SAQA 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: 

Advanced Certificate in Financial Markets and Disruption 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123447  Advanced Certificate in Financial Markets and Disruption 
ORIGINATOR
Novia One Group (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced 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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0729/25  2025-02-04  2028-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-02-04   2032-02-04  

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:
The purpose of the Advanced Certificate in Financial Markets and Disruption is to develop an informed understanding of the structure and types of financial markets. The qualification offers learners the opportunity to understand the characteristics of each market, the risks involved in trading on these markets, and the technological innovations and disruptions within financial services and provides them with the skills and knowledge to lead organisations and teams in an agile manner during times of disruption. Learners will apply specialised procedures or techniques and develop an understanding of the importance of problem-solving and critical-thinking strategies.

In addition, the qualification is designed to provide learners with foundations on which they can build a successful and fruitful career in Financial Markets. It has a distinct focus on the various types of financial markets and capital markets, with a supporting theme of disruption in leading agile organisations and FinTech which are important for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The qualification has been developed to meet the skills demand identified within the business environment, thus maximising relevance for learners.

Learners will gather, evaluate and utilise information from a range of information sources employed in the financial sector, including industry research and publications relevant to the field of study and level of work. The qualification requires learners to communicate verbally and produce written text during learning and assessment tasks and in addressing workplace-based case studies in the interest of building problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Opportunities for self-evaluation, as well as guidelines and tools to implement appropriate action to manage own learning and promote the learning of others, are offered throughout the qualification.

Rationale:
The Global Economic Forum Report, 2015 considers the 2007- 2009 financial crisis as the worst since the Great Depression and it contributed to the failure of key businesses, declines in consumer wealth, substantial financial commitments incurred by governments and a significant decline in economic activity. Many causes have been proposed with varying weight assigned by experts.

The international financial sector temporarily went into a state of demise following mutual distrust between financial market participants. The financial crisis transformed the way that the interaction between banking, capital markets, economics and politics were viewed. This change led to tighter global regulation, greater efforts to develop capital markets to operate in healthy co-existence with a bank-based financial system and a more pivotal role for central banks. In the wake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, technology is changing the face of finance, particularly as trust in the financial market sector has generally eroded.

Financial Markets play a vital role in facilitating the smooth operations of economies. Some financial markets are small with very little activity and others are larger and deal with millions and billions of Rands daily. All the activities that take place in the various financial markets and the banking sector are regulated through legislation and the rules and regulations of various regulating bodies. For the financial market system to operate optimally and to serve the interests of market participants and the economy, it is important to provide the market with skilled and knowledgeable financial market practitioners. The Financial Market sector has also been impacted by digital disruption over the past couple of years to further improve and regulate the financial system.

The "Future of Work" report published by the 2020 World Economic Forum (WEF), emphasised the importance of critical skills to be developed, especially amidst Covid-19 and post-pandemic. The report also highlighted the important role of education and the changing role of education to refocus efforts on the upskilling of learners. The 2019 WEF Report emphasised the importance of digitisation in financial sectors, and this will lead to further disruptions in the Financial Market sector.

The qualification will provide an integrated learning pathway and more importantly, develop the cognitive and practical skill sets of learners to enhance their employability in the 21st Century. The qualification was designed to meet the demands of businesses operating in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The qualification will therefore enable seamless articulation between the current occupational offering and higher education offering, as envisaged in the White Paper Post-school Education (2013). This should enable career progression, professional development and building a talent pipeline to contribute towards global competitiveness in accordance with the twelve pillars of the 2019 WEF.

The qualification serves as an additional step in the learning pathway that the institution offers to its existing student body: it aims to provide increased access to higher education, which should empower learners to function and progress in the Financial Market sector, which plays not only a vital role in South Africa's economy but also in the Global Economy.

The qualification was developed in response to a need identified in consultation with various business industries and based on a 'gap' identified in suitable higher education qualifications at this level, facilitating the desired skills and knowledge required by employees operating in Financial Markets. Employees are not only required to have a sound theoretical understanding of the various aspects related to Financial Markets, but they also need to have a deep understanding of the practical workings of the sectors and markets.

The qualification is therefore seen as an ideal Higher Education qualification for financial practitioners or other professionals who need to be suitably qualified to operate in the sector. The qualification also introduces the learners to the knowledge and skills required to reshape society and contribute to economic growth. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The institution's Policy: RPL and Credit Accumulation and Transfer allow for RPL for the purposes of access, as well as exemption, in line with the CHE's policy in this regard.

RPL for access:
  • RPL for access is applicable to all qualifications within the HEQF.
  • In the case of applicants who do not meet the formal entry requirements of qualification for admission purposes but may have completed informal learning that prepared them adequately for the specific qualification.
  • RPL applicants are evaluated against the entry requirements in question, and if they meet the RPL requirements they will be required to write an RPL assessment, for which they are required to achieve at least 50% to gain access to the qualification.
  • No more than 10% of learners will be allowed RPL access to a particular qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • RPL for exemption is applicable to all qualifications within the HEQF. Applicants who meet the entry criteria of a qualification, and who believe that they have acquired the relevant knowledge and experience for a particular module/s through prior experience or other forms of learning, may apply for exemption of those modules through RPL.
  • This is not applicable to a full qualification but to specific modules only.
  • Applicants will be required to successfully complete an RPL assessment and need to obtain a minimum of 50% to be exempted from a particular module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Higher Certificate in Accounting, NQF Level 5.
    Or
    Higher Certificate in Accounting Practice, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Applied Accounting, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Banking, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Banking Services, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Financial Planning, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Financial Products, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 6 totalling 120 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 100 Credits:
  • Financial Market Sector, 15 Credits.
  • Banking Sector, 15 Credits.
  • Capital Markets, 20 Credits.
  • Leading Agile Organisations, 20 Credits.
  • Risk Management, 15 Credits.
  • FinTech, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 20 Credits (Select any two modules):
  • Regulation of Financial Markets, 10 Credits.
  • Economics in Financial Markets, 10 Credits.
  • Business Acumen for Leaders, 10 Credits.
  • Financial Markets Operations Management, 10 Credits.
  • Investment and Portfolio Management, 10 Credits.
  • Insurance, 10 Credits.
  • Trade Finance, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the Financial Market Sector and the role that the sector plays in the economy.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the Banking Sector, and the role that the sector plays in the economy and discuss the regulations governing the South African Banking Sector.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to identify and discuss the functions of the markets that form part of the Capital Market and evaluate the risks involved in investing in these markets.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to identify and evaluate key challenges that leaders are facing in a disruptive world and discuss how an agile mindset can assist leaders to lead organisations effectively through times of disruption.
    5. Demonstrate an understanding of risk management within Financial Markets and identify and discuss the types of risks in financial services.
    6. Demonstrate an understanding of FinTech disruption and innovation and evaluate the latest trends in FinTech. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain the impact that financial markets have on the economy.
  • Identify role players in the financial market sector and discuss their individual roles.
  • Analyse and discuss the characteristics of the various types of financial markets.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse and discuss the importance of banks in the financial system.
  • Explain the role that banks play in the economy.
  • Analyse and explain the legal framework in which banks operate in South Africa.
  • Identify the regulatory authorities governing the banking sector and discuss the individual role.
  • Examine and discuss the banks' liquidity and capital adequacy requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explain the significance of Capital Markets in the economy.
  • Identify the various markets that form part of Capital Markets and discuss their individual characteristics.
  • Evaluate and explain the risks of trading on the various Capital Markets.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Discuss core concepts of organisational agility.
  • Identify and discuss the key trends of digital transformation and the impact that they have within an organisational context.
  • Explain the importance of innovation in the context of disruption and digital transformation.
  • Examine and discuss ways in which leaders can create an innovative entrepreneurial culture.
  • Design agile organisational structures to support continuous disruption.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Define and discuss Risk Management and the benefits of risk management practices
  • Examine and illustrate Risk Management practices in the digital age.
  • Identify and discuss the types of risks in financial services.
  • Identify emerging risks and discuss their impact on the financial services industry.
  • Explain the Risk Management process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Analyse and discuss the latest trends in FinTech.
  • Explain the importance of FinTech innovation in Financial Services.
  • Examine and discuss the implications of various FinTech innovations.
  • Analyse and discuss the benefits of various FinTech innovations.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The assessment strategy has been designed to apply the principles of programmatic assessment. Every assessment is seen as an individual data point and a series of assessments throughout the qualification results in multiple data points. This information is optimally used as feedback to the learner, to improve the validity and reliability of assessment decisions and to inform improvement to the curriculum. Frequent assessment throughout the qualification also supports the institution's approach to assessment for learning.

    To ensure constructive alignment of assessment tasks/methods with both the learning outcomes and the learning activities/methods, a variety of appropriate assessment tasks are included in the assessment design. Assessment tasks are carefully chosen to support the achievement of the intended learning outcomes, and feedback forms an integral part of the assessment design.

    Work-integrated learning is assessed throughout the qualification by means of practical assignments. These assignments encourage the application of standard methods, procedures and techniques to solve defined, routine and new problems within a familiar context. It also provides learners with the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the core concepts and principles related to the subject matter and the impact of their chosen problem-solving strategies.

    Formative (not graded)
  • Self-assessment by means of practice quiz.
  • Group interactive activities.
  • Application-based exercises.

    Formative (graded)
  • Multiple choice and true/false (online assessment).
  • Short case study/application-based questions in an assignment format (online assessment).
  • Formative assessment constitutes 30% of the final mark.

    Summative Assessment:
  • Work-based / Application assignment.
  • 2 - 3 application-based questions based on workplace scenarios submitted via an online platform.
  • Summative assessment constitutes 70% of the final mark. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution: Stockbrokers Association.
    Qualification Title: Professional Diploma in Stockbroking

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Securities and Managed Investments comparable to Investment and Portfolio Management.
  • Market participants comparable to Financial Market Sector.
  • Asset classes and their use in investment portfolios comparable to. Investment and Portfolio Management
  • Alternative investment strategies and benchmarks comparable to Investment and Portfolio Management.

    Elective Modules:
  • Derivatives.
  • Superannuation.
  • Margin Lending.

    Similarities:
  • The Stockbrokers Association and the South African (SA) qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both qualifications are designed for individuals currently working in traded financial markets who are looking for formal recognition of their skills and knowledge.
  • Both qualifications are intended for financial planners who provide a comprehensive range of financial planning services across a variety of product environments, including those involving complex issues and/or innovative strategies
  • The Stockbrokers Association and the SA qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: London School of Business and Administration
    Qualification Title: Advanced Certification in Financial Market Disruption
    Duration:
    The qualification is available in two duration modes:
  • Fast track - 1 month
  • Standard mode - 2 months
    Entry requirements:
  • Two A Levels and three GCSEs or equivalent in five separate subjects, including English and Mathematics
  • Good English level is required

    Purpose:
    The qualification will introduce learners to the most used models and securities valuations, along with their applications and shortcomings, as well as the techniques for derivative instruments for both risk and portfolio management tools.

    Modules:
  • Introduction to Financial Market Disruption comparable to Financial Market Sector
  • Blockchain Technology.
  • Cryptocurrency.
  • Artificial Intelligence in Finance comparable to Financial Markets Operations Management.
  • Big Data Analytics.
  • Cybersecurity in Financial Markets.
  • Regulatory Challenges comparable to Regulation of Financial Markets.
  • Fintech Innovations.
  • Case Studies in Market Disruption.
  • Future Trends in Financial Markets comparable to Financial Market Sector.

    Similarities:
  • The London School of Business and Administration (LSBA) and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who complete the secondary school qualification.
  • The LSBA and SA qualifications are designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today's competitive financial markets environment.

    Difference:
  • The LSBA qualification takes two months to complete whereas the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Financial Accounting, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Financial Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Financial Planning, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Financial Service Operations, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Banking and Financial Services, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accounting, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Financial and Management Accounting, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Planning, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Occupational Certificate: Financial Markets Practitioner, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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. Novia One Group (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.