Master of Science in Wealth Management
The Master of Science in Wealth Management is jointly offered by the Wealth Management Institute (WMI), Singapore Management University () and Swiss Finance Institute (SFI). This is a unique programme which brings together global participants, reputed practitioners and eminent academics to provide a rich forum to discuss developments in the industry. The curriculum is designed and developed in close consultation with the wealth management industry. This specialised postgraduate programme covers aspects of asset management, private banking, processes, products and services related to wealth management.
Programme Features Full-time 12-month programme Five modules of two weeks each Four modules are conducted at Singapore Management University () and one module at Swiss Finance Institute in Switzerland. Opportunity to visit Zurich to experience Swiss-style wealth management Invaluable insights from senior industry leaders in wealth management Global investment management with contextualized Asian perspectives Cross-cultural interaction amongst faculty, industry and class participants Internship opportunities with leading fund management companies and private banks Participants must complete 21 courses including an Advanced Study Project to meet the academic requirements of the master degree awarded by. Programme structure JUL JUL OCT JAN MAR JUN Preparatory I II III IV SFI V + + + + Internship Internship Internship Internship Advanced Study Project & Project Presentation Internships and Scholarships A unique feature of the MSc in Wealth Management is the availability of internships. The WMI will facilitate the process of placing students in internship positions with prominent financial institutions. The opportunities of these on-site learning will complement the classroom seminars. Scholarships sponsored by our industry partners are available to qualified participants. Student loans are also available for those who require assistance. For more information, please visit our website at www.wmi.com.sg/master_prog.html.
Curriculum I Building Blocks to Managing Wealth Financial Statement Analysis This course covers key accounting concepts and techniques, corporate accounting objectives, conventions and standards and the rules that govern disclosures. Topics include ratio and cash flow analysis, off-balance sheet activities, taxation and the different standards of accounting practices in different parts of the world. Macroeconomics for Financial Markets This course provides participants with a foundation in the economic concepts and theories necessary to understand and analyse the state and outlook of the global economy and their impact on financial markets. Basic concepts in macroeconomics will be introduced. The role of monetary policy and exchange rate policy in managing interest rates, inflation and trade competitiveness will be discussed and the linkages to strategies for investment management will be highlighted. Quantitative Methods For Investment Analysis This course covers basic techniques in data analysis with special reference to investment. A practical orientation will be adopted focusing on identification of appropriate techniques, execution of analysis and sound interpretation of results. Topics include probability theory, decision tree analysis, hypothesis testing, correlation and covariances, regression and time series analysis. Global Financial Markets This course equips participants with the ability to decipher market dynamics. Participants will be able to determine what moves the market and why; how to stay close to the market and feel its pulse; how to make informed decisions about market movements, and how to make an educated conjecture about evolving trends. II Deepening Wealth Knowledge Analysis of Equities This course covers the process of fundamental analysis as a tool for security selection. It discusses a number of equity valuation techniques appropriate for specific industries and/ or companies. It also discusses discounted cash flow and relative pricing models, financial ratios, financial risk, efficiency and returns. Corporate Finance This course focuses on decisions affecting corporations in the area of investment, financing and dividend payments, operations and restructuring. Analysis of Fixed Income The course focuses on fixed income markets, products and basic analytical tools. Topics include term structure of interest rates, yield curve dynamics, duration and convexity, bond portfolio management strategies and credit rating. III Specialisation of Wealth Needs Derivatives Concepts of derivative pricing for instruments such as forwards, futures, options, and swaps will be covered. This course will also examine option price sensitivity and valuations models such as Binomial and Black-Scholes as well as the use of derivatives in trading, hedging and investment. Structured Products This course covers the foundations and use of structured products by banks, financial institutions and investment managers. These products include convertible bonds, mortgage-backed securities, option-embedded bonds, equity-linked notes, dual currency options, reverse floaters and similar forms of innovative financial instruments. Participants will develop an understanding of the risk, return and structuring of some of these products, and their use in investment management. Portfolio Management This course focuses on the process of fund management. It covers the basic concepts of investments, including risk and return, market efficiency, portfolio diversification, special strategies and performance evaluation. Tax and Estate Planning This course focuses on asset ownership structures and holding of assets through individuals, companies and trusts. It will address the incidence of taxes, tax planning, estate protection, succession and distribution. The different categories of taxes relevant to the private investor and their impact on wealth accumulation and distribution will be discussed. Seminars in Wealth Management This course features topical issues affecting the Private Banker in today s wealth management industry. Hedge Fund Strategies This course will provide participants with an understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of hedge fund investments, strategies, products and the risk/return of hedge fund investments.
IV Global Wealth Management (conducted in Switzerland) International Wealth Planning This course discusses major concepts underlying international laws and regulations related to wealth planning. Participants will be taught major principles in international estate and tax planning and learn to identify opportunities for clients and recommend optimal solutions. Investment Advisory Process This course covers the process of client advisory and ethical concepts in wealth management, taking into account the need to understand the cultural backgrounds of high net-worth clients. Participants will strengthen personal and negotiation skills in handling demanding customers. Special Topics in Wealth Mangement This course covers a number of special topics including Family Business and Family Office and Strategic Issues in Private Banking. Field Trips and Bank Visits Field trips and bank visits provide participants with exposure to Swiss banks and their organization structures. V Wealth Expansion and Development Ethics Participants will develop an appreciation and understanding of business, financial and personal ethics. This course will explore business responsibility from different theoretical and management perspectives. Risk Management Participants will develop an understanding of financial risk management as an essential part of wealth management, and as a powerful tool to produce enhanced results in wealth management. Private Equity and Real Estate This course provides an in-depth analysis of private equity (including venture capital and buyouts), and real estate investments. The due diligence process, valuation models such as discounted cashflow models and alternative pricing models will be covered. Advanced Study Project All candidates are required to complete a project which allows them to apply the concepts and principles of wealth management in a commercial setting. Wealth Management & the Law This course covers the essential aspects of the law as it affects financial advisers. The topics include the regulation of financial advisers, negligence liability, contractual liability and international legal aspects.