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Michiel van den Broek

Starting in the '80s, banks have become huge financial supermarkets offering a wide range of different services and products. Employees in these large banks have developed specialized expertise in the area in which they decide to make a career. Along with rapid developments in information technology this has resulted in large IT departments staffed by people without any particular financial and banking education.

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Starting in the '80s, banks have become huge financial supermarkets offering a wide range of different services and products. Employees in these large banks have developed specialized expertise in the area in which they decide to make a career. Along with rapid developments in information technology this has resulted in large IT departments staffed by people without any particular financial and banking education.

For example: How was it possible that the 1929 financial crisis was repeated by the 2008 credit crisis? The outrage and confusion illustrates the knowledge gap of understanding what banks do, what happens on financial markets and what is needed to prevent a derailment of the financial sector.

Since 2005, I train people in the financial sector. To bridge the basic knowledge gap with an easy accessible tool, I have created a 3 hour video E-training at Udemy.

Example topics covered by this course:

  • Learn about money types and the role of Central Banks;

  • Understand the different bank types and their activities;

  • Get an overview of the 3 financial product categories to trade capital, foreign currencies and risk

  • Understand financial market products trading: how, why and by whom;

  • What happens on a dealing room;

  • You will be introduced to types of derivative products and why they are used;

  • Learn about the root of the 2008 financial crisis and how it can be prevented;

  • Understand exchange trading by a 20 minute entertaining video of the history of the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.

BONUS: Students can download a FREE copy of my 40 page book Understand Banks and Financial Markets (Normal price $6) at Smashwords.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Improve you skills to work in the finance industry
  • Understand financial products and the language of finance
  • Identify the 3 types of money and how banks create money
  • You will learn what different types of banks do and how they make money
  • Overview of the 3 financial product categories to trade capital, foreign currencies and risk
  • Understand the emotions that drive risk management
  • The different types of derivative products and why they are traded in high volumes
  • Know the root of the 2008 financial crisis and how it can be prevented
  • Know how, why and by whom products are traded on financial markets
  • What is the role of central banks and their influence
  • How money is created
  • Overview of the payment prcoess
  • Risk management basics
  • Prepare for garp or aci certifications
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction and Structure

After reading this booklet you will understand the fundamentals of the banking industry. Also it supports participants of my other training programmes and workshops.

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This short video explains the three different types of money and who can create money. Also you will learn about the money multiplier and liquidity reserve. Source of this video: http://positivemoney.org/videos/

This short video gives you an overview of the payment process. You will learn about the role of Central Banks and how banks settle payments. Source of this video: http://positivemoney.org/videos/

This video gives an example of credit card payment. This video is created by the Kahn Academy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPxQQNyCxas)

In this film you will learn about the history of the first public financial trading: The Amsterdam Stock Exchange. It illustrates the development and future of trading..

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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for beginners in the finance sector or those seeking a refresher on the fundamentals
Provides a comprehensive overview of banking and financial markets
Led by an experienced professional with expertise in the financial industry
Covers core concepts such as money, banks, and financial products
Emphasizes the practical aspects of finance, including risk management and financial markets trading
Includes a downloadable e-book for further learning and reference

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Reviews summary

Foundational guide to banks and markets

According to students, this course offers a clear and accessible introduction to the world of banks and financial markets, making complex concepts understandable for beginners and non-finance professionals. Learners frequently commend its concise nature, making it an efficient overview. While praised for demystifying topics like the 2008 financial crisis and derivative products, some learners with prior knowledge found the content too introductory for deep dives. A few reviews mentioned dated production quality in some videos. The included bonus e-book is consistently highlighted as a valuable supplementary resource.
Covers key financial events and includes a valuable e-book.
"I particularly appreciated the modules on the 2008 financial crisis and derivative products, which were demystified."
"The section on Central Banks and money creation was particularly enlightening."
"The bonus e-book is also a great companion."
"The bonus materials were a pleasant surprise."
Provides a quick yet effective learning experience.
"It's concise, perhaps a little too much so for deep dives, but perfect as a starting point."
"The course length is just right for a quick but effective learning experience."
"Very concise and to the point. The modules are bite-sized, which makes it easy to consume."
"It's short, so it doesn't dive deep, but it gives a coherent picture of the financial landscape."
Explains complex financial topics simply.
"The instructor explains complex concepts in a very clear and understandable way."
"The explanations are simple yet comprehensive. I now feel much more confident discussing financial terms at work."
"Exactly what I needed as a beginner in finance. The concepts were broken down perfectly."
"I had always been intimidated by financial jargon, but this made it accessible."
Some videos have dated visuals or lower production value.
"Some of the videos felt a bit dated in terms of production quality."
"The production value is quite low, which sometimes distracts from the content."
"A few parts could benefit from updated examples or graphics to make them more engaging."
Good for basics, but not for advanced exploration.
"As someone with some prior knowledge, I found parts of it a bit too basic."
"I felt some topics, especially derivatives, could have been explored in more depth. It's a quick overview, so don't expect to become an expert."
"It's a very basic course. If you have any prior finance education, you might find it too introductory."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understand Banks & Financial Markets with these activities:
Review Introduction to Financial Markets
Review the key concepts and principles of financial markets to strengthen your foundational understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Read the assigned chapters from the textbook.
  • Take notes and highlight important passages.
  • Create a summary or mind map of the key concepts.
  • Participate in online discussions or forums to reinforce your understanding.
Review Bank Management
Gain insights into the intricacies of bank management to supplement the course's coverage of bank operations and financial strategies.
Show steps
  • Read the specified chapters from the textbook.
  • Identify and analyze key concepts and theories.
  • Compare and contrast different management approaches.
  • Apply your understanding to case studies or simulations.
Explore Online Banking Platforms
Familiarize yourself with the features and functionality of online banking platforms to enhance your understanding of modern banking practices.
Browse courses on Finance
Show steps
  • Visit websites or mobile apps of different banks.
  • Explore the available services, such as account management, bill payments, and investment options.
  • Compare the user interfaces and ease of use.
  • Read reviews or articles about the latest trends in online banking.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Compile Glossary of Banking Terms and Concepts
Create a comprehensive glossary of key banking terms and concepts to enhance your understanding and retention of the course material.
Browse courses on Finance
Show steps
  • Identify and list important terms from class lectures, readings, and discussions.
  • Define each term clearly and concisely using reliable sources.
  • Organize the glossary alphabetically or by category.
  • Review the glossary regularly to reinforce your understanding.
Attend Industry Conferences or Webinars
Engage with professionals in the banking industry at conferences or webinars to expand your network and gain insights from experts.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Identify relevant conferences or webinars aligned with your interests.
  • Register and attend the events.
  • Network with speakers, attendees, and industry professionals.
  • Follow up with valuable connections after the event.
Practice Financial Statement Analysis
Engage in practice exercises to develop your skills in analyzing financial statements, a crucial aspect of understanding bank performance and risk.
Show steps
  • Obtain sample financial statements from banks or online databases.
  • Identify and calculate key financial ratios.
  • Analyze the ratios to assess financial performance, liquidity, and solvency.
  • Compare the results with industry benchmarks or peer banks.
Develop a Financial Plan for a Start-up
Apply your knowledge of banking and finance to develop a financial plan for a hypothetical start-up, showcasing your ability to plan and strategize for business success.
Browse courses on Financial Planning
Show steps
  • Define the business concept and identify target market.
  • Estimate start-up costs, revenue projections, and profit margins.
  • Secure funding through loans, investments, or crowdfunding.
  • Create a budget and cash flow statement.
  • Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Career center

Learners who complete Understand Banks & Financial Markets will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Understand Banks & Financial Markets.
Provides a comprehensive overview of financial crises throughout history, examining the common patterns and mistakes that have led to these events. It is highly relevant to understanding the causes and consequences of financial crises.
Widely-used textbook in undergraduate monetary economics courses. It provides a broad and accessible introduction to the fundamental concepts of money, banking, and financial markets, which are essential prerequisites for understanding central banking. It valuable reference tool for students and professionals alike.
Directly addresses contemporary topics reshaping the banking industry, including FinTech, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrencies. It's essential for understanding the future of banking and the technological forces at play.
In this recent work, Ben Bernanke provides an in-depth analysis of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy over the past few decades, including its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. is essential for understanding the evolution of modern central banking and the challenges posed by recent economic events.
Focusing on the risks faced by financial institutions and how to manage them, this book is crucial for a deeper understanding of banking from a risk perspective. It standard text in many finance programs and highly relevant for professionals in risk management roles.
A definitive guide to financial risk management, this handbook provides in-depth analysis of methods for measuring and managing risk in financial institutions. It covers various types of financial risk and crucial reference for professionals and advanced students in finance.
Written by the former Chair of the Federal Reserve, this memoir provides a firsthand account of the 2008 financial crisis and the policy responses. It offers unique insights into the practical challenges and decision-making processes within a major central bank during a period of intense turmoil. is highly relevant for understanding contemporary central banking issues.
Offers a detailed examination of how banks are managed and the financial services they provide. It's a valuable resource for students and professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the operational aspects of banking. It is often used as a textbook in banking courses.
This influential book challenges conventional notions of risk and probability by focusing on the impact of rare and unpredictable events ("black swans"). It argues that these events have a disproportionate impact on the world and that we are often ill-equipped to deal with them. It's a provocative read that encourages a different way of thinking about risk and uncertainty.
Based on a series of lectures, this concise book by Ben Bernanke explains the origins and role of the Federal Reserve and its response to the 2008 financial crisis. It is an accessible yet informative resource for gaining an understanding of a key central bank's actions during a critical period.
Covers advanced topics in derivatives pricing and risk management, balancing theory and practice. It includes problems, solutions, and applied mathematical techniques relevant for quantitative finance. It's designed for students in financial engineering programs and practitioners in quantitative roles, offering a deep dive into contemporary models and methods.
Considered a leading resource on valuation, this book provides a rigorous framework for valuing companies. It is widely used by finance professionals and is an essential reference for investment bankers involved in M&A and corporate finance.
A comprehensive resource covering the various forms of M&A and corporate restructurings. delves into strategies, motives, legal frameworks, and the historical context of deals. It is valuable for both gaining a broad understanding and deepening knowledge in a key area of investment banking.
Examines the design and effectiveness of financial regulation, with a focus on the 2008 financial crisis. It offers insights into the causes of financial instability and proposes reforms to improve the resilience of the financial system.
Tells the story of the 2008 financial crisis from the perspective of a group of investors who predicted the collapse of the housing market. It provides a fascinating and accessible account of the events leading up to the crisis.
Provides a solid understanding of how derivatives are used to manage financial risks. It is known for being reader-friendly and minimizes technical mathematics while still covering essential concepts of options, futures, forwards, swaps, and risk management. It's a good resource for those seeking a practical introduction with a focus on applications.
Provides a foundational understanding of risk management and insurance principles, making it ideal for those new to the topic or seeking a broad overview. It covers basic concepts, traditional insurance, and introductory enterprise risk management, serving as a valuable textbook for undergraduate programs and a solid starting point for professionals.
Delves into the core principles and practices of banking, offering a solid foundation for both students and practitioners. It covers key areas like asset-liability management and risk management, making it valuable for deepening understanding.
A more technical deep dive into the various facets of risk management within banks. is essential for those seeking a thorough understanding of credit risk, market risk, operational risk, and more. It is geared towards a more advanced audience.
Focused specifically on operational risk in the financial services industry, this book provides a detailed guide to managing this critical area. It covers frameworks, techniques, and best practices for identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational risks. It's essential for professionals working in risk management within banks and financial institutions.
A comprehensive handbook focusing specifically on credit risk management in banking. This valuable reference tool and in-depth resource for professionals and advanced students concentrating on this critical area of banking.
Examines the role of central banks in navigating recent economic and financial crises. It delves into the unconventional monetary policies employed and the challenges faced by central bankers in a turbulent global environment. It is highly relevant for understanding contemporary central banking practices and their implications.
Written by a former Fed trader, this book offers a practical and accessible explanation of how central banking works. It's excellent for gaining a clearer understanding of monetary policy and its impact on the financial system.
Focuses specifically on the strategies and frameworks central banks use to conduct monetary policy. It is suitable for those who have a foundational understanding of central banking and wish to delve deeper into the practical aspects of policy implementation. It can be used as a reference or for advanced study.
Authored by a renowned expert in valuation, this book provides a deep dive into various valuation techniques. It is an essential reference for understanding how to value companies and assets, a critical skill in investment banking. While comprehensive, it can be challenging for beginners.
A focused guide to the Basel Accords, which are international banking regulations. is crucial for professionals and advanced students needing to understand the regulatory framework governing bank capital and risk management.
Is highly recommended for those seeking a deeper, more mathematical understanding of derivative pricing. It provides a rigorous introduction to the fundamental concepts behind financial options, starting at a more accessible level before moving to more advanced mathematical topics. It's particularly useful for students with a strong quantitative background looking to delve into the theoretical underpinnings.
Aligned with international standards like ISO 31000 and the COSO ERM Framework, this book offers a comprehensive introduction to enterprise risk management. It covers identification, analysis, and treatment of various risks, including emerging trends. It's suitable for students and risk professionals seeking a thorough grounding in ERM principles and practices.
A compelling account of the 2008 financial crisis, this book explains the complex financial instruments and market failures that led to the meltdown. It provides crucial context for understanding systemic risk and the interconnectedness of modern financial markets. It's highly relevant for understanding contemporary market history and regulation.
Critically examines the role and accountability of central banks in contemporary democracies. It raises important questions about their independence and their impact on inequality, making it highly relevant for discussions on the future of central banking and its societal implications.
Considered a classic in value investing, this book provides timeless principles for navigating financial markets and making sound investment decisions. While not solely focused on market structure, its insights into fundamental analysis and market psychology are invaluable for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of market behavior. It's a must-read for serious investors.
Offers a critical look at common risk management practices and argues for more quantitative approaches. It challenges conventional wisdom and provides insights into improving risk assessment and decision-making. It's valuable for both students and professionals looking to refine their risk management methodologies.
Geared towards doctoral and master's students, this book takes a patient approach to the pricing of financial derivatives. It provides the necessary mathematical foundations and balances quantitative detail with theoretical overview. It's a strong resource for those seeking a deep understanding of derivative pricing theory.
Provides real-world examples and case studies of how organizations have implemented enterprise risk management. It offers practical insights into the challenges and successes of ERM implementation, making it valuable for those involved in establishing or improving an ERM program.
Authored by the former Governor of the Bank of England, this book critically analyzes the current monetary and banking system, arguing for fundamental reforms. It provides a thought-provoking perspective on the challenges facing central banks in the post-crisis era and is valuable for those seeking to deepen their understanding of potential future directions.
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this book examines the roles of central bankers leading up to the Great Depression. It offers critical historical context and highlights the impact of central banking decisions on the global economy, making it a classic in financial history.
As the title suggests, this book aims to simplify the concepts of derivatives for beginners. It takes a step-by-step approach, using simple terms and minimal complex mathematics. Its focus on case studies, examples, and practical applications makes it an accessible starting point for those new to the topic or without a strong mathematical background.
Delves into practical issues and presents case studies related to the execution of Enterprise Risk Management programs. It provides insights from senior risk management professionals and explores how organizations measure the impact of ERM. It is particularly useful for understanding real-world challenges and best practices in ERM implementation.
Explores the art and science of prediction in various fields, from weather forecasting to finance. It examines why some predictions succeed while many fail, emphasizing the importance of probability and understanding uncertainty. It offers valuable lessons for risk managers who rely on forecasting and data analysis.
This handbook provides a comprehensive guide to the interconnected areas of governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC). It covers frameworks, best practices, and practical guidance for implementing an integrated GRC program. It's a valuable reference for professionals responsible for GRC in their organizations.
Explores the complex relationship between unelected central bankers and democratic legitimacy. It delves into the governance and accountability of central banks and regulatory bodies, a crucial contemporary topic in the field. It is relevant for advanced students and professionals interested in the political economy of central banking.
A sweeping history of finance, this book provides essential context for understanding the evolution of banking and financial systems across different eras. It's valuable for gaining a broad historical perspective and appreciating the roots of modern banking.
Delves into the contemporary topic of high-frequency trading and its impact on financial markets. It provides a narrative look at the evolution of market structure and the controversies surrounding modern trading practices. It offers a relevant and engaging perspective on current market dynamics.

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