Expand+Requirements
The CIFD Programme is designed for all fund directors, or those with extensive asset management or funds experience who aspire to become investment fund directors. It is also a valuable programme for those operating in director/senior m...

Hide-Requirements
The CIFD Programme is designed for all fund directors, or those with extensive asset management or funds experience who aspire to become investment fund directors. It is also a valuable programme for those operating in director/senior management positions within fund promoter, fund management companies and service provider organisations, those responsible for the regulation of investment funds and institutional investor personnel responsible for the oversight of fund governance frameworks within their portfolio of investment funds.

Please contact Kate Walsh for details on the CIFD, Certified Investment Fund Director programme at kate.walsh@iob.ie

Expand+Requirements
The CIFD Programme is designed for all fund directors, or those with extensive asset management or funds experience who aspire to become investment fund directors. It is also a valuable programme for those operating in director/senior m...

Hide-Requirements
The CIFD Programme is designed for all fund directors, or those with extensive asset management or funds experience who aspire to become investment fund directors. It is also a valuable programme for those operating in director/senior management positions within fund promoter, fund management companies and service provider organisations, those responsible for the regulation of investment funds and institutional investor personnel responsible for the oversight of fund governance frameworks within their portfolio of investment funds.

Please contact Kate Walsh for details on the CIFD, Certified Investment Fund Director programme at kate.walsh@iob.ie

Expand+Overview
The Certified Investment Fund Director (CIFD) Programme is the flagship programme of the Certified Investment Fund Director (CIFD) Institute, a specialist institute within IOB.

A not-for-profit institute, the CIFD Institute’s objective...

Hide-Overview
The Certified Investment Fund Director (CIFD) Programme is the flagship programme of the Certified Investment Fund Director (CIFD) Institute, a specialist institute within IOB.

A not-for-profit institute, the CIFD Institute’s objective is to raise global standards in investment fund governance.

For more information on the CIFD Institute and the CIFD Programme, please see www.cifdi.org. or contact Kate Walsh, Relationship Manager, Executive Education kate.walsh@iob.ie

Details
The Certified Investment Fund Director Programme is delivered through an intensive combination of class-based, on-line, and self-directed learning.

This is a blended learning programme, where class-based learning is supported by additional reading, online webinars and individual learning outside the classroom.

This approach allows for time-constrained professionals to manage their own learning journey whilst still benefiting from the interactive and peer learning that a classroom environment provides.

Expand+You will study 10 modules;
Module 1 (Online): Fundamentals of Alternative Investments Programme
• Fundamentals of Alternative Investments

Module 2 (Online): Risk Management and Board Oversight
• Overview of risk management concepts, includi...

Hide-You will study 10 modules;
Module 1 (Online): Fundamentals of Alternative Investments Programme
• Fundamentals of Alternative Investments

Module 2 (Online): Risk Management and Board Oversight
• Overview of risk management concepts, including inherent and residual risks and risk appetite
• Role, governance and organisation of the risk management function of a management company
• Role of fund directors in providing risk oversight
• Future developments and trends impacting risk management

Day 1:
Module 3.1: Investment Fund Governance I
• Purpose of investment fund governance
• Governance sources: hard law and soft law
• Role of investment fund boards including risk management and embedding culture
• Fit and Proper assessments
• Composition of boards: knowledge, independence and diversity
• Investor engagement and stewardship
• Induction and continuing training
• Directors' duties, collective responsibility and accountability

Day 2:
Module 4: Fund Distribution and Board Oversight
• Distribution life cycle from a customer and product perspective
• The role of the board in relation to fund distribution
• Relevant regulatory requirements
• Industry trends relating to distribution
• A distribution oversight model

Module 5: Transfer Agency and Board Oversight
• Overview of transfer agency function
• The Regulated and Controlled Environment
• A case study to help understanding what the main points of attention for a Fund Director are

Day 3:
Module 6: Portfolio Management and Board Oversight
• Evaluate the key components of the portfolio management function
• Identify the impact of the key economic macro drivers on the potential investment opportunities and risks for funds
• Comprehend how the portfolio management function is evolving through the growth in private markets and new ways of investing
• Assess the evolving regulatory environment which is shaping fund strategy

Day 4:
Module 7: Investment Fund Valuation and Board Oversight
• NAV Calculation Vs. Valuation of a Fund's Assets
• Considerations when choosing your Calculation Agent
• Legal and Regulatory Framework
• Considerations for the Valuation Operating Model Accounting for fair value accounting

Module 8: Anlaysis of Investment Fund Financial Statements
• Role of external audit
• Financial statements of investment funds
• Audit Process and Audit Opinions
• EU Audit reform

Day 5:
Module 9: Investment Fund Regulation
• Relevance of regulation to specific business areas
• Cross border distribution of funds: considerations
• 'When things go wrong' case-based discussion

Module 3.2: Investment Fund Governance II
• Preparing for board meetings, virtual meetings
• Board dynammics
• Ethical decision making


Online: Custody and Board Oversight
• Custody models / prime broker models
• European regulatory framework and the implications for depository liability
• Custody risk
• Effective board oversight of custody of asset