIFICATION?

The European Financial Advisor (EFA®) Certification, granted by the EDPA (European Financial Planning Association) is the most prestigious qualification in Europe in the field of Financial Planning. It was developed by a team of first-rate academicians and professionals from over 10 countries and constitutes a quality guarantee throughout Europe. EFPA promotes the training of professionals of the financial advisory and planning fields through the development and implementation of educational programmes leading to EFPA-sponsored certifications. IEB has been officially accredited by EFPA Spain to offer the EFA certification. In addition, the entry into force of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive in our country had introduced new regulations that must be complied with by investment services providers such as the independent financial advisory service providers, which either as natural persons or legal entities, are the only ones authorized by the Spanish stock market Regulator, along with the Investment Service Enterprises, to render financial advisory services in an independent fashion. These entities must be registered with the Spanish stock market Regulator (CNMV) and are required to possess experience in the financial advisory function as well as specific training.This is precisely where the EFA certification comes in, as it is has been recognised by the CNMV as a valid qualification.