Delta Stream Capital Markets Training Programme - First Derivatives
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FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
Capital Markets
Training Programme
domain
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Delta Stream
FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
First Derivatives Capital Markets Training Programme
The core assets of any consulting organisation are the knowledge and experience of its staff; knowledge
assists insight, experience aids judgement. It is sometimes said that while knowledge can be acquired in the
classroom, experience can only be gained in the field. But that is not necessarily true. Good training should
be as much about imparting experience as instilling knowledge so that recipients are armed not just with
theory, but with practical application as well, This is what the First Derivatives’ Capital Markets Training
Programme (CMTP) achieves.
First Derivatives (FD) provides capital markets consulting services and technology solutions to clients in
London, New York, Hong Kong, Sydney, Sweden, Singapore, Toronto, Chicago or other financial centres. To
support its ongoing expansion and to ensure clients are provided with consistent, optimum service FD uses
the CMTP to provide training to both experienced hires and to graduates in its highly acclaimed Options
graduate recruitment and training programme. There are for main streams in the CMTP:
Capital Markets - this stream focuses mainly on the fixed income market and generic technologies
such as Java and C#. The course provides a thorough understanding of the instruments, practices,
conventions and valuation methodologies in trading and risk management plus training on industry
leading applications used in the front, middle and back office.
Trading Technology kdb+ - this stream works mainly in the equity and futures markets and is
focused on each employee gaining the necessary skills to become a world class kdb+ consultant.
Big Data and Data Science – this stream provide hands-on exposure to new and emerging Big Data
technologies such as Kx, q, Pivotal, Hadoop and SAP HANA for capturing and storing vast amounts
of both structured and unstructured data along with Data Science training on how to explore,
model and unlock the value of the information it contains.
Legal Stream – this stream covers the reporting and compliance obligations under regulatory
initiatives such as Dodd Frank, EMIR and FATCA. It also ensures that consultants in this area have
the complementary technical skills and capital markets knowledge to be able to retrieve and
analyse data from multiple systems as a step towards interpreting and categorising the complex
documentation required for remediating legal contracts and trading agreements.
Once employees are assigned to a stream and progress to their on-site deployment with clients, we maintain
their need to engage with the CMTP over the remainder of their initial 24 months. We provide guidelines on
which materials they need to cover within specific timelines. Ultimately each module concludes with tests
that may combine written, verbal and multiple choice questions. All tests must be passed. At its conclusion
participants possess the detailed, practical, validated know-how that defines FD consultants: Combining
Domain Knowledge and Technical Expertise
FD’s CMTP – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
Practical training in both Delivered by experienced Combining best practices with
Technology and Finance practitioners and specialists real life experience
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FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
CMTP Overview
FD has developed a modularised training programme specially tailored for the Capital Markets – known as
CMTP. We believe that this is a unique world-class programme combining tailored content with rapid
immersion and simulated real world conditions. Our experience is such that we have received positive
feedback regarding the quality of our work and the competency of our resources, each of whom are
productive within weeks of going on site despite, in many cases, being recent college graduates.
Why is the CMTP different to academic qualifications and public courses?
Internal exams A culture of
supplemented by learning and CPD
external supported by a
accreditations - world class
PRMIA, Java training
Certification, infrastructure
MOOCS
Consultants gain a
Extensive syllabus
unique
with supporting
combination of
material,
domain
workshops,
knowledge,
lectures and on-
technology and
line exams consulting skills
Most courses focus exclusively on finance or technology. We focus on both finance and technology.
We, unlike academic courses, pay attention to mundane but practical issues such as day count and
settlement conventions, building order books, reference data or constructing yield curves.
Each area of the syllabus is covered in depth and, where possible, uses a live trading system such as
Calypso to help illustrate the issues.
We have a rolling, continuous programme (not fixed around the academic year) which blends experience
gained on client site with theory. Theory doesn’t become apparent until executed in practice and the quality of
client deliverables is enhanced by appreciating the underlying theory.
Participants proceed at their own pace so they can meet their primary commitment to meeting client
requirements. The CMTP is mainly delivered online facilitating ad hoc, concentrated focus.
The programme continually evolves in response to external changes (e.g. new regulations and the
emergence of new technologies) we deliver a program that is flexible and totally within our control.
Lecturers from academia do not have the experience of working in consulting or development environments.
CMTP trainers are experienced professionals who marry theory with practice.
Participants have access to hundreds of seasoned, experienced consultants for help and mentoring. This
is a key benefit of life at FD for a junior consultant, and this interaction is actively encouraged by Senior
Management.
Many of the engagements undertaken by FD involve the use of specialised third party software such as
kdb+, Calypso or Murex. Training in these technologies is not readily available in academia or via publically
delivered courses. Working with real, live systems and data is central to the training
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FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
CMTP Content and Approach
The CMTP is a structured programme which takes approximately 2 years to complete. The programme is
modular and streamed and consists of a series of lectures, workshops, exercises, online presentations and
associated exams. The programme proceeds in 3 distinct phases – induction, specialisation and onsite work.
There are 3 areas of specialisation – Capital Market, Big Data/Software Engineering and Legal. During
the one month induction period all streams effectively undertake the same study. Following this initial period
the participants specialise in their allocated field.
Below is an outline of the course material and sample syllabus within the Capital Markets Training
Programme (CMTP)
Time Capital Markets Big Data Legal Stream Practical Work
Pre-FD 1.1 / 2.1 or Masters typically in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, Law.
Placement at a financial or technical company e.g. Susquehanna, Microsoft, JP Morgan.
0-1 months Domain: Basic Financial Concepts
Technology IT Basics / Intro to Excel & VBA / UNIX / SQL
1-3 months Domain Domain Domain All Streams Practical
Basic Concepts 2 Equity Market Basic Concepts 2 Experience - Working with
Equity Derivatives FD development team in
Credit Derivatives areas such as testing,
business requirements
Technology Technology Legal analysis and working with
Introduction to Databases (MOOC) Introduction to Databases International Financial the support team.
Software Engineering (MOOC) Law
Software Engineering Negotiation of ISDAs
Introduction to kdb+ Capital Markets
Regulation
Securities Regulatory
Compliance
4-12 months Domain Domain Domain All Streams Professional
Fixed Income Basic Concepts 2 Fixed Income Experience - First onsite
Interest Rate Derivatives Market Data Interest Rate Derivatives engagement
Credit Risk
Technology Technology
Java or C# Intermediate KDB+ Legal
Supporting Financial Systems IPC FATCA Compliance
Algorithmic Program Trading Project Finance
International Trade
Finance Law
13-24 months Domain Domain Domain All Streams Professional
Market Risk ET Futures & Options Market Risk Experience – Second onsite
Credit Risk Fixed Income engagement
Interest Rate Derivatives Legal
Technology Mergers and Acquisitions
Financial System Design Technology Chronology ofCredit
a Bond Derivatives
Release Management Advanced kdb+ Issue
ISTBQ (Software Testing exam) Release Management Aviation Finance Law
Hadoop Finance
Real Estate Market participants
MapReduce Default risk
Technology Downgrade risk
SQL
Financial
Supporting Credit spread risk
Systems Credit default swaps
Project Management
Basket default swaps
Professional PRMIA SAP HANA Cert.
Accreditation Advanced Java Cert. Credit events
C# Cert. Asset Swaps
Total return swaps
Optional Domain Domain Domain
ET Future & Options Equity Derivatives & Options
ET Future Total return index swaps
Equity Derivatives Credit Derivatives
Equity Market Credit linked notes
Credit Derivatives Structured Products
First to default credit
Structured Products
Operational Risk Technology linked notes
Market Data Feedhandler Development Collateralised Debt
Supporting Financial Systems Obligations - CDOs
Technology Financial System Design
Calypso ,Murex, Wall Street Software Testing Synthetic CDOs
IPC Grid Computing Managed synthetic CDOs
C++
Grid Computing
Gui Design
C++
Credit related spreads
GUI Design C Programming Credit spread options
Consulting Option
FD Marketing; Recruitment Training; Team Leader Skills; Project Management ; Communication onInterview
Skills; a defaultable
Training; Professional
Documentation ( Word and PowerPoint Presentations) bond
Option on an asset swap
spread.......
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FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
Aims and Objectives
Once an employee is assigned to a stream and begins their on-site deployment with clients, we maintain
their need to engage with the Capital Markets Training Programme over the remainder of their initial twenty-
four months. We provide guidelines on which materials they need to cover within specific timelines.
Ultimately, every single module results in a test that must be passed through a mixture of written, verbal,
multiple choice and sometimes externally accredited examinations, such as PRIMIA. Our aim at the end of
the initial two year period with the company is for a consultant to have completed a range of assignments
including:
Experience working with a range of different financial products
Competent using a variety of technologies
Practice working with a range of different types of end users (traders, back office, middle office, etc)
Working with numerous disciplines (Business Analysts, Database Administrators, Project Managers,
IT Specialists, etc)
Knowledge of working in a variety of roles (Support, Project Management, Development, Business
Analyst, Implementation)
Vast experience working in a number of different organisations
The ability to present to clients in a confident and professional manner
Primary Objective of the CMTP Programme:
Ensure all consultants have a rounded knowledge of the financial markets including FX,
equity, fixed income and risk management.
Equip all graduates with the knowledge and confidence required to go onto client sites
and contribute immediately to project deliverables.
To expose our graduates to a range of client assignments and internal company projects
so that their knowledge and experience is as broad as possible
To provide our graduates with the opportunity to continuously develop and hone their
skills.
To constantly build and improve on our Capital Markets Training Programme to ensure it
is at the cutting edge of finance and technology training.
To ensure training requests of our staff are met by obtaining in-house feedback regularly.
To develop and build on employees skills throughout the two year programme.
Mentoring scheme – Providing guidance and support in achieving goals
Mentoring is deeply rooted within the FD culture with senior colleagues generously setting aside personal
time to mentor and coach others. All new staff will be matched with an appropriate mentor who will provide
guidance in the following ways ;
Aid induction into the Company and then future projects;
Help in the process of understanding the formal and informal structures of the Company and the
various organisations where you will work;
Enable professional and personal networks to be developed
Provide an opportunity for new members of staff to reflect on their own progress.
For students the mentor programme provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment
and benefit from the experience of others. For mentors it provides a sense of ownership and engenders a
deep seated loyalty and collegiate spirit across the company. For clients the combination of both provides an
unparalleled level of quality and commitment in the services it receives from well informed, dedicated teams.
Over 300 hundred graduates in Mentoring to provide guidance Short listed for Best Training
three years and impart experience programme in Grad Ireland
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FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
Capital Markets Stream
Understanding the Capital Markets
This stream introduces students to the instruments, practices, conventions and valuation methodologies in
the capital markets and the principles of market risk, credit risk and operational risk. The material covered
ensures that consultants can speak the language of front, middle and back office with ease and insight so
that requirement and business objectives can be fully and quickly understood. Graduates in this stream are
encouraged to take the Professional Risk Manager’s International Association (PRIMIA) exams after 2
years to further developer their skills and keep up to date with market trends.
Other Modules include:
Exchange Traded Futures and Options Market Risk
FX Derivatives Operational Risk
Equities and Equity derivatives Credit Derivatives
Credit Risk Financial Accounting
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FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
Capital Markets Technologies
This section covers a range of technology topics ranging from networking and databases to coding and
Software Development LifeCycle (SDLC) principles. Graduates in this stream are encouraged to take further
external training. For Java developers this includes the Level 1: Sun Certified Java Programmer and
Level 2: Sun Certified Java Developer. For C# developers it includes Level 1: Microsoft Certified
Technology Specialist and Level 2 : Microsoft Certified Professional Developer in the areas of MS Web
MCTS, MS Windows MCTS or MS Distributed MCTS. Project managers are encouraged to pursue the
Prince II Foundation Level & Practitioner Level qualifications
Other Modules include:
Supporting Financial Systems Software testing
Silverlight Release Management
Java GUI Design
C# GRID computing
Third party Products
FD provides Implementation, development,
testing and support services for a range of
third party applications including Calypso,
Murex, Wall Street etc.. As part of the
CMTP graduates are instructed on how
these solutions are architected, configured
and deployed and trained on the different
ways they manage workflow, static data,
reporting etc.
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FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
Big Data Technologies and Data Science
The Trading Technology stream is generally undertaken by those who come from a Mathematical, Computer
Science, Physics or Engineering background. The goal of this stream is to give participants the skills they
need to be a valued member of a kdb+ team on a client site. In our experience many talented computer
scientists working at investment banks who are new to kdb+ do not get the luxury of spending dedicated time
with kdb+. Our program is designed to fully immerse the participants in kdb+ programming. They are also
assigned an experienced mentor who is tasked with providing guidance. In this respect we believe the
program is unique.
The kdb+ training is initially based around the material delivered by FD
personnel in our public training courses including the “q for Gods course”.
After the first month the
There is also an additional focus on architecture and design, ticker plant focus moves to practical
infrastructures and IPC. In terms of explicit internal accreditation there are 3 workshops and real life
levels of expertise and there is a large bank of multiple choice questions to trading systems are created
assess progress. As well as studying kdb+, the participants learn about in a workshop environment.
electronic trading, market data, algorithmic program trading and the These projects introduce the
conventions of trading various financial cash and derivatives instruments Agile development
across all the main asset classes. methodology in a practical
environment and give an
On the technology side there are modules covering generic areas such as appreciation of deadlines,
governance, project
testing, system design and supporting financial systems. These sessions are management, version
modulated by an experienced kdb+ professional and cover areas such as control and deployment
ticker plants, order management and front end trading GUIs. These have issues in a relatively benign
proved popular as they draw together the various strands of the program to environment. Junior kdb+
date – developing kdb+ solutions for real life data, trading and risk scenarios. consultants have access to
There is also a weekly technology workshop designed to foster an appreciation some of the most
of issues in the wider technology world such as technology trends, hardware, experienced kdb+ and
networking, computer languages and operating systems, DBA issues, security, market data professionals in
the world
mobile and cloud technology and disaster recovery.
Other Modules include:
Hadoop JSON
Pivotal AngularJS
SAP HANA Mongo DB’s C100
Cloud Computing Cloudera’s DS-2000
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FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
Big Data and the Capital Markets
Our consultants learn about electronic trading, market data, algorithmic program trading and the conventions
of trading various financial cash and derivatives instruments across all the main asset classes. This
incorporates an understanding of areas such as Order Management Systems, limits, margin and collateral,
back testing, real-time risk, settlement, Smart Order Routing, reference data, TCA, FIX messages and P/L
tracking.
Hadoop Training SAP HANA Training
The Hadoop modules provides extensive Consultants complete both HA100 and HA300 training
knowledge of the Hadoop architecture and suite of courses in order to gain extensive knowledge of SAP
products. This training explains the benefits of using HANA. This training makes them fully aware of the
HDFS and the MapReduce framework on clusters of benefits that HANA has over classic databases by
commodity hardware to increase the speed and using in-memory hardware and software to manage
effectiveness of large data throughput. large volumes of data, analyse at speed, and provide
On completion of the module consultants possess access to real time information. The main components
an extensive knowledge of the robustness and of their SAP HANA training include:
scalability of a Hadoop system allowing them to: A detailed overview of the architecture of SAP HANA
Install, configure, and deploy new clusters/nodes; Understanding that SAP HANA combines row-
efficiently program MapReduce code with speed; based, column-based and object-based database
and use Hadoop in practice. technology
The main components of Hadoop training include Overview of the SAP HANA Studio; an environment
understanding HDFS in command line and web for administration, modeling, development, and data
interfaces; the HDFS Java API; the MapReduce provisioning
Java API; How to use MapReduce combiners, Architecture of the Index Server, Data Replication
practitioners and the distributed cache; Relational Methods, SAP HANA System Landscape, and the
manipulation including map-side and reduce-side Back-up and Recovery strategy
joins; Chaining Jobs and Unit Testing with MRunit SAP HANA programming languages, SQLScript and
MDX and its Calc Engine
Data Science
This stream offers unique opportunity to contribute in the Big Data world where the emphasis is on problem
solving using a combination of analytics, mathematical modeling and business understanding. Data
Scientists explore vast amounts of information to detect patterns, trends and correlations that enable
businesses to improve their products, services and
revenue. The skills and techniques learned apply
Data Science V Data Mining – What’s the
across various industries and combine technical
difference?
prowess with business insight and commercial
acumen. Candidates are introduced to the latest
Data Scientists uses the techniques of data mining
technologies for both structured and unstructured
but goes further to make business interpretations of
data including the market leading kdb+ database and
findings, predictions from patterns and
q analytics language, Hadoop, SAP HANA, IOS and
visualization of results
Android all of which are hosted across best-in-class
hardware, mobile and cloud based platforms.
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FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
Legal Stream
The legal stream was developed in conjunction with an external law firm with a brief to create highly practical
modules that introduces legal stream consultants to the type of legal issues encountered regularly in capital
markets. The course consists of ten modules that cover the following areas:—
Introduction to International Finance Law Mergers & Acquisitions (US, UK and
EU)
Negotiating ISDAs
Project Finance Law
Capital Markets Regulation (US, UK and EU)
Real Estate Finance
Securities Regulatory Compliance (US, UK and
EU) International Trade Finance
FATCA Compliance Aircraft Finance
Each module supplies a consultant with a primary module guide (around 50–70 pages) to provide guidance
through the module. The modules also include supporting material, such as relevant case law from US,
English and European courts, leading practitioner pieces on the topic, and academic articles that address the
current and likely future developments in a particular substantive field.
An Example: Negotiating ISDAs
Module Design
To understand the functionality of ISDA’s standard agreements requires:—
1. Deconstructing the ISDA master agreement, the schedule, and credit support annexes to learn the legal
implications of the agreements section-by-section; and
2. Assembling one’s section-by-section knowledge together to form a practical legal understanding of the
agreements as a whole
Module Learning Objectives
A participant should be able to:—
1. identify, and understand the purpose of, all five categories of standard ISDA documentation;
2. identify and understand the purpose of the fourteen sections of the 2002 master agreement;
3. identify and understand how the schedule can alter the terms of the 2002 master agreement;
4. identify and understand the credit support annex (NY and English law) and the role of collateralisation plays
5. identify and understand the function and precedence of an ISDA confirmation;
6. compare and contrast the choices available in the schedule to tailor the master agreement
7. identify common legal issues that can arise when negotiating ISDA agreements;
8. identify and understand how sections operate individually and together as a complete legal agreement;
9. negotiate a basic ISDA deal.
Module Documents
1. Section-by-section Legal Guide that also includes discussion of other ISDA agreements, e.g., the novation
agreements and global legal issues (like tax, insurance, financial markets law) that affect ISDA agreements;
2. Examples of the 2002 Master Agreement (with schedule) and the Credit Support Annex (New York and
English law);
3. Relevant case materials (US and England & Wales)
Module Assessment
Legal stream consultants are assessed through an objective, multiple-choice examination. The examination is
based on a hypothetical ISDA deal between two counterparties, which includes ‘good’ and ‘bad’ negotiated
results. The examination assesses a consultant’s ability to identify and analyse the consequences flowing from
the counterparties’ choices in negotiation
The legal stream consultants do not learn the law in a vacuum. The mastery of the substantive legal areas
requires that one understands the nature of the financial products involved. An indispensable and
competitive advantage of the CMTP programme is the interoperability between distinct components. This
manifests itself, for example, when consultants are undergoing training for Dodd-Frank compliance where to
classify a product as a ‘swap’ requires understanding the nature of the financial product against the statutory,
and regulatory, definition of a ‘swap’.
Page 10 of 16FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
Structured Products & Technology Series
As part of the Capital Markets Training Program, graduates are required to participate in a weekly Structured
Products Workshop. This is designed to augment their financial understanding of actual derivative products.
The three core modules in the Programme are Fixed Income, Equity and FX derivatives. The course, which
is designed to provide an in depth and nuanced understanding of these bespoke products, details the
intricacies of the products within these groups, detailing how and why they are utilised, their pricing and
payoff structure and the comparative benefits. Sample material is illustrated below.
Graduates are also required to participate in a weekly Technology Series Workshop. This is designed to
augment their knowledge of: Hardware and Processing; Operating and Networking Systems; Database
Theory, Software Development & Enterprise Software. Sample material is illustrated below.
Page 11 of 16FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
Making it Happen
Content alone does not ensure knowledge transfer. Oversight is
required to ensure material is read and understood. At FD, we
believe that the development of our consultants begins from day
one of induction into the CMTP programme where cultivating a
discipline around learning is an integral step in imbuing the work-
ethic and diligence clients have come to expect of its consultants.
An induction booklet is the first point of contact for a graduate as it
holds the vital information needed to begin the training
programme. It outlines a 3 month induction training plan in place
for all graduates on the Options Programme, relevant to all
streams.
Month 1 is focused in particular on FD’s ‘Basic Concepts’
learning manual, a bespoke capital markets training manual
focusing on terminologies, concepts and exercises. This
initial foundation is combined with a series of workshops
and tutorials delivered by FD consultants and trainers.
The next two months see a move into an actual working environment, whether it be live kdb+
Development Projects or a testing environment for our FD product base. This gives our graduate
consultants an opportunity to make their mark in the business and to contribute to the growth and
development of FD. As there are a number of different training techniques used at FD we have the
ability to tailor training for our consultants who for example have learning disabilities or struggle with
certain areas, we ensure the right training is provide to support them.
Training Roadmap:
Combining knowledge with Experience Our aim at the end of an initial 2 year period
with the company is for a consultant to have
completed a range of assignments.
Pre FD: Placement/Internship Working with different financial products
Year
Using a range of technologies
Working with a range of different types of
0-1 Month: Induction / Training end users (traders, BO/MO, etc.)
Phase
Working with a range of disciplines (PMs,
BAs, DBAs, IT specialists, etc.)
1-3 Month: Workshops / R&D Working in a variety of roles in a number
Secondment
of different organizations. (e.g. support,
project management, development,
3-12 Months: Onsite business analyst, implementations)
Deployment Project 1
Have a good rounded knowledge of the
financial markets including FX, equity,
12-24 Months: Onsite
fixed income and risk management
Deployment Projects 2,3,4
The CMTP programme enforces a rigorous,
monitored interactive training agenda.
Classes are a mixture of trainer led and self
led workshops where the emphasis is not
only learning but on the complementary
collaboration and interaction skills that are
essential for on-site projects. Scheduled
test and reviews ensure that focus is
maintained, issues are identified and topics
are fully covered. To the right is the sample
agenda for one of the induction weeks.
Page 12 of 16FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
Testing and Accreditation
We have developed a proprietary web-based training tool that allows staff to engage with their training
material and testing, no matter where in the world they are deployed AND at any time of the day or night.
The tool is a critical source of material & testing and includes:
1. Central repository for ALL training material
2. Access to individual employee progress charts
3. Company-wide League Table
4. Central calendar for all scheduled training workshops/tutorials/lectures
5. Management overview of individual, group, stream and company-wide progress
Mechanism to engage with each individual on their progress, update their training report, and interact with
mentors who intervene at appropriate junctures
We encourage competition throughout the
training program, so we have a League
Tests are conducted under Table in existence. Not surprisingly this
tight timelines appeals to many of our high academic
achievers. The League Table also allows
Management to review not only individual
progress, but against peer progress. This
information can be slide and dices by
stream, time at Company, number of
passes to compare and rank candidates
A large number of tests are available online in the form of
multiple choice examinations. We insist on each
employee passing 2 mock tests before they have access
to a final exam per module.. Standards are extremely
high, with the pass mark set at 90%. Each exam typically
is 120 questions to complete within 60 mins.
Once an employee starts an exam, the clock
starts ticking. Candidates are presented 4
questions per screen. Questions are an extremely
taxing mix of true/false with calculations. We try to
ensure that our databases of question are
continually improved both in number and quality;
and that questions are continually checked and
audited for accuracy and validity.
Consultants experience the same competitive environment in training as they do in real life:
Constantly challenged against time, targets and testing
Page 13 of 16FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
Continuous Improvement
The training offered at FD not only focuses on an individual’s career growth and commercial effectiveness, it
provides the opportunity to continuously develop skills. Advancement depends on merit and we have yet to
find the limits to the responsibility our best people are able to assume. Even after our employees start their
on-site deployment, they will remain on the CMTP for a period of 24 months where they will have the
opportunity to hone their leadership and management skills, as well as their financial and technical abilities.
Throughout their career, too, we offer direction and tuition to help them continue their formal education. At
FD, mentoring is deep rooted in our culture and employees are mentored and coached by senior colleagues
FD encourages lifelong learning and personal development through acquisition of knowledge. We encourage
employees to continue to build on their knowledge as the capital markets environment is ever changing. The
training courses that we support currently include:
Professional Risk Management (PRMIA) Exams I – IV
Continuing to Grow and Adapt
Prince II Last year FD also introduced an
Level 1 Sun Certified Java Programme International FE/SE Consulting
Level 2 Sun Certified Java Developer stream which provides a number
Level 1 Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist of options for graduates from
Level 2 Microsoft Certified Professional Developer international universities
ISTQB Software Testing Certification specifically Singapore, North
Regulation and Compliance Certification America and Spain. Globalization
SAP HANA in the workplace, the increased
demand for students graduating
from university particularly in
Why do we support PRMIA technical fields, and diversity are
accreditation? The PRM™ some of the issues FD are faced
designation is an with. Thus FD has tapped into this
independent validation of pool of International students who
skills and commitment to the offer employers a wide range of
highest standard of skills and abilities. At FD we bring
professionalism, integrity, and best practices within the risk together different cultures,
management profession. Becoming a certified PRM will allow languages, professions and
our employees to stand out among their peers, providing them perspectives in one globally
with a competitive advantage with colleagues, clients and integrated enterprise.
prospective employers by developing the necessary skills and
experience needed to succeed in today’s dynamic work
environment.
Why do we support Prince II accreditation? Many of our
employees develop skills and experiences that lead them into
positions of responsibility and management. PRINCE2 (an
acronym for PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a de facto
process-based method for effective project management and
offers non-proprietorial best practice guidance on project
management. Key features of PRINCE2: Focus on business justification; Defined organisation structure for
the project management team; Product-based planning approach; Emphasis on dividing the project into
manageable and controllable stages; Flexibility that can be applied at a level appropriate to the project.
Training cannot remain static: it must evolve in concert with the markets it serves and stay relevant
in response to market development, emerging technologies and changes in regulation. CMTP is a
live training environment to actively track market changes and focuses on practical real-life needs in
order to honour FD’s core principle: Combining Domain Knowledge with Technical Expertise
Page 14 of 16FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
FD Corporate
First Derivatives plc (“FD”) is a leading provider of software solutions and consulting services to the capital
markets industry. Founded in 1996, FD occupies a niche market position in terms of deep domain
knowledge and technical expertise. Headquartered in Ireland, FD has a global presence with offices across
EMEA, the Americas and Asia Pacific.
Publically held company on London Stock Exchange (LSE FDP.L)
Headquartered in Newry, Co. Down, N Ireland
1500+ employees worldwide
Consulting Services:
Multi-Vendor Services – Calypso, Murex, Wall Street, Summit, Opics…
Legal, Regulatory and Compliance
Data Management
Software Development
Big Data and Data Science
Big Data Solutions:
Streams for Kx – high-volume data capture, analysis and distribution
Kx for Flow – Foreign Exchange trading
Kx for Algos – low-latency trading strategies and execution
Kx for Surveillance – for regulators, exchanges and brokers
Kx for AlgoLab – testing, validating and profiling algorithmic trading strategies
Page 15 of 16FD Capital Markets Training Programme – Instilling knowledge, Imparting experience.
Product Suite
Kx Systems is a division of FD and has been a software leader in performing complex analytics on large-
scale streaming data for over two decades. Widely adopted worldwide by top financial services firms
including Goldman Sachs, Millennium Capital and JPMorgan, Kx technology is also used in the
pharmaceutical industry, by utilities and in other industries building Internet of Things and large-scale data
applications. FD offers a range of Kx-based applications providing capabilities in reference data
management, market data management, CEP, algorithmic and high-frequency trading, FX trading, treasury
risk management and market surveillance.
FD provides a range of brochures on its products and services. For more information please contact us via
our website or the numbers below
Contact Us
New York +1 (212) 447-6700
Europe +44 (28) 302 52242
Asia-Pacific +61 (2) 9236 5700
info@firstderivatives.com
www.firstderivatives.com
This information is subject to change without
notice and is offered for information purposes only.
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