The Institute of Banking Studies continued during this year to conduct the "Investment Advisor Training and Certification Program" in view of the agreement signed by the Institute of Banking Studies and Jordan Securities Commission in 2005 in cooperation with AMIR Program (previously),  funded by USAID,  and   the  National Association of Securities  Dealers  (NASD) / USA,  and  following the persistent efforts of the Institute to improve and develop the Jordanian capital market, and to strengthen the concept of specialization in all functions associated with it to be in harmony with the Securities Law and its amendments.

This program which is the first of its kind in Jordan and the region aimed at raising the professional standards of securities market professionals through providing them with a comprehensive knowledge in capital markets, the latest amendments of Securities Law and regulations and the professional values and standards in this respect, as well as the practical aspects of the quantitative, fundamental and technical analysis of investment tools, and investment portfolios and equity . The program also included studying the different uses of the new investment products in local markets, and investment portfolios management according to the latest standards and best practices applied in the international financial markets in addition to enriching the participants' knowledge in linking micro and macroeconomic indicators to capital markets.

This program, which was carried out in English language for (153) training hours has been presented to the participants by specialized trainers whom have attended the Training of Trainers course in 2005 in cooperation with NASD. The program's training units were applied through lectures using various training methods such as discussions, case studies, teamwork, research and strategic sessions. The training program concentrated on theoretical and applied techniques as well .

It is worth to mention that the program has met distinguished participation from various banks and financial institutions as well as investment and brokerage companies. During this year, the program was conducted twice and was attended by (45) trainees who have Bachelor Degrees in finance, accounting, business administration and economics and other similar specializations of Business faculty attended the program. At the end of the program, participants who passed the required certification exam got licenses from Jordan Securities Commission qualifying them to work as Investment Manager, Investment Trustee and Financial Advisor .

The program includes the following training modules:

- Legal and Regulatory Framework.

- Professional Standards and Ethics.

- Quantitative Tools for Investment Professionals.

- Economics.

- Fundamental Analysis.

- Equity Analysis.

- Investment Companies.

- Margin Accounts.

- Fixed Income.

- International Transactions.

- New Products.

- Technical Analysis.

- Portfolio Management.

- The Tax System of Jordan.

- Investment Advisory.

However, the Institute of Banking Studies carried out since the year 2006 till the end of 2008 four programs attended by (86) participants representing different Jordanian banking, financial and investment institutions and brokerage firms.

Moreover, the  Institute has continued to conduct the qualification examinations according to the Jordan Securities Commission regulations for the professionals seeking to be certified from the Jordan Securities Commission and holding a Master's Degree in any specialization of the Business Administration faculties, or a CFA certificate , or have more than five years of practical experience.

Two of these exams were held during 2008 and were attended by (12) employees from different banks and financial institutions and brokerage and investment companies. Therefore , the number of the qualification examinations held by the Institute since 2006 till the end of 2008 totalled (6) examinations attended by (44) employees.

Investment Advisor Training And Certification Program