This eCourse consists of two modules. Module 1 This tutorial examines the importance of diversifying across asset classes in order to achieve an optimal risk/return tradeoff as proposed by modern portfolio theory.

Module 2 provides an introduction to the regulation and supervision for EU financial services. It details who is responsible for the different products and how those responsibilities are divided. It also provides a high-level overview of the EU directives and regulations used to regulate the market.

On completion of this course, you will be able to:
- The structure and responsibilities of the ECB within the Eurosystem
- The ECB’s role in defining and implementing monetary policy
- The ECB’s other main tasks: conducting foreign exchange operations, managing official foreign reserves, and promoting the smooth operation of payment systems
- Understand the EU’s framework for financial supervision
- List the three European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) of the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA)
- Define the role of the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB)
- List the key EU financial markets directives of MiFID II / MiFIR, Capital Requirements Directive (CRD IV), Market Abuse Directive (MAD II/MAR), Fourth AML Directive, UCITS Directive, Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFM) Directive, and Solvency II Directive

Module 1: Financial Authorities (Europe) – ECB
Topic 1: Overview of the ECB
Topic 2: Monetary Policy
Topic 3: Other Tasks of the ECB

Module 2: Financial Authorities (Europe) - ESFS
Topic 1: European Financial Regulation
Topic 2: Microprudential Regulation
Topic 3: Macroprudential Regulation
Topic 4: Key EU Directives & Regulations