A Practical Guide To Financial Services

Written in an accessible style from a consumer perspective and blends academic research with professional insights. Deals with all essential aspects of financial services that affect consumers and how they can exploit opportunities. Each of the chapters contain a list of learning objectives; a range of scenarios, case studies, examples and articles to provide a “real world” context to the discussion; a key points summary with referencing and further reading and useful on-line resources, as well as, a selection of short self-review questions. Enables readers to understand how the operations, complexity and dynamism of an ever-changing financial services industry shape the financial opportunities and risks they face.

This practical guide discusses the specific intersection of the laws of tort and contract with financial services and where this gives rise to claims against financial institutions and professionals.

Are you fully prepared for the implementation of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime across financial services firms and the related regulatory scrutiny on conduct and accountability? The 2008 financial crisis sparked major changes in global financial services regulation with attention and resources focused on the behaviour of firms and senior individuals and how they conduct their business. Regulatory reforms have been designed and implemented globally to address accountability and conduct in financial services. In the UK this has resulted in the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR) being implemented across all FSMA-regulated firms. Conduct and Accountability in Financial Services: A Practical Guide provides comprehensive and expert guidance on how best to implement and comply with the SM&CR. In addition to acting as a guide to rule book requirements and regulatory expectations, it provides an in-depth look at the implications of the global focus on culture and conduct risk. A must-read text for all staff in UK financial services firms, professional associations, industry bodies, regulators, academics and advisers to financial services organisations, it covers: The context and regulatory basis for SM&CR including an overview of the development and roll-out of the regime Analysis of key changes from the previous 'approved person' approach Practical considerations for HR, internal audit and non-executive directors The increasing role of culture and conduct risk A practical overview of enforcement, penalties and learning lessons from enforcement actions Overarching principles of how to manage personal regulatory risk Regulatory relationship management The impact of technology An overview of related global developments Appendices with timeline, bibliography and a selection of other useful sources for senior managers Conduct and Accountability in Financial Services: A Practical Guide is on the syllabus reading list for the Regulation and Compliance exam offered by the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments.

"This practical guide on the management of financial risk is an essential reference source for a wide range of professionals in fields related to financial services. The book adopts a highly practical approach and helps the reader to understand the main classes of risk affecting a financial institution and how they are managed. The clear layout encourages the reader to dip in to the book for guidance on particular subject areas, making this title an essential guide on the subject."

Young people face unprecedented financial challenges: rising student debt, stiff competition for jobs, barriers to home ownership, dwindling state benefits and prospects of a longer working life. Today, students need financial knowledge and skills more than ever before, not just to build their own financial security, but to create the new generation of advisers that can help all citizens navigate the complex world of personal finance. Essential Personal Finance is a guide to all the key areas of personal finance: budgeting, managing debt, savings and investments, insurance, securing a home and laying the foundations for retirement. It also provides an introduction to some of the essential foundations of a modern undergraduate finance qualification, including: The nature of financial institutions, markets and economic policy that shape the opportunities and decisions that individuals face. The range of financial assets available to households, the risk-return trade-off, basics of portfolio construction and impact of tax. The importance of the efficient market hypothesis and modern portfolio theory in shaping investment strategies and the limitations of these approaches. Behavioural finance as a key to understanding factors influencing individual and market perceptions and actions. Using financial data to inform investment selection and to create financial management tools that can aid decision-making. A comprehensive companion website accompanies the text to enhance students' learning and includes answers to the end-of-chapter questions. Written by authors who contribute experience as financial advisers, practitioners and academics, Essential Personal Finance examines the motivations, methods and theories that underpin financial decision-making, as well as offering useful tips and guidance on money management and financial planning. The result is a compelling combination of an undergraduate textbook aimed at students on personal finance and financial services courses, and a practical guide for young people in building their own financial strength and capability.

Packed with international case studies and examples, the book begins with a detailed analysis of the state of CRM and e-business in the financial services globally, and then goes on to provide comprehensive and practical guidance on: making the most of your customer base; systems and data management; risk and compliance; channels and value chain issues; implementation; strategic implications.