Introduction to Funds

This introductory half-day course is designed to provide an insight into the area of the UK investment funds business . You will learn about the main characteristics of funds, their structure, the key players and their roles; as well as providing an overview of the UCITS Directive . Equally important, the course breaks down and explains the many acronyms and terms used in the industry in simple and straight-forward language.

This course is relevant for anyone wishing to be introduced to the characteristics of investment funds and the regulatory requirements which apply.

If you see the "Join waiting list" button and wish to attend, please contact training@theia.org for assistance with registration.

Key Learning Objectives

• Analyse the different types of investment funds
• Familiarise yourself with fund terminology and the acronyms
• Identify the benefits and disadvantages of funds
• Understand common UK fund structures
• Be able to identify fund types and asset classes
• Explain the purpose of the UCITS Directive

Overview of the fund ecosystem

• What are investment funds?
• The advantages and disadvantages of investment funds
• Understanding the meaning of Assets Under Management (AUM) and how it is calculated
• The difference between AUM and Net Asset Value (NAV)
• Overview of the different asset classes available and how the asset classes are used to meet investor objectives
• Active vs. passive investment strategies
• Types of charges and costs paid by funds and fund investors
• What are fund ratings and how they are used

Fund types and structures – understanding the different investment structures and “busting” the terminology and opening up the meaning of the acronyms

• Open-ended (variable capital) vs. Closed-ended (fixed capital) funds – defining the differences between the two fund structures
• Unit trusts and Open-Ended Investment Companies (OEICs) – defining the differences and does it matter which I choose?
• Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and how do they differ from other types of investment funds
• The three categories of authorised funds – their structure and objectives
• What is the difference between UCITS, Non-UCITS (NURS) and QIS funds

The key parties in fund operations – defining the responsibilities of each player involved in the overall administration of the fund

• Including the Authorised Fund Manager (AFM), Board of Directors, the investment manager, depositary and custodians, fund accountants, third party administrators, and the fund distributor . and trustees and custodians

Group Exercise: Participants explore a Fund Fact Sheet and Key Investor (Information) Document and discuss what the most useful pieces of information mean and how they are used to make informed investment decisions.

Russell Hammerson

Financial Markets Specialist | Structured Products Expert | Practitioner-Led Trainer

Russell is a seasoned financial markets professional, known for his technical depth, real-world insight, and ability to demystify complex instruments through engaging, practitioner-led training.

Career highlights include:

• Over 15 years in front-office roles across global investment banks, including Chase Manhattan, Citibank, Bear Stearns, Commerzbank, BNP, and Bankgesellschaft Berlin
• Pioneered structured product innovation and equity derivatives strategy, serving on the London Management Committee at Bankgesellschaft Berlin
• Led global structured product teams, delivering fixed income, credit, and equity solutions to institutional clients across international markets
• Completed Chase Manhattan’s Advanced Financial Risk Analysis Programme and contributed to cross-divisional investment risk initiatives

Training impact:

• Over two decades designing and delivering advanced financial markets training for professionals at all levels
• Specialist in structured products, equity and credit derivatives, exotic options, and investment management
• Renowned for integrating live market data, case studies, and simulations to bridge theory and practice

Industry contribution:

• Trusted by global financial institutions to upskill teams in market dynamics, quantitative techniques, and risk analysis
• Regularly engaged to deliver bespoke programmes that reflect evolving market conditions and regulatory expectations

Recognition:

• Widely respected for his clear, dynamic, and highly practical teaching style
• Senior trainer at ZISHI, delivering cutting-edge content to empower the next generation of finance professionals

View Russell's LinkedIn Profile

This half-day course is relevant to those who are new to the investment industry or those looking to improve their knowledge and understanding of the different aspects of fund business.

• Investment professionals, investment administration and operations
• Client services and sales and marketing
• Risk management, legal, audit and compliance
• Finance and accounting
• HR and learning and development
• IT and software developers

IA Member £395.00 +VAT
Non-Member £545.00 +VAT

Pay using a credit card online, or if you wish to be invoiced please email your full details to: Training@theia.org

PLEASE NOTE: Full payment for the course must be made prior to the course commencement date.

• Any cancellation must be made in writing.
• For all cancellation received 15-30 days prior to the course start date, 50% of the course fee is still payable.
• No refund is given for a cancellation made 14 days or less prior to the commencement of a course.
• Transferring from one course to another is treated as a cancellation. You can substitute one delegate for another at no additional cost. In this instance, please give two business days’ notice.