Start Date: 10 September, 2008
Exam Date: 7 March, 2009
Times: Wednesday 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Venue: Education Centre, Blackhall Place
Fee: €2,100

Click here for an application form.

Click here for the 08/09 timetable.

Course Objectives
The financial services sector in Ireland has experienced phenomenal growth in recent times, particularly in the investment funds/asset management, insurance and banking sectors, with over 18,000 people currently employed in the International Financial Services Centre (the “IFSC”). This course is designed to acquaint participants with the law in relation to the provision of financial services. It will examine the regulation of the financial services industry, wholesale banking, derivatives, aspects of corporate finance and the funds industry.

Course Structure
The course runs over six months, and is divided into five modules:
Module 1: An Introduction to the regulation of the finance services industry
Module 2: Ethical issues
Module 3: The Irish Stock Exchange & market regulation
Module 4: Funds, insurance and pensions
Module 5: Banking, capital markets & derivatives

Topics on the course will include the following:
· The establishment of the IFSC and current trends
· The role of the Financial Regulator
· Investment services – governing legislation
· Money laundering
· Conflicts of interest & Chinese walls
· Corporate governance
· The Irish Stock Exchange and the markets
· Public offers
· Mergers & takeovers
· Insider dealing & market manipulation
· Funds - an introduction to the funds industry, types of fund structures and the establishment & authorisation process
· Insurance - personal insurance, life assurance, reinsurance
· Pensions – the structure and regulation of occupational and private pensions
· Banking – the legislative framework including the authorisation process and on-going supervision
· Wholesale banking – corporate lending & the inter-bank market
· Structured finance & securitisation
· Derivatives
· ISDA standard swap agreement
· Credit derivatives

Who Should Attend
This diploma is open to solicitors, barristers, trainees and other professionals with an interest in the financial services industry. It is an ideal opportunity for those currently working in the area to broaden the scope and depth of their knowledge. For those considering a career in this ever-expanding area of law, this diploma represents a wonderful prospect of gaining a comprehensive understanding of this technical and innovative area of practice. Please note, if you are not a qualified solicitor, trainee or barrister you must apply with a cover letter and curriculum vitae for approval in order to attend the course.

Lecturers
Lecturers will be drawn from solicitors, barristers, accountants and others with expertise in the field of Finance Law. Previous lecturers include the following: