Financial Regulation and Risk Management
Financial markets volatility and the incapacity in anticipating credit crunches and panics have shown how finance had forgotten the lessons of economics. Taking into account economic agents behaviour, beginning with moral hazard linked to decision constraints proves now of the upmost importance in determining the proper regulatory framework that would stabilise the economic cycle without contracting the access to loanable funds. In other words: one should be able to understand economics to regulate efficiently and anticipate and apply new regulation constraints, taking into account the negative effects of procyclical regulation efforts and regulatory time lags.
Sciences Po’s Department of Economics decided in 2012 to launch this new Master degree in Financial Regulation and Risk Management to address this issue on the market: creating junior risk managers and regulators well trained enough in economics and corporate finance to identify the relevance and timing of regulation and optimise regulatory framework compliance at banking level.
In practice, Sciences Po offers its cutting edge experience in political finance and economics, with a master degree designed for a single purpose: enhancing students’ employability. This objective is reached thanks to a very large number of courses taught during three consecutive semesters in economics, corporate and market finance and risk-audit-compliance courses backed by the preparation for internationally renowned financial exams: the Chartered Financial Analyst Level 1 exam and the Autorité des Marchés Financiers Certificate.
Made of three consecutive semesters of courses and case studies, it offers Sciences Po’s master degree in a single year to young graduates in fields of business, law, economics, finance and engineering.
Taught by leading international academics in the field and front line European regulators and bankers, this programme offers a unique opportunity to specialise in both regulation and risk management in Sciences Po’s unique central Saint Germain des Près Paris campus, hosted by its prestigious French leading department of Economics.
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Jean-Pierre Landau Scientific director | Guillaume Sarrat de Tramezaigues Academic director |
Financial Regulation and Risk Management are of utmost importance for global economic governance in the aftermath of the financial crisis. This opens new job opportunities for people who have been trained to understand the international financial structure as well as the complexity of financial products and of regulation, and who have the capacity to anticipate future shifts in regulation.
This one year (3 semesters) Master degree is designed as a unique comprehensive view of political finance with in-depth analysis in financial regulation, risk perception and compliance (risk management and control). It offers an interdisciplinary approach that combines economics, finance, public policy, law, regulation, business management and ethics.
Programme objectives
Designed for young graduates with economics, finance, law and engineering backgrounds, it is taught entirely in English. The principal topics dealt with are risk management, regulation of financial markets and institutions, and regulation compliance and management in light of current financial, economic and banking crises.
Main orientation and specific features
Students will prepare for and take Certified Financial Analyst Level 1 as well as the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers Certification.
The CFA Certification level 1 is a worldwide exam and a mark of distinction recognized by employers, investment professionals and investors. It provides a strong foundation of the real-world investment analysis, portfolio management skills and practical knowledge needed in order to succeed in today's investment industry.
This certification is the most widely known and respected investment credential in the world.
During the whole year of this Master, students will be trained during 96 hours by senior professionals in order to obtain this value for a career and for employers.
The new French Regulation Authority (AMF) requires in France that anyone who works with financial instruments demonstrates a minimum level of knowledge in the field. This regulation applies to employees of investment and retail banking, asset management companies, brokerage companies or any Investment Services Provider.
As well as the CFA Certification level 1, through classroom courses and training (48 hours), our students will get an outstanding success rate during the examination.
These two examinations are a sound addition to the programme and differentiate it from other Master' degrees in the field.
Career opportunities
Graduates will be well qualified for a range of decision-oriented positions in a number of areas:
- Regulatory Authorities (international organisations, central banking, national regulation authorities)
- Banking industry (risk management, risk analysis)
- Financial consulting and audit (internal and external)
Admissions
The Master welcomes application from candidates of all nationalities, fluent in English.
Candidates must hold a Master degree of upper second class standard with a first work experience of at least six months or a Bachelor degree with a three years work experience.
Application to the Master of Finance Regulation and Risk Management is done on the basis of a written application only and submitted through our online application form.
Applications for 2012 are currently open. The application deadline is June 20, 2012.
Tuition fees
Tuition is set at 19 000.00 Euros for the academic year, including the CFA and AFM exams preparation.
Be aware that banks offer Sciences-Po students loans at preferential rates. Moreover, Sciences-Po has also set up exemption from fees under individual motivated request from applicants.
Other Application Requirements
Candidates must pay a non-refundable application fee of 90 €.
They should attach to their application form:
- two academic and one professional reference when possible (online system)
- a personal statement (submitted in the application form) in English
- a current curriculum vitae in English
- all official transcripts of your years spent in higher education. Transcripts in languages other than French, English, Spanish and German must be translated in English
- proof of English language proficiency (if required in your case).
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