Canadian Investment Funds Course Overview
The Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) provides students with in-depth knowledge of mutual funds. This course is delivered in partnership with the IFSE Institute.
Students will be taught about the various types of mutual funds, the forms to evaluate performance and client’s objectives. This course focuses on case studies and the real-life issues relating to mutual funds sales and individual compliance. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation of what they need to know to be a dealing representative in mutual funds.
The sequence of instruction mirrors the process normally followed with clients in the real world. Lessons provide multiple and concurrent challenges that require integrating many different skills and putting theoretical knowledge into practice. The result is a complete picture of how to structure various solutions for diverse client needs.
The successful completion of the CIFC exam meets the proficiency requirement by the provincial securities commissions for mutual fund licensing.
Academic Partner: IFSE Institute
Ashton College is an Academic Partner of the Investment of Financial Services Education (IFSE) Institute offering the Canadian Investment Funds Course in an instructor led format. This course follows the requirements laid out by IFSE for students to successfully complete the CIFC Exam and meet the proficiency requirements by the provincial securities commissions for mutual fund licensing.
The Investment of Financial Services Education (IFSE) Institute is a leader in online delivery helping Canadians with their financial knowledge with their best in class education and support. IFSE is a not-for-profit, ensuring affordable and accessible education to anyone curious.
Topics Covered/Learning Objectives
Unit 1: Regulatory Environment
- Lesson 1: Regulatory Bodies
- Lesson 2: Regulations
Unit 2: Registrant Responsibilities
- Lesson 1: Ethics
- Lesson 2: Compliance
- Lesson 3: Compliance Issues
- Lesson 4: Registration Requirements
Unit 3: Suitability
- Lesson 1: Strategic Investment Planning (SIP)
- Lesson 2: Suitability Requirement
- Lesson 3: Know Your Client (KYC)
- Lesson 4: Know Your Product (KYP)
- Lesson 5: Assessing Suitability
Unit 4: Economic Factors and Financial Markets
- Lesson 1: Economic Factors
- Lesson 2: Financial Markets
- Lesson 3: Canada’s Financial System
Unit 5: Types of Investments
- Lesson 1: Building Blocks of Mutual Funds
- Lesson 2: Fixed Income Securities
- Lesson 3: Bonds
- Lesson 4: Equities
- Lesson 5: Derivatives
Unit 6: Types of Mutual Funds
- Lesson 1: Introduction to Mutual Funds
- Lesson 2: Mutual Fund Categories
- Lesson 3: Conservative Mutual Funds
- Lesson 4: Growth-Oriented Mutual Funds
- Lesson 5: Competitive Products
Unit 7: Portfolio Management
- Lesson 1: The Portfolio Manager
- Lesson 2: Financial Analysis
- Lesson 3: Mutual Fund Performance and Risk
Unit 8: Mutual Funds Administration
- Lesson 1: Mutual Fund Organization
- Lesson 2: Purchasing Mutual Funds
- Lesson 3: Redeeming Mutual Funds
- Lesson 4: Fee Structure
- Lesson 5: Disclosure
- Lesson 6: Account Types
Unit 9: Retirement
- Lesson 1: Government and Employer Plans
- Lesson 2: Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)
- Lesson 3: Withdrawing from RRSPs
- Lesson 4: Locked-In Accounts
Unit 10: Taxation
- Lesson 1: Canadian Tax System
- Lesson 2: Taxation of Investment Income
- Lesson 3: Taxation of Mutual Funds
Unit 11: Making Recommendations
- Lesson 1: Evaluating the Client
- Lesson 2: Selecting Mutual Funds
- Lesson 3: Asset Allocation
- Lesson 4: Tax-Efficient Strategies
Admission Requirements
None
Instructors
Subject to change without notice
Obada Al-Dimashki
Obada Al-Dimashki is an engaging and interpersonal business professor with extensive experience teaching at various post-secondary institutions across Canada. His teaching has covered several business topics including international business, finance, supply chain and management. Along with his teaching, His industry experience includes international supply chain management at a major industrial group and he has served as a reserve Combat Logistics Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Steve Fooks
Steve is a (CFP) Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS). He has also completed the Certified Executive Coach program at Royal Roads University. He combines his 20 years of industry experience with his passion for education and the development of others. Steve is an Advanced Case Consultant for Canada Life where he works alongside financial advisors as their subject matter expert on life insurance. His focus is on estate planning and corporate insurance planning where he combines his product design and people skills to create custom solutions for clients.
Jason Wong
Jason Wong has extensive knowledge in the wealth management industry and has been practicing financial planning since 2001. Jason started his career through the financial advisory channel in one of the major banks. He then moved on to the independent channel to assist his individual and business clients in achieving their financial goals through comprehensive financial planning. Jason is also a consultant supporting financial advisers in providing wealth management solutions to their clients. Jason holds several industry accreditations: Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Management Advisor (FMA) and Derivative Market Specialist (DMS). He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Manchester, one of the top global business schools according to the Financial Times Global MBA rankings.
Dates
Online
Part-Time:
- February 08, 2023 – April 19, 2023
- Students must devote at least 3 hours per week to attend live webinars
- Webinars will be held Wednesdays from 5:00 – 8:00 pm PST
- Outside of live instructional periods, students will be expected to take part in various independent and/or group activities
Required Materials
Students are required to register and make payment to IFSE to obtain access to all required materials and textbooks; registration details will be emailed to students by Student Services
Fees
The registration fee for this course is $378.
Technical Requirements
Live Online Students
Ashton College uses web conferencing tools for conducting online classes and online learning management systems for managing resources, assignments, and grades. These tools help instructors and students connect live online as well as asynchronously. The basic requirements for online learning include a computer, webcam, speakers, and a microphone or a headset and headphones, along with a reliable internet connection. Though online learning can be pursued using smartphones and tablets, the use of laptops or desktop computers is encouraged for an enhanced learning experience.
This course does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Branch of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. As such, it was not reviewed.
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