Financial Markets Practitioner

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Financial Markets Practitioner. Financial Markets Practitioners provide services across various functions in the stockbroking and investment environments. They are involved in the take-on of clients, the assessment of clients' investment needs, the development of suitable investment portfolios, trading and settlement of financial markets transactions, the management of corporate actions and the monitoring and re- balancing of portfolios. A qualified learner will be able to: • Analyse, evaluate and review information on securities and market conditions for investment purposes and prepare market-related reports and communication. • Interpret, evaluate and apply financial markets legislation and regulations in the provision of investment services. • Evaluate clients' investment needs and objectives and provide investment services. • Apply the ethics, principles, values and processes as prescribed when trading on behalf of clients. • Settle financial market transactions according to accepted practice/s. • Manage corporate action events and calculate their effects on the market and on client portfolios.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements • NQF Level 6 qualification in finance or a related field of study, OR • NQF Level 6 qualification with three years' relevant assessed work experience in the financial markets.

The Financial Markets Practitioner occupation is currently one of the occupations in high demand in South Africa. In addition to the overall need for skilled financial markets practitioners, the South African Institute of Stockbrokers (SAIS) as well as the Association for Savings and Investment in South Africa (ASISA), were extensively consulted in the development of this qualification, confirmed that there is a need for transformation in the financial markets industry. This qualification was developed in order to enhance the flow of young financial markets practitioners into the labour market and to support the growth of the number of Black professionals in the industry. The financial markets play a critical role in the functioning of the economy. All the activities that take place in the financial markets are regulated through legislation and through the rules and regulations of the various regulating bodies and exchanges. For the system to function optimally and to serve the interests of market participants and the economy as a whole, it is imperative that all financial markets practitioners are fully qualified to perform the functions entrusted to them in a competent and ethical manner. This qualification provides access to learners with a general financial qualification at NQF Level 6 to specialised occupations in the areas of investment advice and portfolio management, trading and settlement and investment administration. It also provides an opportunity for people already employed in the industry to obtain a formal qualification. This qualification forms one of the entry level qualifications that lead into the learning pathway towards the registered designation of Certified Stockbroker (SA).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements • NQF Level 6 qualification in finance or a related field of study, OR • NQF Level 6 qualification with three years' relevant assessed work experience in the financial markets.

• Analyse, evaluate and review information on securities and market conditions for investment purposes and prepare market-related reports and communication.
• Interpret, evaluate and apply financial markets legislation and regulations in the provision of investment services.
• Evaluate clients' investment needs and objectives and provide investment services.
• Apply the ethics, principles, values and processes as prescribed when trading on behalf of clients.
• Settle financial market transactions according to accepted practice/s.
• Manage corporate action events and calculate their effects on the market and on client portfolios.