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 Diploma in Financial Markets 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94059  Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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 Diploma  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 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets is to develop the learner's knowledge of the discipline of financial markets and trading. The qualification comprises a focused curriculum to prepare the learners for a career in financial markets. The curriculum includes ten topic areas ranging from Introduction to Financial Markets to Theory of Corporate Events to Trading in Financial Markets and Concluding Financial Market Transactions. Mastering of the curriculum will provide learners with the ability to synthesise financial market principles and apply financial instruments in a professional manner. Fundamental knowledge of global investments relevant to the financial market industry will be gained enabling the qualifying learner to work in today's world of professional financial markets industry. The qualification emphasises competence, integrity and application of ethics in a professional environment. The successful learner will gain a global and South African financial market perspective and an in-depth understanding of the marketplace which will provide them with a competitive advantage for employment.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Calculate and interpret financial transactions from commencement to conclusion in a financial market environment.
  • Apply an understanding of financial markets and calculate the instruments used in financial markets.
  • Construct multiple options of applying and integrating financial market knowledge to solve theoretical, applied or real life financial market practitioner problems.
  • Present an understanding of key aspects and implications of specified systems, situations, specified bodies of content and the effect in financial markets.
  • Exhibit an ability to reflect with self and others, critical of own and other people's thoughts and actions, and capable of self-organisation and working in groups in the face of continual challenge from the financial market environment.
  • Demonstrate consciousness of, and engagement with, own learning and learning strategies, and awareness of the nature of knowledge and how new knowledge can be acquired in the financial market environment.

    Rationale:
    The Rationale for this qualification is to broaden the current academic offering of the Department of Finance and Investment Management. On the Investment Management side, only a broad based Honours Degree is currently being offered. The Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets is a specialised qualification that is currently in demand in industry due to its specialised nature.

    There is currently a large demand for learners to continue studying in the Department of Finance and Investment Management. Learners who will pursue this Advanced Diploma are individuals currently in the financial markets environment wanting to improve their education and work towards a better position focused towards becoming a stock broker. This qualification is also for learners who have no work experience who want to eventually become a stock broker.

    The financial markets play a critical role in the functioning of the economy. All the activities that take place in the financial markets are regulated through legislation and through the rules and regulations of the various regulating bodies and exchanges. For the system to function optimally and to serve the interests of market participants and the economy as a whole, it is imperative that all financial markets practitioners are fully qualified to perform the functions entrusted to them in a competent and ethical manner.

    Research undertaken concluded that there is a need for a qualification as an entry route into the financial markets. One of the reasons cited for this need is that there was a shortage of skilled and appropriately qualified people to take up positions in the South African financial markets. The qualification will enhance the flow of young financial markets practitioners into the local labour market by providing the first professional body requested and approved tertiary education route. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The Faculty accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Faculty accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to Faculty programmes to promote lifelong learning. An example of prior learning refers to work experience relevant to the financial markets field, such as experience with transactions and systems used in the financial market industry.

    The purpose of the Institution's RPL policy, which directs the Faculty's RPL procedure, is to recognise prior learning in order to provide for access into programmes, grant advanced placement in programmes and grant credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as a basis for faculty-specific RPL practices.

    Entry Requirements:
    A learner should have one of the following:
  • NQF Level 6 qualification with 3 years' relevant work experience in financial markets.
  • NQF Level 6 qualification in Finance.
    Or
  • Five years' relevant work experience in financial markets. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 7 with credits totalling 120.
    Modules:
  • Introduction to Financial Markets, 15 Credits.
  • Client Service and Financial Advice, 15 Credits.
  • Trading in Financial Markets, 15 Credits.
  • Financial Markets Transactions A, 15 Credits.
  • Theory of Corporate Events, 10 Credits.
  • Execution of Market Orders, 10 Credits.
  • Securities Information and Market Conditions, 10 Credits.
  • Client Investment Needs, 10 Credits.
  • Financial Market Transactions B, 10 Credits.
  • Application of Corporate Events, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Construct multiple options of applying and integrating financial market knowledge to solve theoretical, applied or real life financial market practitioner problems.
    2. Present an understanding of key aspects and implications of specified systems, situations, specified bodies of content and the effect in financial markets.
    3. Apply an understanding of financial markets and calculate the instruments used in financial markets.
    4. Interpret the legislation pertaining to trading, settlement, custody and administration (e.g. Security Services Act).
    5. Consolidate securities and market conditions information that could be disseminated to clients. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Investment and investment advice services to clients are constructed and provided.
  • Correct procedures are implemented in respect of the take-on of new clients, their client identification and verification, record keeping and suspicious transaction reporting.
  • Rules and regulations pertaining to the provision of financial markets information and advice are applied.
  • Codes of conduct applicable to the financial markets are applied.
  • Risk associated with different asset classes are evaluated and managed.
  • Risk factors that include political risks, legislative risks, currency risks and equity risk premiums are evaluated.
  • Tax implications of different asset classes and the trading in those asset classes are explained and calculated.
  • Investment analysis and portfolio management are described and the effects of financial instruments used in portfolio management are calculated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Financial markets system, its constituent components and their functioning and the regulatory framework in which they function are described and compared.
  • Local and international financial markets, financial market products and the macro-economic environment are explained.
  • Terminology pertaining to financial markets is classified.
  • Participants in financial markets and their specific roles are described.
  • Rules and regulations pertaining to financial markets and financial instruments are described and interpreted.
  • Exchange control in a financial market environment is described.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Costs of transactions and corporate events are calculated and recorded.
  • Trades with correct prices, associated taxes and fees are processed.
  • Corrections where prices/fees negotiated are different from system process are made.
  • Bank, regulatory and investment product reconciliations are performed.
  • Fees and interest payments are calculated and processed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Legislation, rules and regulations specifically regarding trading in different financial markets are analysed.
  • Legislation and regulations regarding the provision of information to clients are explained.
  • Elements of regulatory requirements regarding investments that need to be communicated to clients are identified.
  • The settlement requirements regarding position keeping, reporting, matching and clearing on various financial markets and unlisted securities are explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Settlement timetable for transactions conducted on the various financial markets and by different participants within the various markets are described.
  • Role, rules and function of the regulator, the central securities depository, the clearing house and participants are explained.
  • Requirements needed to effect settlement within different financial markets and instruments are described.
  • Custody and administration of securities amongst members and authorised users are explained.
  • Procedure required in order to settle uncertified securities is described.
  • Financial requirements for authorised users and members are described.
  • Mark-to-market and margin positions on various financial markets are calculated and evaluated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners' progress in the qualification is monitored on a number of levels. Formative assessments take place on a continuous basis throughout the qualification and summative assessments are done according to a schedule outlined in the Learning Guide. The results of assessments are timeously communicated to learners thereby creating a system in which the learners continuously receive feedback on their performance.

    Following the end of semester moderation processes, the Departmental Assessment Committee verifies the correctness and accuracy of recorded marks, conducts an analysis of all external moderators' reports, confirms or overturns the moderators' findings and reports to the Executive Deans. Insights gained from moderation contribute to the improvement of the programme, as per Institutional/Faculty policy.

    Semester Modules: Written integrated formative assessments and a summative assessment are written during the semester. Formative assessments are discussed in class once these assessments have been marked and learners have received their scripts with marks.

    The final assessment is a summative assessment which is written at the end of the semester, in June and November. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In Australia a similar qualification is offered by the Stockbrokers Association. A Professional Diploma in Stockbroking at the Association focuses its content on the following:
    Core:
  • Securities and Managed Investments.
  • Market participants.
  • Asset classes and their use in investment portfolios.
  • Alternative investment strategies and benchmarks.

    Electives:
  • Derivatives.
  • Superannuation.
  • Margin Lending.

    Associated rules and regulations are included, e.g. FINRA rules, NASDAC rules and regulations and other relevant legislation and regulations.

    The Australian Financial Markets Association a Diploma of Financial Markets which is designed for individuals currently working in traded financial markets who are looking for formal recognition of their skills and knowledge. It is open to both member and non-member organisations.
    Modules:
  • Carbon Financial Markets.
  • Debt Markets.
  • Energy Financial Markets.
  • Equity Markets.
  • Foreign Exchange Markets.
  • Managed Investments.

    Develop my skill that is a skills development programme in Australia offers an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. This qualification is 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 London School of Business and Finance offers an Advanced Diploma in Investment Banking and Capital Markets. The Diploma introduces you to the most commonly 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.

    The East Asia Institute of Management also offers an Advanced Diploma in Banking and Finance. The qualification is designed to provide a high quality and professionally relevant undergraduate programme, developing in learners a sound understanding of banking and finance and its applications.

    Conclusion:
    The Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets is similar to these qualifications in terms of outcomes and has focus on similar content areas. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Qualification horizontal articulation:
  • The new qualification will provide much needed financial practitioner skills to market. It will articulate with the Occupational Certificate: Financial Markets Practitioner at NQF Level 7 subject to meeting the requirements or Bachelor of Business Science: Finance.

    The Qualification articulates vertically with:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Finance.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Development Finance.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Finance Banking and Investment Management.

    This qualification will provide access to the occupational qualifications: Investment Advisor: Financial Markets and Compliance Officer: Financial Markets. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.