MIFID II

Background on IMC

The IMC is the investment profession's benchmark entry-level qualification. Used by the leading investment management firms to demonstrate knowledge and competence for regulatory purposes. The IMC is an FCA Appropriate Qualification for the activity of ‘managing investments’. CFA UK is the Awarding Organisation for the IMC qualification.

Who sits the IMC

IMC candidates come from a broad range of backgrounds with equally broad aspirations. It is generally considered appropriate for anyone entering an investment-related role. Developed for front office investment professionals, the main categories of employees who take the IMC are currently those involved in:

Investment focused roles (portfolio manager, research analyst, trader, risk manager)
Client management roles (wealth manager, private banker, relationship manager, sale)
Middle office and support roles ( IT, operations, project management)

The IMC provides an excellent foundation for those with future plans for taking the CFA Program and the qualification covers approximately 30% of the CFA Level I curriculum. Combining the IMC and CFA Level 1 also meets the exam standards required by the FCA of Retail Investment Advisers.

Many candidates also take the IMC for career progression.

The IMC qualification consists of two examinations:

IMC Unit 1: The Investment Environment (Topics 1-6)
IMC Unit 2: Investment Practice (Topics 7-17)

The IMC syllabus contains the detailed learning outcomes and provides information on the exam's level and content.

ESMA knowledge and competence guidelines

The ESMA guidelines establish minimum standards for the assessment of knowledge and competence for staff providing relevant services. The FCA, as the Competent Authority in the UK, is integrating the guidelines into their FCA Handbook.

The level and intensity of knowledge and competency expected from retail investment advisors in the UK has already been set by the Retail Distribution Review (RDR). However, the RDR requirements do not apply to those who provide investment advice to professional clients OR employees that give information to retail and professional clients.

The guidelines state the need for proportionate application of the knowledge and competency requirements, and that there should be flexibility for employees in how the guidelines are achieved.

The tables below provide detail as to where the ESMA criteria for both those giving information and advice are met within the IMC curriculum.

The IMC provides broad coverage of the ESMA criteria. However, it is important to note that it will be up to firms to determine the proportionate application of the requirements. In particular, with regards to the specific level and intensity of knowledge and competency expected. As a generic and publicly available qualification, the IMC will not cover specific product related areas particular to a firm.

How the IMC meets the ESMA/Mifid II Knowledge and Competency requirements

ESMA criteria for knowledge and competence for staff giving information about investment products, investment services or ancillary services

1. Information Givers

ESMA Criteria

Criteria for knowledge and competence for staff giving information about investment products, investment services or ancillary services

IMC SYLLABUS Topic Area

understand the key characteristics, risk and features of those investment products available through the firm, including any general tax implications and costs to be incurred by the client in the context of transactions. Particular care should be taken when giving information with respect to products characterised by higher levels of complexity;

TOPIC 1 – FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS

1.2.1 Differentiate between a financial security and a real asset

1.2.2 Identify the key features of: an ordinary share, a bond, a derivative contract, a unit in a

pooled fund, and a foreign exchange transaction

1.2.3 Identify the functions of securities markets in providing price transparency and liquidity

1.2.4 Identify the reasons why liquidity and price transparency are thought to be important for

the efficient allocation of capital costs when trading in securities markets

1.2.5 Calculate round trip transaction costs incorporating bid–ask spreads, dealing

commission and transaction taxes, both in percentages and in absolute amounts

1.2.6 Identify the types of securities and the market conditions where price transparency,

liquidity and depth are likely to be high/low

1.2.7 Define liquidity risk and identify why it is important

TOPIC 5 – CLIENT ADVICE

5.4.1 Analyse the main types of investment risk as they affect investors

5.4.2 Explain the role of diversification in mitigating risk

5.4.3 Analyse the factors affecting a client’s risk profile

5.4.4 Explain the key methods of determining a client’s risk profile

TOPIC 6 - TAXATION

6.1.1 Describe the principles of income tax applicable to earnings, savings and investment income in the UK

6.1.2 Describe, in relation to income tax, the system of allowances, reliefs and priorities for taxing income

6.1.3 Explain the taxation of the income of trusts and beneficiaries

6.1.4 Describe the system of National Insurance Contributions (NICs)

6.1.5 Describe the principles of capital gains tax (CGT) in the UK

6.1.6 Describe the principles of inheritance tax (IHT) in the UK

6.1.7 Explain the limitations of lifetime gifts and transfers at death in mitigating IHT

6.1.8 Explain the implications of residence and domicile in relation to liability to income tax, CGT and IHT

6.1.9 Describe the system of UK tax compliance including self-assessment, pay as you earn

(PAYE), tax returns, tax payments, tax evasion and avoidance issues

6.1.10 Describe the principles of stamp duty land tax (SDLT) as applied to property transactions

(buying, selling and leasing)

6.1.11 Describe the principles of stamp duty reserve tax (SDRT)

6.1.12 Explain how companies are taxed in the UK

6.1.13 Describe, in outline, the principles of value added tax (VAT)

6.1.14 Analyse the taxation of direct investments including cash and cash equivalents, fixed

interest securities, equities and property

6.1.15 Analyse the key features and taxation of indirect investments including pension arrangements, different types of individual savings accounts (ISAs), and child trust funds, onshore and offshore life assurance policies, real estate investment trusts (REITs),

venture capital trusts (VCTs) and enterprise investment schemes (EISs)

6.2 INVESTMENT ADVICE AND TAX PLANNING

6.2.1 Evaluate the tax considerations shaping clients’ needs and circumstances

6.2.2 Analyse the key principles of income tax planning

6.2.3 Analyse how the use of annual CGT exemptions, the realisation of losses, the timing of

disposals, and sale and repurchase of similar assets can mitigate CGT

6.2.4 Calculate the most common elements of income tax, NICs, CGT and IHT, including the impact of lifetime transfers and transfers at death

6.2.5 Select elementary tax planning recommendations in the context of investments and pensions advice

TOPIC 16 – INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

16.1.1 Compare and contrast investing through direct investments in securities and assets, and investing through indirect investments

16.1.2 Distinguish the features, risks and benefits of unit trusts, investment trusts and open-ended investment companies

16.1.3 Identify the key features and objectives of exchange traded funds (ETFs) and exchange traded commodities (ETCs)

16.1.4 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of investing in ETFs

16.1.5 Explain the additional benefits and risks of investing in split capital investment trusts

16.1.6 Explain the features and objectives of: private client funds, structured products, wraps and other platforms

16.1.7 Identify the characteristics and advantages of life assurance-based investments

16.1.8 Identify the characteristics and advantages of defined contribution pension

Arrangements

16.2.1 Explain the features and objectives of hedge funds and funds of hedge funds

16.2.2 Describe the various hedge fund strategies

16.2.3 Describe the various approaches to private equity investing

16.2.4 Identify the potential benefits and limitations of hedge funds

16.2.5 Identify the potential benefits and limitations of private equity investing

16.2.6 Describe the management fee structure for hedge funds and private equity investing

understand the total amount of costs and charges to be incurred by the client in the context of transactions in an investment product, or investment services or ancillary services;

Topic 1 – FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS

1.2.5 Calculate round trip transaction costs incorporating bid–ask spreads, dealing

commission and transaction taxes, both in percentages and in absolute amounts

Topic 3 – FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS

3.5.16 Explain the rules relating to providing information about the firm and compensation information (COBS 6.1)

Topic 5 – CLIENT ADVICE

5.5.2 Explain the key roles of charges and the financial stability of the provider as criteria within the fund selection process, and the use of past performance

Topic 15 – PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

15.5.1 Explain the relationship between pricing, liquidity and fair value for the asset classes of

equity, fixed income, derivatives and alternative investments

15.5.2 Explain the relationship between liquidity and the capacity of investment strategies

15.5.3 Identify, explain and calculate transaction costs associated with dealing in:

– UK equities

– fixed income securities

– derivatives

– alternative investments

15.5.4 Evaluate the impact of alternative trading platforms, facilitated by MiFID, on transaction

costs associated with equity dealing

15.5.5 Contrast trading methods for fixed income securities with equities and analyse the

impact on trading costs

15.6.2 Distinguish between active and passive fund management, and explain the costs and

benefits to the investor

understand the characteristics and scope of investment services or ancillary services;

Topic 3 – THE REGULATION OF FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS

3.1.3 Explain the purpose and scope of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directives

3.2.4 Explain the scope of the Regulated Activities Order 2001 (as amended) in terms of

regulated activities and specified investments

Topic 5 – CLIENT ADVICE

5.6.1 Describe the need for advisers to communicate clearly, assessing and adapting to the differing levels of knowledge and understanding of their clients.

understand how financial markets function and how they affect the value and pricing of investment products on which they provide information to clients;

Topic 1 – Financial Markets and Institutions

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL MARKETS

1.1.1 Explain the functions of the financial services industry in allocating capital within the

global economy

1.1.2 Explain the role and impact of the main financial institutions

1.1.3 Explain the role of government including economic and industrial policy, regulation,

taxation and social welfare

1.2 THE ROLE OF SECURITIES MARKETS IN PROVIDING LIQUIDITY AND PRICE

TRANSPARENCY

1.2.1 Differentiate between a financial security and a real asset

1.2.2 Identify the key features of: an ordinary share, a bond, a derivative contract, a unit in a

pooled fund, and a foreign exchange transaction

1.2.3 Identify the functions of securities markets in providing price transparency and liquidity

1.2.4 Identify the reasons why liquidity and price transparency are thought to be important for

the efficient allocation of capital costs when trading in securities markets

1.2.5 Calculate round trip transaction costs incorporating bid–ask spreads, dealing

commission and transaction taxes, both in percentages and in absolute amounts

1.2.6 Identify the types of securities and the market conditions where price transparency,

liquidity and depth are likely to be high/low

1.2.7 Define liquidity risk and identify why it is important

1.3 TYPES OF FINANCIAL MARKETS

1.3.1 Identify the main dealing systems and facilities offered in the UK equities market

1.3.2 Identify the nature of the securities that would be traded on each of the main dealing

systems and facilities

1.3.3 Explain the structure and operation of the primary and secondary UK markets for gilts

and corporate bonds

1.3.4 Explain the motivations for, and implications of, dual-listing for a company

1.3.5 Compare and contrast exchange traded and over-the-counter (OTC) markets

1.3.6 Distinguish between the following alternative trading venues: multilateral trading facilities,

systematic internalisers, dark pools

1.3.7 Distinguish between a quote-driven and an order-driven market

1.3.8 Explain the roles of the various participants in the UK equity market

1.3.9 Explain high-frequency trading, its benefits and risks

1.4 SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES IN THE UK

1.4.1 Explain the clearing and settlement procedures for UK exchange traded securities

1.5 THE UK LISTING AUTHORITY AND PROSPECTUS REQUIREMENTS

1.5.1 Explain the role of the FCA as the UK listing authority

1.5.2 Identify the listing rules in Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA) 2000 as amended, and

Relevant EU directives

1.5.3 Explain the main conditions for listing on the Official List, AIM and ISDX

1.5.4 Explain the purpose of the requirement for prospectus or listing particulars

1.5.5 Identify the main exemptions from listing particulars

understand the impact of economic figures, national/regional/global events on markets and on the value of investment products on which they provide information;

Topic 9 – MACROECONOMICS

9.1 THE MACRO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

9.1.1 Identify the main long-term UK and global socio-economic trends

9.1.2 Identify key economic indicators and their trends

9.1.3 Describe the relationship between and importance of the main world economies

9.1.4 Identify international differences in consumption, credit and savings

9.1.5 Describe economic and financial cycles including their predictability and regional differences

9.2 determination of national income, the circular flow of income,

Consumption, the multiplier, the paradox of thrift, foreign trade and income determination

9.2.1 Distinguish between gross domestic product (GDP), gross national product (GNP) and

national income

9.2.2 Identify the difference between real and nominal GDP

9.2.3 Identify the components of the circular flow of income, distinguishing between injections

into and withdrawals (‘leakages’) from the circular flow

9.2.4 Distinguish between national income and GNP

9.2.5 Distinguish between classical economics and the Keynesian and Monetarist schools of thought

9.2.6 Identify the major components of the Keynesian model

9.2.7 Describe Keynesian equilibrium

9.2.8 Calculate the Keynesian multiplier given the marginal propensity to consume (MPC) or propensities to withdraw (tax, import and save)

9.2.9 Identify the nature of the relationship between aggregate saving, consumption and investment as predicted by the Paradox of Thrift

9.3 inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy and the role of Central banks

9.3.1 Describe fiscal policy and its influence on aggregate demand

9.3.2 Identify the role of debt in the business cycle

9.3.3 Identify the problems associated with fiscal policy

9.3.4 Identify money supply (from ‘narrow’ through to ‘wide’)

9.3.5 Identify the key features of the fractional reserve banking system

9.3.6 Define the money multiplier and identify its determinants

9.3.7 Calculate the potential money multiplier given a cash reserve ratio

9.3.8 Explain the transmission mechanism whereby monetary policy influences economic aggregates

9.3.9 Define inflation (including deflation), explain how it is measured in the UK, and identify the

different causes

9.3.10 Define unemployment and explain how it is measured in the UK

9.3.11 Explain the relationship between inflation and unemployment according to the Phillips curve

9.3.12 Explain how inflation targeting operates in the UK

9.3.13 Distinguish between the different mandates and approaches of the major central banks

9.3.14 Explain the unconventional tools used by central banks to manage the economy

9.3.15 Explain the impact of bank capital and liquidity requirements and the move towards macroprudential regulation of the macro-economy

9.3.16 Explain the role of securitisation on credit growth and the wider macro-economy

9.4 the foreign exchange market, government policy and exchange Rates, fixed floating and managed exchange rates, and the balance of payments

9.4.1 Explain how changes in supply and demand for a currency will affect its value on the

foreign exchange markets

9.4.2 Identify the key components of the balance of payments

9.4.3 Explain the relationship between the supply and demand for a currency, and the

underlying transactions represented in the balance of payments

9.4.4 Distinguish between a fixed, floating and a managed exchange rate (‘dirty floating’ regime)

9.4.5 Explain the economic benefits and costs of a fixed exchange rate mechanism

9.4.6 Explain an optimal currency area (OCA) and identify the advantages and disadvantages

of implementing a single currency in an OCA

9.4.7 Explain the implications of persistent global imbalances of trade and capital

9.4.8 Explain the notion of purchasing power parity (PPP) as a forecasting tool for

exchange rates

9.4.9 Explain the effectiveness of monetary and fiscal policy in fixed and floating exchange

rate regimes

9.4.10 Describe the nature and basic operations of the foreign exchange market

9.4.11 Explain the nature of exchange rate risk and how it can be managed

9.4.12 Explain spot and forward exchange rates

9.4.13 Distinguish between covered and uncovered interest rate parity and calculate forward

rates using the appropriate method

9.4.14 Apply the concept of PPP to forecast expected future spot exchange rates using the

differential inflation rates between two countries

9.4.15 Explain the International Fisher effect

f. understand the difference between past performance and future performance scenarios as well as the limits of predictive forecasting;

TOPIC 3 – THE REGULATION OF FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS

3.5.10 Explain the rules relating to past, simulated past and future performance (COBS 4.6)

TOPIC 5 – CLIENT ADVICE

5.5.2 Explain the key roles of charges and the financial stability of the provider as criteria within the fund selection process, and the use of past performance

TOPIC 7 – QUANTITATIVE METHODS

7.3.4 Explain the shortfalls in the application of linear regression to forecasting, including why

correlation does not imply causation, and the pitfalls of data-mining

7.3.5 Describe the impact of extreme events on alternative measures of correlation

g. understand issues relating to market abuse and anti-money laundering;

TOPIC 3 – THE REGULATION OF FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS

3.7.1 Explain the various sources of money laundering and counter-terrorism regulation and legislation (FCA rules, SYSC 6.3, Money Laundering Regulations, Proceeds of Crime Act 2002)

3.7.2 Explain the role of the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group (JMLSG)

3.7.3 Explain the main features of the guidance provided by the JMLSG

3.7.10 Describe the behaviours defined as market abuse (MAR 1.3–1.9)

3.7.11 Explain the enforcement powers of the FCA relating to market abuse (DEPP 6.3)

h. assess data relevant to the investment products on which they provide information to clients such as Key Investor Information Documents, prospectuses, financial statements, or financial data;

TOPIC 3 – THE REGULATION OF FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS

Product disclosure – packaged products

3.5.33 Explain the obligations relating to preparing product information (COBS 13.1 & COLL 4.7)

3.5.34 Explain the rules relating to the form and content of a key features document and a key investor information document (COBS 13.2, 13.3, 14.2 & COLL 4.7)

3.5.35 Explain the rules relating to cancellation rights (COBS 15)

3.5.36 Distinguish between packaged products and retail investment products (COBS 6.2A, COBS 6.3 & COBS 14.2.1)

TOPIC 10 - ACCOUNTING

10.1.1 Explain the legal requirement to prepare financial statements

10.2.1 Explain the purpose of a balance sheet or statement of financial position

10.5.1 Explain the purpose of a cash flow statement

10.4.1 Identify and explain the classification of expenses based on nature or function

i. understand specific market structures for the investment products on which they provide information to clients and, where relevant, their trading venues or the existence of any secondary markets;

TOPIC 1 – FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS

1.3 TYPES OF FINANCIAL MARKETS

1.3.1 Identify the main dealing systems and facilities offered in the UK equities market

1.3.2 Identify the nature of the securities that would be traded on each of the main dealing systems and facilities

1.3.3 Explain the structure and operation of the primary and secondary UK markets for gilts and corporate bonds

1.3.4 Explain the motivations for, and implications of, dual-listing for a company

1.3.5 Compare and contrast exchange traded and over-the-counter (OTC) markets

1.3.6 Distinguish between the following alternative trading venues: multilateral trading facilities, systematic internalisers, dark pools

1.3.7 Distinguish between a quote-driven and an order-driven market

1.3.8 Explain the roles of the various participants in the UK equity market

1.3.9 Explain high-frequency trading, its benefits and risks

1.7.1 Explain the structure, features, regulatory and trading environment of international markets, including developed markets and emerging markets

TOPIC 13 - DERIVATIVES

13.1.2 Explain the nature, trading and settlement of exchange traded derivatives

TOPIC 16 - INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

16.1.1 Compare and contrast investing through direct investments in securities and assets, and investing through indirect investments

16.1.2 Distinguish the features, risks and benefits of unit trusts, investment trusts and open- ended investment companies

16.1.3 Identify the key features and objectives of exchange traded funds (ETFs) and exchange traded commodities (ETCs)

16.1.4 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of investing in ETFs

16.1.5 Explain the additional benefits and risks of investing in split capital investment trusts

16.1.6 Explain the features and objectives of: private client funds, structured products, wraps and other platforms

16.1.7 Identify the characteristics and advantages of life assurance-based investments

16.1.8 Identify the characteristics and advantages of defined contribution pension arrangements

j. have a basic knowledge of valuation principles for the type of investment products in relation to which the information is provided.

TOPIC 7 – QUANTITATIVE METHODS

7.5.1 Calculate simple and compound interest earned over multiple periods

7.6.1 Calculate and interpret future values for: single sums and annuities

7.6.2 Calculate and interpret present values for: single sums, annuities, and perpetuities

TOPIC 11 – EQUITIES

11.3.2 Calculate a holding period return for an ordinary share, comprising capital gain and dividend income

11.3.8 Distinguish between and evaluate the merits of relative valuation models and absolute valuation models, and between historic and prospective measures of value

11.3.9 Identify the components, assumptions and limitations of the dividend discount model (Gordon’s growth model)

11.3.10 Calculate the present value of a share using the dividend discount model

TOPIC 12 – FIXED INCOME

12.2.4 Calculate the price of a fixed income security given its maturity, coupon and yield

12.3.1 Identify the components of return of fixed income securities

12.3.4 Identify the nature of the relationship between yield and price

12.4.1 Define and calculate: flat yield, gross redemption yield (GRY), net redemption yield (NRY), grossed-up NRY

12.4.2 Explain when each of these measures may be appropriate to use

12.4.3 Define the yield curve

12.4.4 Explain the theories that contribute to explaining the shape of the yield curve

TOPIC 13 – DERIVATIVES

13.1.1 Distinguish between forwards, futures and options

13.1.10 Differentiate the time value and intrinsic value components of an option premium

13.1.11 Determine when an option is in-the-money, out-of-the-money or at-the money

13.1.12 Calculate the time value of an option, given the premium, strike price and current market price

13.1.13 Identify and explain the factors that determine the premium of an option

ESMA criteria for knowledge and competence for staff giving investment advice

2. Investment Advice

ESMA Criteria

Criteria for knowledge and competence for staff giving information about investment products, investment services or ancillary services

IMC SYLLABUS TOPIC AREA

understand the key characteristics, risk and features of the investment products being offered or recommended, including any general tax implications to be incurred by the client in the context of transactions. Particular care should be taken when providing advice with respect to products characterised by higher levels of complexity;