Diploma in Finance Law

Programme objectives

On completion of this Diploma in Finance Law training programme, participants will have:

• A comprehensive understanding of finance law and legal regulations/directives that relate to specific financial services sectors in Ireland, and the impact of Brexit on these;
• A thorough understanding of the regulatory framework for the financial services industry in this jurisdiction and the ability to analyse recent developments in this area;
• A specialised knowledge of the banking industry and a detailed knowledge of the provisions of a range of banking documentation;
• Familiarity with a range of various industry sectors, including investment firms, investment funds, insurances/reinsurance, and undertakings and stockbroking;
• A knowledge of the use of technology to improve activities in finance, such as FinTech and RegTech;
• An overview of the effects of recent case law and legislative developments on financial services in Ireland.

Programme structure and approach to learning

This diploma provides participants with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the law in relation to the provision of financial services from a national and international perspective. This dynamic area is constantly subject to regulatory and statutory changes at both a European and national level.

The modules in this diploma will consider the current financial services market in Ireland and the regulatory framework in which it operates. Ireland is recognised as a global financial services and technology hub, and the course will examine the use of FinTech and RegTech in the industry. The course also focuses on specific technical and legal aspects, including a review of the underlying principles and characteristics of banking and financial markets, perspectives on corporate finance, and the regulatory issues that relate to domestic and international capital markets.

Modules

The programme is based on the following module scheme and covers key themes as listed below:

Module 1: Financial services market

• Legislative provisions,
• The Central Bank and regulation,
• Investment firms,
• FinTech.

Module 2: Industry sectors

• Investment funds,
• Insurance,
• Pensions.

Module 3: Banking sectors

• Regulation of banking in Ireland,
• Codes of practice,
• Corporate banking.

Module 4: Loan financing

• Loan Market Association,
• Equity financing,
• Recovery and restructuring.

Module 5: Capital markets

• Bond markets,
• International Swaps and Derivatives Association,
• Irish Stock Exchange.

Module 6: Corporate governance

• Corporate governance,
• Money laundering,
• Insider dealing and market manipulation.

Workshops

Workshops are a key feature of this course. These are designed to be interactive and involve working in groups on selected case study problems and analysis with an emphasis on the application of finance law to common scenarios encountered in practice.

Assessments

Three-hour closed-book written examination (60%); written assignment (40%).

Who should attend?

This course is suitable for the following:

• Solicitors, trainee solicitors, paralegals, and other suitable professionals who wish to expand their knowledge of the financial services industry with a view to moving into the area,
• Solicitors, those in the banking industry, and other suitable professionals seeking to gain a thorough understanding of the rules governing the regulation of banking and a detailed knowledge of banking documentation,
• Tax consultants, accountants, bankers, fund managers and other suitable professionals who wish to familiarise themselves with the funds industry in Ireland, and
• Directors or relevant professionals who wish to familiarise themselves with compliance issues in relation to the financial services industry.

We welcome applications from others who are suitably qualified. Please explain your interest and set out any relevant experience in a cover letter and a brief CV. Such applications are subject to a supplemental fee of €300.

Faculty

Lecturers and tutors are drawn from solicitors, barristers, accountants, and others with expertise in the field of finance law. Previous lecturers have included:

• Patrick Ambrose, DLL,
• Damien Barnaville, Walkers,Mark Browne, Dechert,
• Niall Esler, Walkers,
• Judith Lawless, McCann Fitzgerald,
• John Darby, Flynn O’Driscoll,
• Claire Scannell, Matheson,
• Eimear Burbridge, Walkers,
• Garret Byrne BL,
• Robert Cain, Arthur Cox,
• Niall Campbell, Pinsent Masons,
• Liam Collins, Matheson,
• Peter O’Toole, Senior Solicitor AIB Group,
• Libby Garvey, Eugene F. Collins,
• Darragh Geraghty, Arthur Cox,
• Matt Hedigan, Walkers,
• William Johnston, ByrneWallace LLP,
• Brendan Roche, Pensions Authority,
• Kevin Lynch, Arthur Cox,
• MaryRose McGovern, Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman,
• Paul McMahon, McMahon Legal,
• Eoin O’Connor, Walkers,
• Donal O’Donovan, Matheson,
• Kerill O’Shaughnessy, A&L Goodbody,
• Peter O’Toole, AIB,
• Paddy Rath, Walkers,
• Paula Reid, A&L Goodbody,
• Lorraine Rooney, MUFG Investor Services,
• Jill Shaw, Walkers.

Hear from our graduates

“The Diploma in Finance Law enabled me to broaden my knowledge in areas of finance law that were less familiar to me, while at the same time building on the practical experience I had gained in investment funds law. The lecturers provided practical examples of the types of matters that can arise, and the tutorials allowed for further in-depth discussions, based on practical scenarios. The course materials were comprehensive, and being able to view lectures and access notes online was a real benefit. I would recommend this course to anyone wishing to move into the area of finance law for the first time, or someone seeking to build on existing experience.”
Mairéad McGuinness (Central Bank of Ireland)

CPD

We have designed our courses to enable you to satisfy as much of your CPD requirement as possible. Time spent attending lectures and workshops in person or completing these via e-learning as part of your course can be claimed towards your annual CPD requirement. The number of hours of CPD that you may claim in relation to your diploma/certificate course will depend on the way in which you access each of the individual sessions. Please note that the limit for e-learning has been removed for the 2021 CPD cycle. For further information, visit the CPD scheme and download the CPD booklet.

The Diploma Centre team will host our annual CPD conference in November 2021. This complimentary event is a dedicated management and professional development skills and regulatory matters session. We will post an invitation on your Diploma Hub page later in the year.