18 Best Investment Banking Courses in 2024 – Free & Paid

Investment banking courses are witnessing increasing demand in 2024 due to their crucial role in shaping careers and meeting industry needs. As finance sectors expand globally, there’s a rising emphasis on specialized skills and knowledge offered by these courses.

Investment banking courses play a vital role in advancing careers by providing:

• Specialized Skills: They equip professionals with in-depth knowledge of financial analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets.
• Career Opportunities: Completion of these courses opens doors to prestigious roles in investment banking firms, corporate finance, and financial advisory.
• Industry Recognition: Certifications enhance credibility and competence, making professionals more competitive in the job market.

Let’s explore a range of investment banking courses and certifications, both free and paid, tailored to meet diverse learning needs

10 Best Paid Investment Banking Courses in India

1. IMS Proschool

• Course Name: Investment Banking Operations
• Course Details: The Investment Banking Operations course at IMS Proschool prepares students to handle & middle & backend operations in investment banking. It covers essential skills in execution, reconciliation, risk management, settlement, and regulatory compliance related to financial transactions. The curriculum includes hands-on projects and real-world case studies.
• Eligibility Criteria: Candidates with a background in finance or commerce are eligible. The course is suitable for undergraduates seeking career opportunities in banking, financial services, and investment operations.
• Job Assurance: IMS Proschool guarantees 100% job placement assistance. Students receive grooming in CV building, aptitude tests, communication skills, mock interviews, and group discussions (GDs). Entry-level job listings matching the course curriculum are assured, with at least 3 shortlists within 6 months of course completion.
• Average Package: Freshers can expect starting salaries ranging from INR 3 to 4 lakhs per annum. Experienced professionals in roles like Team Leader or Operations Manager can earn upwards of INR 4 lakhs, depending on their experience and responsibilities.
• Course Duration: 4 months
• Course Fee: ₹70,000

2. Eduonix

• Course Name: How to Think Like a Venture Capitalist
• Overview of Course Objectives and Content: The course at Eduonix aims to familiarize students with the mindset and strategies employed by venture capitalists. It provides insights into how these investors assess opportunities, make decisions, and manage risks in entrepreneurial ventures.
• Unique Features: Eduonix’s course stands out for its focus on imparting practical knowledge about venture capital. It helps students understand the thought processes and methods used by venture capitalists through theoretical insights and real-world examples.
• Course Duration: 1 Hr
• Course Fee: ₹199

3. Imarticus Learning

• Course Name: Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional
• Description of Course Duration and Format: The Investment Banking Operations course at Imarticus Learning spans over two months and is instructor-paced. This format allows students to interact with knowledgeable instructors in real time, facilitating a deeper understanding of investment banking procedures.
• Highlighting Comprehensive Coverage: The course provides a thorough grounding in investment banking operations, making it ideal for individuals aspiring to enter the dynamic field of investment banking or enhance their industry knowledge.
• Accreditation and Industry Recognition: Upon successful completion, participants receive an accreditation from Imarticus Learning, recognized widely within the industry. This certification enhances credibility and can support job applications in investment banking roles.
• Course Duration: 140 hrs
• Course Fee: ₹1,50,000

4. DataTrained

• Course Name: PG Program in Financial Modeling and Investment Banking
• Overview of Program Focus: The PG Program in Financial Modeling and Investment Banking by DataTrained is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in investment banking and financial modeling.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: The program offers a comprehensive and well-structured curriculum that excels in both financial modeling and investment banking, ensuring students are well-prepared for the industry.
• Course Duration: 6 months
• Program Fee: ₹90,000+ GST

5. M&A Science

• Course Name: Preparing for an Investment Banking Vice President Role
• Overview of Program Focus: The M&A Science Academy focuses on the practical aspects of working in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). It covers topics such as maximizing business value before a sale, modeling synergies, negotiating term sheets, and building an effective corporate development team.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: The program offers a specialized curriculum taught by industry practitioners. It includes real-life examples, excellent networking opportunities, and an extensive library of materials to help students enhance their knowledge.
• Course Duration: 100+ hours
• Program Fee: $175/month ongoing or $150/month for a yearly subscription

Also Read – What Salaries Do Investment Bankers Earn Throughout Their Careers?

6. CFI (Chartered Finance Institute)

• Course Name: Certified Financial Model and Valuation Analyst (FMVA)
• Overview of Program Focus: The FMVA program by CFI focuses on enhancing quantitative skills and financial modeling, with a comprehensive range of courses related to investment banking.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: The course consists of 29 different modules, covering specialist areas such as M&A and private equity. It includes models, videos, and quizzes, and the full immersion option provides access to Pitchbook and Capital IQ, ensuring a solid grounding in financial analysis.
• Course Duration: 4 – 6 months
• Program Fee: $497 for self-study; $847 for full immersion (The program fees listed here are without discounts)

7. Institute of Mergers and Acquisitions (IMAA)

• Course Name: International Mergers and Acquisitions Expert
• Overview of Program Focus: The program by IMAA focuses on providing in-depth knowledge and skills in international mergers and acquisitions, catering to those aiming for a career in investment banking.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: The course is designed for participants with a finance-related background, covering essential financial concepts and practical M&A strategies. It aims to prepare students thoroughly for investment banking roles.
• Course Duration: 30 hours (in-person) or 60 hours (fully online)
• Program Fee: $3,290 (online); $5,490 (in-person)

8. New York Institute of Finance (NYIF)

• Course Name: Investment Banking Certification: Online
• Overview of Program Focus: The program focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of investment banking, covering foundational finance concepts and specialized areas like M&A, fund management, valuations, and capital markets.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: The course includes video modules on finance for managers, financial statement analysis, quantitative methods, and free cash flow modeling, ensuring students are well-prepared for careers in investment banking.
• Course Duration: 70 hours (fully online)
• Program Fee: $990

9. Harvard University

• Course Name: Alternative Investments
• Overview of Program Focus: The program focuses on alternative investments, providing an in-depth understanding of this specialized area in finance.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: The course is designed for individuals with an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in finance, offering challenging material and valuable takeaways across five modules.
• Course Duration: 5 weeks
• Program Fee: $1,850

10. edX

• Course Name: Essential Career Skills for Investment Banking and Finance
• Overview of Program Focus: edX offers the course “Essential Career Skills for Investment Banking and Finance,” which focuses on enhancing financial literacy skills critical for careers in investment banking. The course covers essential topics such as investment banking, buy-side institutions, alternative investments, and related finance opportunities. It also includes modules on career preparation strategies, overcoming generational stereotyping, crafting authentic stories, building a personal brand, writing effective cover letters/emails, perfecting elevator pitches, and mastering impact interviewing.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to equip learners with practical skills and strategies necessary for success in the financial industry, with a focus on career readiness and professional development.
• Course Duration: 2 Weeks, Online Self-Paced, Limited Access to Course Materials, edX Support
• Course Fee: ₹4,111

Also Read – Is an MBA Required for Investment Banking? Explore Other Options

Top 8 Free Investment Banking Courses & Certificates Online [2024 August Updated]

1. Columbia Business School

• Course Name: Strategic Wealth Management
• Overview of Program Focus: This program is designed for entrepreneurs seeking new investment opportunities and professionals managing generational wealth. It covers capital markets, asset classes, financial and economic databases, risk and return measurement, and portfolio formation.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: The course includes three learning modules: Investment Strategies, Asset Allocation, Portfolio Management, and Trusted Client Advisory. It provides strong theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, focusing on real-world problem-solving and implementation.
• Course Duration: 5 months

2. New York Institute of Finance

Course Name: Chartered Investment Banking Analyst

• Overview of Program Focus: This program offers a deep understanding of various financial concepts used by corporate companies and organizations today. It covers topics like financial accounting, business formation options, expense matching, revenue recognition, cash dividend accounting, and retained earnings statement preparation.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: The course enhances your skills in trial balances, double-entry accounting, accrual accounting adjustments, and profit assessment using ratios. It also covers mergers and acquisitions and accounting practices from the perspective of a financial and accounting professional. Additionally, it prepares you for financial report assessments and familiarizes you with US IFRS and GAAP accounting standards.
• Course Duration: 5 weeks

3. UC Berkeley Executive Education

• Course Name: Intelligent Investing for Everyone – Executive Education
• Overview of Program Focus: This executive education program is designed to improve investment outcomes for portfolios or company growth. It covers key topics such as valuation metrics, investment strategies, financial data forecasting, and the impact of blockchain. The curriculum includes modules on corporate value creation fundamentals, financial engineering, and data-driven frameworks for making informed investment decisions.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: Participants will learn about identifying overpriced stocks, tactics used by companies to influence investor beliefs, and how institutional investors leverage data and technology for successful investing. The course also explores financial data analysis and its role in evaluating growth strategies and corporate valuation.
• Course Duration: 8 weeks, 3-5 hours per week

4. Imperial College Business School, Executive Education

• Course Name: Private Equity Executive Education Program
• Overview of Program Focus: This comprehensive program focuses on private equity within the finance sector. Participants will learn about different types of private equity, the economics involved, and recent developments in emerging markets. The curriculum includes live online teaching sessions, video lectures, interactive activities, and assignments. Personal support from a dedicated learning team from Imperial College will be provided throughout the course. Topics covered include the valuation of leveraged buyouts (LBOs), performance distribution calculations, and career opportunities in private equity.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: The program provides a solid theoretical framework along with practical applications to deepen understanding of private equity. Participants will analyze private equity financing opportunities and understand value creation drivers in growth capital, development capital, and distressed situations. They will also learn about fund setup and management stages, the investment process and current trends impacting fundraising, investments, and performance in private equity.
• Course Duration: 11 weeks, 5-7 hours per week

Also Read – Essential skills for a successful Career In Investment Banking

5. Udemy

• Course Name: The Complete Investment Banking Course
• Overview of Program Focus: This course, curated by 365 Careers, offers a comprehensive set of animated video tutorials and interactive exercises focused on investment banking. It covers fundamental to advanced topics, preparing students for careers in finance. Participants will explore real-life case studies of companies, learning about bonds, equities, company valuations, IPOs, IPO pricing, company restructuring, asset management, and buyout calculations.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: The course aims to provide a deep understanding of investment banking operations and strategies. Students can earn a Udemy Certified Investment Banker designation upon completion, demonstrating their proficiency in the subject matter.
• Course Duration: Self-paced

6. CFI (Corporate Finance Institute)

• Course Name: Investment Banking Training
• Overview of Program Focus: CFI’s Investment Banking Training is designed for investment banking associates, analysts, and those aspiring to enter this field. The course provides comprehensive e-learning modules covering financial modeling, company valuations, corporate finance, banking statement analysis, and M&A modeling. Participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a career in investment banking.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: The training focuses on equipping students with technical knowledge in financial modeling and enhancing networking skills essential for the industry. Successful completion leads to certification as an Investment Banking Analyst, validating proficiency in the subject matter.
• Course Duration: 6 weeks

7. New York Institute of Finance (NYIF)

• Course Name: Investment Banking Certification
• Overview of Program Focus: The Investment Banking Certification offered by NYIF is designed as a foundational course for individuals seeking comprehensive training in financial management and business analysis. It aims to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to pursue roles in investment banking. The curriculum covers finance management, financial statement analysis, mutual funds, equity, hedge funds, company structure, M&A deal drafting, risk management, wealth management, and portfolio management.
• Emphasis on Specialized Curriculum: This certification program is tailored to provide a mini-MBA equivalent education at a lower cost, focusing on practical applications and industry-relevant skills. Upon completion, participants are prepared to contribute expertise to financial firms in various capacities related to investment banking.
• Course Duration: Self-paced

8. Great Learning Academy

• Course Name: Investment Banking
• Overview of Program Focus: Great Learning Academy offers a free online course on Investment Banking aimed at providing foundational knowledge and understanding of the field. The course covers topics such as the meaning and definition of investment banking, its functions, types of investment banks, trade cycles, merchant banking, and the differences between investment banking and merchant banking.
• Emphasis on Course Curriculum: The curriculum includes examples and solved questions to aid comprehension for both beginners and professionals. It is conducted by topic specialists and is designed to be accessible and informative.
• Course Duration: 1 Hour, Online Self-Paced, Free Lifetime Access

Also Read – CFA Exam and Investment Banking. How to become an investment banker.

Conclusion

Explore both free and paid options based on your needs and preferences. Free courses are great for getting started, while paid courses offer deeper insights and certifications that can boost your career. Choose the path that best fits your goals and start learning today.

FAQs

Q: Are free investment banking courses as valuable as paid ones?

A: Free investment banking courses can be valuable for beginners to understand basic concepts. However, paid courses often offer more comprehensive content, certifications, and networking opportunities that can be crucial for career advancement.

Q: What are the key factors to consider when choosing an investment banking course?

A: Key factors include the course content, duration, instructor expertise, certification, reviews, course fees, and whether the course offers practical case studies or networking opportunities. Consider your career goals and choose a course that aligns with them.

Q: How do free investment banking courses compare to paid ones in terms of quality and value?

A: Free courses are excellent for foundational knowledge and are usually self-paced. Paid courses generally provide in-depth content, expert-led sessions, certifications, and additional resources, making them more suitable for serious career development.

Q: Do investment banking courses guarantee job placement in the industry?

A: While many investment banking courses offer placement assistance and have strong industry connections, they do not guarantee job placement. Success often depends on your prior experience, networking efforts, and how well you leverage the course resources.

Q: What steps can I take to make the most out of an investment banking course, whether free or paid?

A: To maximize your course experience, actively participate in all modules, complete assignments, seek feedback, network with peers and instructors, attend webinars, and apply the knowledge gained to real-world scenarios. Also, consider supplementing your learning with additional reading and practical experience.