Online Class: Investing 301 — Investment Banking

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
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15Lessons
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23Exams &
Assignments -
215Students
have taken this course -
9Hours
average time -
0.9CEUs
Course Description
Embark on a captivating journey through the intricate web of investment banking, as we illuminate the shadowy corners and demystify its arcane processes. While the term "bank" might evoke images of a standard financial institution, an investment bank stands apart, playing dual roles of both the master strategist advising corporations and the conduit linking eager investors to corporate aspirations.
This course promises not just a deep dive into the nuances of investment banking, but an exploration into its very soul. Delve into the art and science of mergers and acquisitions, the strategies behind restructuring, and the myriad bold moves that propel companies to global prominence. Remember, each investment bank, like a character in an epic tale, has its unique flavor, ethos, and strengths, but the core tenets remain universal.
As we traverse this enlightening path, we'll recount tales from history, tackle challenges head-on, strategize using time-tested tactics, and paint a holistic picture of the industry's vast landscape. Investment banking, though seemingly an enigmatic fortress, can be deciphered into fundamental financial tenets, and we'll guide you every step of the way.
In today's rapidly evolving economic landscape, brimming with unprecedented challenges and opportunities, financial acumen isn't just an asset; it's a necessity. From navigating the aftermath of global financial upheavals to riding the wave of meme stock surges, the informed individual stands tall, unswayed by the tumultuous ebb and flow of global economies.
Embracing this knowledge arms you with the foresight to shape your financial destiny, influence corporate trajectories, and elevate those in your professional and personal circles. Whether you're steering a business, charting a career path, or simply looking to be a beacon in financial discussions, this course is your compass.
We're not just imparting knowledge; we're crafting financial wizards. Equip yourself with this invaluable toolkit, and the world of investment banking will no longer be a maze, but a playground awaiting your mastery. Your journey to becoming an informed financial maven begins here. All you need to do is take that first step.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1. Understanding Investment Banking
Investment banks offer financial services that include advising clients like corporations and governments to enhance their capital via techniques such as underwriting. To excel, investment bankers need strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, often working long, demanding hours in a hierarchical structure similar to other financial sectors.Lesson 2. Investment Banking: From Merchants to Modernity
Investment banking traces back to early merchant cultures but has transformed remarkably over time, especially in the last century as its legal and functional landscapes evolved. Initially diverse and expansive, early investment banks have scaled globally, influenced by periods of regulation like the Glass-Steagall Act and recent Dodd-Frank legislation.Lesson 3. When Investment Banking Stumbles
Key financial events such as the Panic of 1907 and the 1929 crash underscore the importance of strict banking regulations to maintain market stability. Learning from past mistakes helped mitigate the impacts of the 2007-08 crisis, emphasizing the value of historical economic insights.Lesson 4. The Three Pillars of Investment Banking
Front office roles in investment banks focus on client interaction and revenue through investment banking, sales, and trading, with pitch books playing a key role in client decision-making. Middle and back offices support these efforts with risk management and operational support to ensure successful transactions.Lesson 5. Streamline and Collaborate: The New Mantra for Survival
Surviving the economic challenges post-crisis requires investment banks to focus on core competencies and integrate new technologies. Leadership plays a crucial role in navigating these changes, fostering cost efficiency and agile adaptation.Lesson 6. Investment Banking Hurdles: Strategic Solutions Explored
Location decisions for investment banks hinge on market goals, requiring careful alignment with regional or global opportunities. Weighing pros and cons of different hubs aids firms in maximizing business and talent acquisition strategies.Lesson 7. Locating Success: Strategic Hubs in Banking
The digital transformation in investment banking demands that firms enhance their client experience while avoiding over-reliance on tech solutions, ensuring that human interaction retains its value. Effective use of AI should support, not replace, traditional client engagement methods.Lesson 8. How Do Investment Bankers Sell Companies?
Investment bankers play a crucial role in facilitating company sales, often achieving higher prices and smoother transactions. Their process involves evaluating business value, strategizing and identifying potential buyers, and expertly managing negotiations and documentation.Lesson 9. M&A Essentials: Financial Strategies Explored
Mergers and acquisitions involve five key steps: self-assessment, target company research, due diligence, negotiation, and integration, aiming for a mutually beneficial agreement. Failures often arise from mismatches between companies, poor execution, or overconfidence in projections, underlining the complexity and high stakes involved.Lesson 10. The Dynamics of Fixed Income: Strategies for Stability
Money market funds invest in short-term government and company debts, offering security against fluctuating interest rates and providing quick liquidity. They maintain market stability, serving investors seeking minimal risk exposure while preserving capital.Lesson 11. Profits and Perils of Leveraged Buyouts
Investment banking plays a crucial role in LBOs by providing valuation analyses that guide potential financial strategies and return expectations. These analyses help assess the viability of acquiring candidates with favorable characteristics like low debt, steady cash flow, and market maturity for optimal financial outcomes.Lesson 12. Risk and Reward: Understanding DCF Assumptions
This lesson explains how discounted cashflow analysis can be used to project a company's future value, underpinned by the concept of the time value of money. Despite its precision, the method's reliability can be questionable if built on unsound assumptions or single valuations.Lesson 13. Financial Statements: A Beginner's Guide
Income statements focus on operational success by outlining revenue and expenses, ultimately leading to net income, a key indicator of profitability. Earnings per share provide an abstract view of profit distribution, although real-world reinvestments often deviate from this notion.Lesson 14. Stock Basics for the Long-Term Investor
Investing in stocks can be profitable if one adopts a long-term, patient approach, while ignoring the daily market fluctuations often hyped by media. Through diverse portfolios and fundamentals, investors weather market cycles, where bull and bear runs symbolize broader economic trends.Lesson 15. Future-Proofing Investment Banking
Facing competitive pressures and diminishing traditional revenue streams, investment banks must adopt cutting-edge technology and reevaluate their strategies. Fintech offers the potential to revolutionize operations, drive innovation, and secure a foothold in the increasingly digital financial ecosystem.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and describe the primary functions of an investment bank, including underwriting and mergers and acquisitions.
- Recognize and differentiate between the major client types served by investment banks, such as corporations and government agencies.
- Describe the early origins of investment banking and explain its evolution from merchant partnerships to modern institutions.
- Identify and analyze the impact of regulatory changes, such as the Glass-Steagall Act and Dodd-Frank Act, on the transformation of investment banking practices.
- Describe the impact of historical banking crises like the Panic of 1907 and the 1929 Crash on the development of regulatory measures.
- Explain how the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act contributed to the financial instability leading to the 2007-08 financial crisis.
- Explain how the potential conflicts of interest in investment banking are managed through various regulations and structural barriers like the 'Chinese wall.'
- Identify the three primary divisions of an investment bank (front office, middle office, back office) and describe their respective functions.
- Analyze the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing investment banks' operational efficiency and client services.
- Evaluate the impact of regulatory changes on investment banks' profitability and operations.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and apply strategic location considerations to enhance competitive advantage in investment banking.
- Evaluate various technological and operational adaptation strategies to overcome financial market challenges faced by investment banks.
- Describe how investment banks can achieve a balance between cost reduction and business optimization while maintaining a competitive edge.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

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Time to complete | 6 months |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
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Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
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