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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Occupational Certificate: Financial Markets Support Officer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
126079  Advanced Occupational Certificate: Financial Markets Support Officer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - FASSET 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Occupational Cert  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  123  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0840/26  2026-06-02  2031-06-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2032-06-02   2035-06-02  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
50481  National Certificate: Financial Markets and Instruments  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  120  Complete 
24314  National Diploma : Financial Markets and Instruments  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  240  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Occupational Certificate: Financial Markets Support Officer is to prepare a learner to function as a Financial Markets Support Officer.

A Financial Markets Support Officer supports financial markets operations within both retail and institutional brokerage environments. This role includes front, middle, and back-office functions, providing essential administrative and operational assistance to traders, brokers, and clients.

The qualification equips learners with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in a dynamic and high-demand field, opening doors to career advancement and job stability in the financial market sector. It provides practical experience in key areas like trade execution, account management, and compliance monitoring, which make learners more competitive and prepared for a range of financial markets support roles.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Support onboarding and management of client accounts.
  • Provide Administrative and Operational Support for Trade Execution and Order Management.
  • Support post-trade processing and settlements.
  • Support processing of corporate actions and life cycle events, keeping clients informed and updating of accounts.
  • Support compliance adherence, risk management processes and assist with reporting activities.

    A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: sense of urgency, adaptability, team-member, critical, outcome-oriented, client-oriented and culturally sensitive.

    Rationale:
    The Advanced Occupational Certificate: Financial Markets Support Officer is necessary to ensure that individuals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage the complex processes involved in supporting financial markets operations. This qualification provides a solid foundation in areas such as trade execution, account management, post-trade processing and compliance, ensuring efficient and accurate support across all stages of the trading lifecycle. The expertise addressed by the qualification is crucial to maintain seamless operations, minimise risk and ensure regulatory adherence in both retail and institutional brokerage environments.

    List similar Qualification(s), Part-Qualifications/Skills Programmes already NQF registered/ QCTO approved:
  • Advanced Certificate in Financial Markets and Disruption, NQF Level 06.

    The qualification enhances the financial markets sector by developing skilled professionals who ensure smooth and efficient operations, reduce the risk of errors, and improve overall service quality in trading, compliance, and settlement processes.

    For society, this qualification contributes to greater financial stability and transparency as it equips professionals with the skills to support financial market operations and benefit consumers through more reliable and secure financial services. The qualification encourages responsible financial market practices and helps build society's trust in the financial systems
    .
    A well-trained workforce in financial markets supports increased market efficiency, which leads to improved liquidity, better price discovery, and reduced transaction costs, all of which benefit the broader economy. The qualification contributes to the growth of the financial services industry, creates more job opportunities, and fosters economic development.

    Typical learners include those who are already working within the Financial Markets Support environment and those who wish to enter the sector.

    Collaboration with relevant stakeholders:
  • Financial Markets industry (retail and institutions).
  • Financial Markets Association.
  • Financial Markets Practitioners.

    Typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate:
  • Financial Markets Support Officer.

    Typical professions in which the qualifying learner will operate:
  • Financial Markets Practice. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to Training:
    Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification.

    Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

    For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA):
  • Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.
  • A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document has been achieved.
  • Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications is approved by the QCTO.

    Entry Requirements:
  • An NQF Level 5 qualification in Financial Services. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 331101-001-00-KM-01, Introduction to Financial Markets, NQF Level 6, 6 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-KM-02, Trading Systems and Execution Support, NQF Level 6, 5 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-KM-03, Clearing and Settlement Operations, NQF Level 6, 7 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-KM-04, Risk and Compliance Management, NQF Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-KM-05, Client Liaison and Support, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-KM-06, Reporting and Analytics, NQF Level 5, 7 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-KM-07, Basic Economics, NQF Level 6, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 43

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 331101-001-00-PM-01, Conduct Client Onboarding Support Activities, NQF Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-PM-02, Execute Trade Support and Order Management, NQF Level 6, 5 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-PM-03, Support Post-Trade Processing and Settlement Activities, NQF Level 6, 5 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-PM-04, Support Life Cycle Events for Various Asset Classes, NQF Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-PM-05, Support Compliance and Risk Management, NQF Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-PM-06, Provide Reporting and Client Communication on Compliance Matters, NQF
    Level 6, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 39

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 331101-001-00-WM01, Participation in Client Onboarding Support Activities, NQF Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-WM02, Participation in Executing Trade Support and Order Management, NQF Level 6, 5 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-WM03, Participation in Supporting Post-Trade Processing and Settlement Activities, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-WM04, Participation in Supporting Life Cycle Events for Various Asset Classes, NQF Level 6, 8 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-WM05, Participation in Compliance Monitoring and Risk Management Support, NQF Level 6, 5 Credits.
  • 331101-001-00-WM06, Participation in Client Communication on Compliance Matters, NQF Level 6, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 41 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct onboarding and account management processes for financial markets clients.
    2. Provide administrative and operational support for trade execution and order management processes.
    3. Conduct post-trade processing and settlements support functions for various asset classes.
    4. Conduct processing of corporate actions and life cycle events specific to asset class.
    5. Analyse compliance and risk management processes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Conduct onboarding and account management processes for financial markets clients.
  • Verify compliance with industry related regulations (such as Know Your Client (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundry (AML) during the client onboarding process.
  • Maintain up-to-date client records.
  • Inform clients about their account statuses and documentation required.
  • Conduct enhanced due diligence for high-risk clients to assess and document potential risks associated with their accounts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Provide administrative and operational support for trade execution and order management processes.
  • Apply relevant trading systems and internal communications processes to contribute to timely and accurate coordination of trade orders.
  • Conduct trade order status tracking.
  • Prepare reports on executed trades.
  • Perform pre-trade compliance checks to confirm that trade orders adhere to regulatory requirements.
  • Address trade-related queries from clients (retail or corporate) between clients and the trading desk without direct engagement in trade execution.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3: Conduct post-trade processing and settlements support functions for various asset classes.
  • Execute timely reconciliation of securities and cash across clients' accounts in the settlement process.
  • Investigate and resolve settlement discrepancies through coordination with counterparties, custodians, and depositories.
  • Execute client withdrawals and transfers.
  • Manage netting and collateral requirements for trades to mitigate counterparty risk.
  • Comply with relevant regulations and industry standards within the settlement process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO 4: Conduct processing of corporate actions and life cycle events specific to asset class.
  • Monitor fixed income life cycle events and execute related processes (operational and administrative) in line with event requirements.
  • Monitor derivatives life cycle events and execute related processes (operational and administrative) in line with event requirements.
  • Monitor foreign exchange life cycle events and execute related processes (operational and administrative) in line with event requirements.
  • Monitor corporate actions and execute related processes (operational and administrative) in line with event requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
    ELO 5: Analyse compliance and risk management processes.
  • Adherence to execution policies and monitor risk management protocols.
  • Inform internal audits and risk management processes.
  • Compile regulatory reports.
  • Evaluate incidents (non-compliance or material risks) to inform regulatory reporting processes.

    Integrated Assessment
    Formative Assessments conducted internally:
    Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

    Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weaknesses, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained.

    Formative assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

    Integrated Summative Assessments are conducted internally:
    Integrated assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

    An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification.

    Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g., applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

    The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications.

    The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA.

    External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) - a national assessment:
    The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner. For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating:
    The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications:

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution Name: The International Capital Market Association
    Qualification Name: Diploma in Financial Markets Operations
    Duration: Two Years

    Entry requirements:
  • Completed Foundational Courses.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The diploma is designed for people who work in operations and back-office roles within a bank or fund management company, those working in the middle office, collateral management, and compliance areas. Topics covered include the trade lifecycle, repos, securities lending & borrowing, corporate actions, collateral management, and centrally cleared and non-centrally cleared trades.

    The scope of content covers the following areas:
  • How equities and bonds are brought to the marketplace.
  • Roles of the major securities market participants.
  • Components of the securities trade life cycle.
  • Fundamentals of trade management, including repo, securities lending & borrowing transactions, corporate actions, collateral management and more.
  • Recognise the processing steps necessary to maintain control and to mitigate internal and external processing risks.
  • Mandatory external regulation as it relates to the central clearing of OTC derivatives.

    Similarities:
    Both qualifications focus on content relevant to financial markets support roles.

    Differences:
    The United Kingdom Diploma is structured to offer access through foundational programs and requires completion of all components within two years, making its duration longer than the newly developed South African qualification, which has a duration of one year.

    Country: Australia
    Institution Name: TAFE Queensland
    Qualification Name: Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Markets)
    Duration: Two years

    Entry requirements:
  • Completion of Year 12 or an equivalent qualification.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    This diploma prepares individuals for roles in financial markets, providing a comprehensive knowledge of financial products, regulatory compliance, and client relationship management.

    The scope of content covers the following areas:
  • Fundamentals of Financial Services.
  • Financial Products.
  • Compliance and Risk Management.
  • Investment Strategies.
  • Client Relationship Management.
  • Ethical Practices.

    Similarities:
    The content and duration of the two qualifications are similar.

    Differences:
    The Australian qualification has a lower entry requirement compared to the South African qualification's NQF Level 05 entry requirement.

    Conclusion:
    The Advanced Occupational Certificate: Financial Markets Support Officer is favourably compared with the diplomas offered in the UK and Australia in terms of content. It provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare individuals for the diverse support roles expected of financial markets support officers. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
    Within OQSF
  • Advanced Occupational Certificate: Business Intelligence Analyst, NQF Level 6.

    Between sub-frameworks
  • Advanced Certificate in Financial Markets and Disruption, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Occupational Diploma: Financial Administration Manager, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Banking and Financial Services, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • None.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
    The curriculum title and code are: Financial Markets Support Officer: 331101-001-00-00.

    Encompassed Trade:
  • None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
    Financial & Accounting Sector Education and Training Authority. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.