All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: |
National Certificate: Financial Markets and Instruments |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
50481 | National Certificate: Financial Markets and Instruments | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
SGB Banking and Micro Finance | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
BANKSETA - Banking Sector Education and Training Authority | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
National Certificate | Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies | Finance, Economics and Accounting | ||
ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
Undefined | 120 | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | Regular-Unit Stds Based |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered" |
SAQA 06120/18 | 2018-07-01 | 2023-06-30 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2024-06-30 | 2027-06-30 |
In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise. |
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. |
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
Purpose:
Learners who achieve this qualification are able to understand and interpret information of financial markets and instruments. This allows individuals to enter the financial arena in a practical way. The aim is to provide access in this field to a vast range of individuals. Learners will be able to work effectively towards the field of specialised trading and investment funding transactions. The purpose of this qualification is to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the socio-economic development of the society at large particularly in the context of the financial markets and investments. It aims to provide a solution to historically limited access to the financial markets. The achievement of this qualification enables the learner to utilise specialised financial instruments such as futures, options and other derivatives for trading, funding and investments. Investments could be in an individual capacity or in the corporate environment. It will enable the learner to understand and apply risk measures in the market. The outcomes of this qualification are highly regarded by esteemed institutions in the financial markets who themselves make use of it to build capacity in their own employees. The intention of the qualification is to: The qualification intends to empower the learner to acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to operate ethically and responsibly as financial advisors, planners or intermediaries and to respond to the challenges of the economic environment and changing nature of the financial markets. It should add value to the qualifying learner in terms of enrichment of the person, status, licensing, and recognition. The qualification provides an opportunity to learn and apply academic skills in relation to the workplace and will allow for multi-skilling. The qualification is structured in such a way that it exposes learners to different kinds of investments with a view to enabling them to make an informed recommendation involving financial investments, funding requirements and economic interaction. It is anticipated that the qualification will promote the notion of lifelong learning. Rationale: Financial markets and instruments influence to a large extent most individuals in South Africa. It is thus important that a good understanding and knowledge be imparted as to how they work and what effect they have on a practical basis. The Qualification will meet the needs of learners in a variety of positions in the Financial Services Industry. This qualification will also benefit the corporate environment as the lead participant in financial markets and instruments. The qualification is intended for learners who: The scope of the qualification will reach the following industries: The qualification should also conceptualise the South African Financial Markets relating to worldwide trading and financial environments. The qualification is structured in a way that exposes learners to different kinds of investments with a view to enabling them to make an informed choice of a career path linked to financial investments. The qualification suits the following learners within the above-mentioned environments: This is what this qualification aims to achieve which is in line with current/proposed legislation (for example the FAIS Bill) as well as requirements from regulatory bodies for example the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) and the Bond Exchange of South Africa. The qualification allows an individual to work towards a nationally recognised Qualification. It is flexible enough to accommodate both learners in formal education and learners already employed in the Financial Services Industry. The Qualification at this level is a continuation of a career path that may have started in various sectors of the Financial Services industry. It is also generic enough to allow maximum mobility within the industry. Skills, knowledge, values and attributes reflected in the qualification are building blocks that will be developed further at Level 7. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
A combination of competencies obtained will serve as a learning base to progress into the level 6 qualifications.
It is assumed that learners are competent in the following: Recognition of prior learning: The qualification is specifically designed to accommodate a broad range of recognition of prior learning. This intention is reflected in the structure of the qualification and also in the rules for combination of credits towards the qualification. Generic Unit Standards are used on the NQF to ensure that there is portability and transparency between qualifications and a learner will be able to receive recognition of prior learning on the applicable Unit Standards based on the rules of combination. An assessor has the right to assess any particular aspect of prior learning to ensure the designed outcomes in this qualification are achieved and relevant. This will ensure that up to date understanding of the financial markets and instruments is applied. Recognition of prior learning may allow for accelerated access to further learning. Credits towards a Unit Standard are subject to quality assurance by the relevant ETQA or a relevant accredited ETQA and are conducted by an assessor. In conclusion, the qualification may be achieved in whole or in part through the recognition of prior learning, which will include the learning outcomes achieved through formal and informal learning and through work experience. Access to the qualification: This qualification has open access. Access to the qualification will be based on work experience and/or relevant qualification and training in the financial services sector. Learning disabilities will be taken into account (e.g. blind learners will be given equal opportunity to reach the Exit Level Outcomes). |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
After considering the industry requirements and skills shortages, it was agreed that there should be a common set of Unit Standards applicable to the financial markets and the financial services industry as a whole. This will allow articulation and portability of the qualification within the industry.
15 Credits have been assigned to Fundamentals. These unit standards are regarded as essential for anyone working in the Financial Markets field and therefore are compulsory. The Core learning component contains 78 credits from Unit Standards designated to focus on the areas of Financial Markets and Instruments. They provide an opportunity to develop knowledge through research and the application of knowledge and study skills. These unit standards are compulsory. The Elective unit standards that may be selected in this qualification provide maximum flexibility and allow learners to achieve a Qualification that is relevant to the work they do and to their chosen career paths. It also provides the opportunity to specialise in a specific field. Learners are required to select Electives that add up to a minimum of 27 credits. |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
After completion of this qualification, the learner will be competent to trade, invest and do funding operations, using specialised financial instruments by performing the following exit level outcomes and capabilities:
1. Evaluate the outcome of different investment decisions. 2. Evaluate the performance and results of a company and equity instruments. 3. Evaluate information of the debt market. 4. Identify trends and market movements. 5. Calculating cash flow implications of different instruments. 6. Manage risk in the financial markets. The qualification will play a crucial role in promoting life-long learning. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: The learner who acquires the qualification will be able to show the following critical cross-field outcomes: |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Assessors should use assessment tools to conduct assessments against the unit standards specified in the qualification.
1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: Integrated assessment: In the assessment strategy as a whole, evidence must be established through a variety of options: Assessment tools used include: The assessment must integrate a number of different methods in order to give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of required attitudes. Throughout the qualification use is made of both formative and summative assessment methods, to ensure integrated assessment results. The final integrated assessment needs to have the following characteristics: It should measure applied competence. It should thus assess whether learners are able to integrate the ability to perform important financial actions (a practical competence), understand the theoretical basis for these actions (foundational competence), and reflect on and make changes to financial and investment practices (reflective competence). |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
The demands on worldwide financial markets are influencing the local market. South Africa has seen various foreign direct investments into the country and local markets have spread to international markets. An example of this is where the local equities market system was merged with the London Stock Exchange system. Various local companies are listed on international bourses (New York Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange, etc.). The South African market is also linked to the international financial market in areas such as debt (i.e. government raises capital by issuing instruments on the international markets) and foreign exchange.
The leading countries in the financial market are the United Kingdom (London) and the United States of America (New York). International comparability of unit standards and qualifications was essential to ensure that South Africa incorporates global standards and events. The Qualification compares and correlates with known and accepted international qualifications and programmes. Outcomes of this qualification benchmark with similar international entities and programmes such as: 1. Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA): The CFA Institute is a global organisation that awards the CFA designation (Chartered Financial Analyst). The institute is responsible for education and professionalism in the industry since 1925. The organisation is made up of more than 70 000 individuals from a worldwide base. The Institute follows the Global Investment Performance Standards, which guides the industry. Several of the CFA programmes relate to the qualification. The following programmes were reviewed and compared: > Economics: Focus areas include macroeconomic analysis, money and the banking system, inflation, monetary and fiscal policies, financial environment and foreign exchange. These compare favourably with trends and market movements, investment decisions and equity market and instruments in the qualification. > Analyse Equity Investments include functioning of the securities market, indices, security valuations, industry analysis and equity concepts. These compare favourably with equity instruments and company results in the qualification. > Financial Statement Analysis: Focus areas include structure of financial statements, income vs. assets, cash flow statements, analysing cash flows, earning per share, inventory review and other working capital. This compares with company results and equity instruments. > Fixed Income Investments: Debt securities, risk associated with bonds, sector reviews, yield spreads, valuations and cash flow considerations are included. This compares with the debt market, cash flow implications, different investment decisions and risk in the qualification. > Derivative Investments: Derivative market review, forward and future contracts, options, swaps and risk management application of option strategies are included. This compares with the different investment decisions, equity and debt markets and managing risk in the financial markets. > Portfolio Management addresses asset allocation, portfolio management and pricing models. This compares with different investment decisions and market movements. 2. ACI Financial Markets Association: ACI consists of over 15 000 members in 78 countries. They are based in Europe and provide a portfolio of examinations aimed at dealers in the financial markets and personnel supporting the trading function in banks and financial institutions globally. They run a programme called the ACI Dealing Certificate, which is a prerequisite in some countries before a dealer, may trade. The ACI syllabus includes: Interest rate evaluation, Money Market instruments and derivatives relating thereto, the Foreign Exchange markets and swaps, settlement procedures and the risk environment. These areas relate to trends and market movements, risk, investment decisions and the cash flow of different instruments. It also directly compares with the debt market. 3. Global Assessment of Risk Professionals (GARP): GARP is a not-for-profit association consisting of 51430 individuals around the world (over 100 countries) who are involved in financial risk management. Areas they address include banks, asset management firms, insurance companies, central banks, securities regulators and hedge funds. Their Certification Examination (FRM) programme has increasing recognition of the global risk management community. GARP review and publish trends, strategies and best practices affecting financial risk management. The GARP qualifications mainly address and compare with the risk element of the qualification. Their programmes include Market risk measurement and management, Credit risk and Operational risk. The following fields are addressed: derivatives, fixed income securities, interest rates, cash-flow at risk, bond pricing, credit ratings, credit spreads, portfolio credit risk, liquidity risk and hedging. These focus areas relate to the qualification in managing risk in the financial markets, evaluate the debt market and evaluating different investment decisions. 4: New York Institute of Finance (NYIF): Over the past 80 years the NYIF presented programmes to assists financial services companies and multi-national corporations. They have trained over 600 000 business professionals worldwide. The group includes the Financial Times and other known financial intellectual capital entities. They adhere to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) for continual education. The relating programmes include the International Capital Markets, which addresses different types of instruments, value measurement of the debt market and foreign exchange. Other programmes (Global Markets, Practical Economics and Fund selection) include emerging market and other world market reviews, inflation, debt, foreign exchange, Unit Trusts, asset allocation and indexing. These programmes compare to the cash flow implications of different instruments, debt markets and different investment decisions in the qualification. It also looks at different trends and market movements. 5. Chartered Institute of Management Accounts (CIMA): CIMA is a leading global membership body that offers an internationally recognised professional qualification in management accountancy. CIMA has over 65 000 members in 156 countries. CIMA qualification is based on three pillars, namely Business Management, Financial Management and Management Accounting. The last two pillars mentioned overlap with this qualification as compared below. The CIMA qualifications relate in the following manner: > Financial Management Pillar: Financial Statement analysis, measurement of income and capital, control and measurement performance. > Management Accounting Pillar: Risk and internal control and management of financial risk. This compares with the qualification in managing risk in the financial markets by using different instruments and techniques. It also relates to the evaluation of company performances. African and SADC Countries: Different programmes that are used in the SADC and other African countries were reviewed: 1. Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute of Eastern and Southern Africa (Mefmi): Mefmi is a regionally owned institute with 13 member countries in Southern and Eastern Africa. Their mission and focus is to build sustainable capacity in Central Banks, Ministries of Finance and Planning Commissions. They are guided and quality assured by the member countries in the region. Their relating programmes include: Debt management, Macroeconomic management and Financial sector management. The outcomes of these programmes include portfolio analysis, recording systems, economic modelling, monetary policy formulation, time, value of money, foreign exchange and internal controls. These programmes compare well with the qualification applying the financial markets in an African context. It strongly addresses areas such as the debt market and managing risk in the financial markets. 2. South African Reserve Bank College: The college was established to upgrade the central banking skills of individuals to the highest level to support the mission of the Bank and that of other central banks in the SADC region by offering a variety of training opportunities itself or in conjunction with other training institutions. > Financial Market Analysis: This programme is run in conjunction with the IMF Institute addressing areas such as the role of financial markets, financial instruments, money market instruments, bonds and equity pricing. SARB College also has a Derivatives programme. These programmes compare favourably with the qualification in that it addresses risk management in the financial markets and assists evaluation of different investment decisions. Conclusion: In selecting the unit standards a comparison between the South African and international markets was done. This is an essential link between the global economy and the local market indicating the sensitivity of the market interactions. The qualification compares well with leading international programmes and qualifications. This qualification will give the learner a competitive ability in the international financial markets and instruments environment. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
The qualification articulates the needs in the following industries/fields:
This qualification will also assist and enhance similar qualifications in the financial markets and instruments arena. The qualification builds on a range of outcomes in various sub-sectors and will provide articulation with a range of qualifications. Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
Internal and external moderation of learner achievement is essential to meet requirements of transparency, affordability, fairness, reliability and validity.
The moderation process will support the professional and educational development needs in the financial markets sector. Moderation of the qualification will occur through the process of moderation established for individual unit standards. The following will be included in the moderation: |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
|
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
NOTES |
N/A |
UNIT STANDARDS: |
ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
Core | 14517 | Apply basic economic principles to the financial services sector | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Core | 117821 | Enhance work practices within a treasury by the application of market knowledge in a banking environment | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 15 |
Core | 12887 | Demonstrate an understanding of the functioning of the international financial markets within the South African context | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 18 |
Core | 12883 | Evaluate companies based on their financial statements | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 15 |
Core | 12896 | Analyse and evaluate the financial markets | Level 7 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7 | 15 |
Core | 117820 | Identify the risk implications of trading associated within a treasury in a banking environment | Level 7 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7 | 10 |
Fundamental | 12882 | Perform mathematical and statistical calculations relevant to the financial markets | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 15 |
Elective | 12881 | Complete and submit reports within the financial markets sector as required by legislation and by company policy | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Elective | 13402 | Demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts of corporate finance | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Elective | 13401 | Demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts underlying private equity transactions | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Elective | 14524 | Demonstrate and apply knowledge and insight into property as an investment | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 3 |
Elective | 117773 | Explain the structure and mechanics of Financial Markets | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 28 |
Elective | 117806 | Manage risk within a forex trading environment | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 18 |
Elective | 7350 | Structure a banking-related solution to meet a financial need involving foreign exchange | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 20 |
Elective | 7347 | Structure a financial solution to meet a business banking need | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 16 |
Elective | 117764 | Calculate and analyse investment performance | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 20 |
Elective | 12889 | Demonstrate an understanding of the settlements processes applicable to the financial markets | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 15 |
Elective | 117770 | Maintain system data in an Asset Management back office environment | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 25 |
Elective | 117772 | Manage and support systems used in Asset Management administration | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 15 |
Elective | 117760 | Monitor, interpret and process all corporate events, and entitlements on holdings | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 25 |
Elective | 12895 | Offer equitable deals to clients based on up-to-date knowledge of the structure, functioning and status of the relevant financial market | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 15 |
Elective | 12886 | Operate within the ethical, professional and legal limits of the South African and international legislation and codes of practice regulating the financial markets | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 20 |
Elective | 12890 | Operate within the rules and directives of the financial markets exchanges | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 12 |
Elective | 117767 | Perform fund accounting for client portfolios | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 20 |
Elective | 117761 | Update and verify security valuations to ensure accurate portfolio market values | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 30 |
Elective | 12892 | Demonstrate an understanding of the use of micro- and macro-economic indicators as forecasting and planning tools within the financial markets | Level 7 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7 | 18 |
Elective | 12893 | Identify and control risk within the financial markets | Level 7 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7 | 15 |
LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
NONE |
PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: |
This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here. |
1. | AAR Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd |
2. | Aubrey Nyiko Business Enterprise cc |
3. | BLU AGRIFUXION SOLUTIONS (PTY)LTD |
4. | Chippa Training Academy (Pty) Ltd |
5. | Cornerstone Supreme ( Pty ) Ltd |
6. | DC Academy |
7. | Fachs Business Consulting and Training |
8. | FINANCEIUM SCHOOL OF BUSINESS (PTY)LTD |
9. | Jumpstart Training Institute |
10. | Lotus Academy Pty Ltd |
11. | Maharishi Invincibility Institute NPC |
12. | MAT 007 (PTY) LTD |
13. | NEW GENERATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT |
14. | Novia One Group (Pty) Ltd |
15. | NUBIAN SKILLS CONSULTING (PTY)LTD |
16. | Octomate Education Pty Ltd |
17. | RIAPHATHUTSHEDZA |
18. | The Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences (Pty) Ltd |
19. | The Institute of Literacy Advancement |
20. | THE SHERQ CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE PTY LTD |
All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |