Financial Services Program (Postgraduate) (B417)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
The first college program in Ontario that prepares students to write the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Level I exam.
Program Overview
Get ready to launch a career in the financial services industry with the two-semester Financial Services – Investment Analysis (B417) postgraduate program.
Full Description
Study to become a financial services professional blocks away from Toronto’s Bay Street, the heart of the largest financial center in Canada, with the Financial Services – Investment Analysis (B417) program. This program runs at George Brown’s downtown St. James Campus.
This postgraduate program is the only college program in Ontario that prepares students to write the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Level I exam. It sets graduates on an exciting path to potential roles, including equity research analyst, fixed-income research associate, fund accountant and personal banker.
Over two semesters, students explore a range of courses, including economics, equity investment, portfolio management, ethics and professional standards and more.
Completion of this program does not provide an automatic pathway to earn a CFA designation or any other professional credential/certification from a professional body.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
The financial services industry is Toronto’s third-largest private sector employer1. In Ontario, the sector generates approximately $82 billion in GDP and employs approximately 408,000 people in more than 17,000 financial services firms2.
- The Conference Board of Canada, What Toronto’s Financial Sector brings to the economy, July 6, 2023.
- Invest Ontario, Financial Services.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Latest alumni stories
Courses
Required Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| FIN 4030 | Quantitative Methods for Investment Analysis |
| FIN 4031 | Corporate Issuers |
| FIN 4032 | Financial Reporting and Analysis I |
| FIN 4033 | Applied Investment Economics |
| FIN 4034 | Equity Analysis and Valuation |
| FIN 4036 | Career Planning |
| FIN 4045 | Ethical and Professional Standards |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| FIN 4035 | Fund Accounting |
| FIN 4040 | Fixed Income Investment Analysis |
| FIN 4041 | Derivatives and Alternative Investments |
| FIN 4042 | Financial Reporting and Analysis 2 |
| FIN 4043 | International Portfolio Management |
| FIN 4044 | Research Challenge Capstone |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Integrate ethical decision-making into all aspects of planning and investing services provided to the client.
- Apply recognized financial planning principles and industry standards to the systematic analysis of financial position and requirements.
- Integrate economic and market information into investment portfolios in order to support informed investment decisions.
- Evaluate financial statements, investment products and services, and investment planning and counselling services to meet the needs of the public according to industry standards.
- Recognize potential tax and legal implications within an investment and financial planning situation to assist clients with risk mitigation.
- Apply client-focused communication styles and strategies to disseminate financial information to the client to aid portfolio decision-making.
- Implement an evidence-based investment plan using market research in support of a client’s needs.
- Recommend investment products and options to clients in order to decrease overall risk and increase public confidence in investment planning.
- Evaluate government and corporate investment products using financial planning and statistical models in order to offer clients the product that best serves their needs
- Perform analytics-based decision-making using technological tools available in the investment industry.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
This program is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- College diploma (two-year), advanced diploma (three-year) or bachelor's degree or demonstrated relevant work experience (resumé and references required).
English Language Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission. In addition, applicants who are considered for admission to the program based solely on their work experience will be required to provide proof of English proficiency at the college level, and may be required to write the George Brown College English admission assessment.
Please review our English proficiency requirements.
Course Exemptions
Some college and university credits may qualify you for exemptions. Please visit our transfer guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Information Sessions
Information sessions are held on a regular basis. Come and have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom. Sign up for an upcoming session.
Domestic Student Admissions
For inquiries about domestic admission requirements, admission deadlines, or the admissions process, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@georgebrown.ca or visit the Admissions section.
International Student Admissions
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page.
Fees and Financial Information
For inquiries about OSAP, Bursaries, Scholarships and other financial inquiries, please contact the Financial Aid Office at FinAid@georgebrown.ca or visit the Financial Aid section.
Entry Advising
For advice on the various program options and which program might be best suited for you, make an appointment to see an Entry Advisor. Please review these frequently asked questions.
Centre for Business
For questions regarding programs at the Centre for Business or if you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff are available to assist you.
For general inquiries, please contact the Centre for Business:
Email: business@georgebrown.ca
Phone: (416) 415-5000 ext. 2160
Business – Financial Services – Investment Analysis (B417)
For inquiries related to this program (for example, course-specific information), please contact the program co-ordinator.
Michael Hlinka, Program Co-ordinator
Email: mhlinka@georgebrown.ca
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is offered at our School of Accounting and Finance, and classes take place at St. James Campus.
Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up today! You can also check out our virtual tour.
Social Media Channels:
Financial Services Program (Postgraduate) (B417)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
The first college program in Ontario that prepares students to write the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Level I exam.
Program Overview
Get ready to launch a career in the financial services industry with the two-semester Financial Services – Investment Analysis (B417) postgraduate program.
Full Description
Study to become a financial services professional blocks away from Toronto's Bay Street, the heart of the largest financial centre in Canada, with the Financial Services – Investment Analysis (B417) program. This program runs at George Brown's downtown St. James Campus.
This postgraduate program is the only college program in Ontario that prepares students to write the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Level I exam. It sets graduates on an exciting path to potential roles, including equity research analyst, fixed-income research associate, fund accountant, and personal banker.
Over two semesters, students explore a range of courses, including economics, equity investment, portfolio management, ethics and professional standards, and more.
Completion of this program does not provide an automatic pathway to earn a CFA designation or any other professional credential/certification from a professional body.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
The financial services industry is Toronto's third-largest private sector employer1. In Ontario, the sector generates approximately $82 billion in GDP and employs approximately 408,000 people in more than 17,000 financial services firms2.
- The Conference Board of Canada, What Toronto's Financial Sector brings to the economy, July 6, 2023.
- Invest Ontario, Financial Services.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Latest alumni stories
Courses
Required Courses
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| FIN 4030 | Quantitative Methods for Investment Analysis |
| FIN 4031 | Corporate Issuers |
| FIN 4032 | Financial Reporting and Analysis I |
| FIN 4033 | Applied Investment Economics |
| FIN 4034 | Equity Analysis and Valuation |
| FIN 4035 | Fund Accounting |
| FIN 4036 | Career Planning |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| FIN 4040 | Fixed Income Investment Analysis |
| FIN 4041 | Derivatives and Alternative Investments |
| FIN 4042 | Financial Reporting and Analysis 2 |
| FIN 4043 | International Portfolio Management |
| FIN 4044 | Research Challenge Capstone |
| FIN 4045 | Ethical and Professional Standards |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Integrate ethical decision-making into all aspects of planning and investing services provided to the client.
- Apply recognized financial planning principles and industry standards to the systematic analysis of financial position and requirements.
- Integrate economic and market information into investment portfolios in order to support informed investment decisions.
- Evaluate financial statements, investment products and services, and investment planning and counselling services to meet the needs of the public according to industry standards.
- Recognize potential tax and legal implications within an investment and financial planning situation to assist clients with risk mitigation.
- Apply client-focused communication styles and strategies to disseminate financial information to the client to aid portfolio decision-making.
- Implement an evidence-based investment plan using market research in support of a client’s needs.
- Recommend investment products and options to clients in order to decrease overall risk and increase public confidence in investment planning.
- Evaluate government and corporate investment products using financial planning and statistical models in order to offer clients the product that best serves their needs
- Perform analytics-based decision-making using technological tools available in the investment industry.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
This program is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- College advanced diploma (three-year) or bachelor's degree or demonstrated relevant work experience (resumé and references required).
English Language Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission. In addition, applicants who are considered for admission to the program based solely on their work experience will be required to provide proof of English proficiency at the college level, and may be required to write the George Brown College English admission assessment.
Please review our English proficiency requirements.
Course Exemptions
Some college and university credits may qualify you for exemptions. Please visit our transfer guide for more information.
International (Visa) Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Information Sessions
Information sessions are held on a regular basis. Come and have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom. Sign up for an upcoming session.
Domestic Student Admissions
For inquiries about domestic admission requirements, admission deadlines, or the admissions process, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@georgebrown.ca or visit the Admissions section.
International Student Admissions
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page.
Fees and Financial Information
For inquiries about OSAP, Bursaries, Scholarships and other financial inquiries, please contact the Financial Aid Office at FinAid@georgebrown.ca or visit the Financial Aid section.
Entry Advising
For advice on the various program options and which program might be best suited for you, make an appointment to see an Entry Advisor. Please review these frequently asked questions.
Centre for Business
For questions regarding programs at the Centre for Business or if you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff are available to assist you.
For general inquiries, please contact the Centre for Business:
Email: business@georgebrown.ca
Phone: (416) 415-5000 ext. 2160
Business – Financial Services – Investment Analysis (B417)
For inquiries related to this program (for example, course-specific information), please contact the program co-ordinator.
Michael Hlinka, Program Co-ordinator Email: mhlinka@georgebrown.ca
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is offered at our School of Accounting and Finance, and classes take place at St. James Campus, mainly at 200 King St. E., and 290 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up today! You can also check out our virtual tour.
