Training Program

All government officials are welcome to register. The course is particularly well-suited for officials in central banks, ministries of finance, and regulatory agencies who have experience with macroeconomics and are interested in building their expertise in finance. The course is offered in English.

Participants are expected to have some familiarity with basic statistics and probability techniques. Basic Microsoft Excel skills and access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection and a Google Chrome web browser are essential.

This online course, presented by the Institute for Capacity Development, introduces participants to the fundamentals of financial analysis that are in the toolkit of policy makers. These tools are used to study the characteristics of various financial instruments and their pricing, analyze portfolios of assets, gaining familiarity with the basics of risk management. Mastery is essential for participants who wish to participate in more advanced and policy-oriented IMF courses in financial or macrofinancial areas. The FMAx course covers, among other topics, the pricing of fixed-income securities and equity; the term structure of interest rates; portfolio allocation and diversification; and an introduction to risk management.