“As the Chief Operating Officer of a boutique asset manager I decided to undertake the CISI Diploma in Investment Operations to deepen my knowledge and broaden my horizons. This involved 2 multiple choice exams followed by a 3-hour written exam titled 'Global Operations Management'.

When it came to sitting the 'GOM' exam, I took one look at the previous years' abysmal pass rates and knew I needed help. Fortunately I found Alan and Paul, and quickly decided that their 100% online course would fit perfectly into my busy schedule. We had 8 formal lessons alongside some informal revision sessions. Alan provided a variety of engaging study material e.g. quizzes, case studies, news articles, and past paper analysis. Furthermore, he was always on hand to address any tricky questions via email. The course really brought to life the CISI workbook, which is a tome.

Simply put, I could not have passed this exam without the tutorage, insights, and encouragement of Alan Burr. Having another student in my course to compare notes with and learn from was an added bonus, and I was delighted that we both emerged successful. I've made new friends in the industry, which is perhaps the biggest bonus.”

Alan was undoubtedly the best trainer I have had throughout my CISI diploma experience. I had some initial worries about attending a training fully online but the sessions were structured and engaging and the materials were helpful, well-paced and well presented. Alan is extremely knowledgeable and approachable. His sessions really helped me gain some “real world” perspective on what can sometimes be a very dry topic. The additional materials over and above the slides and Alan’s willingness to answer even the most stupid of my questions in such a kind and helpful way demonstrated his vast knowledge and experience on the subject. This course is undoubtedly the reason I passed this exam and I hope to have the opportunity to work with Alan again in the future.

"The CISI Financial Derivatives Diploma course with Paul Kitching and the ultimate examination has historically tested candidates on a range of intellectually taxing topics, providing them with a very thorough introduction to the world of derivatives across relating to all asset classes, linking the theoretical with the practical.

Not only does it require mathematical skills in the pricing, hedging, and fundamental understanding of financial derivatives, from Black-Scholes (and its variants), to cash-bucketing hedging techniques for swap, it also demands that candidates are able to compose succinct and concise prose on contemporary topics.

Few people are able to articulate how derivatives operate in very simple language, and the course and exam demands that candidates are able to do that, and should be an extremely relevant concern in the wake of the recent financial crisis. Candidate preparation is best approached through the taking of the course, followed up by rigorous reading of the press and study in one's own time.

There is no other equivalent paper, in terms of difficult or comprehensiveness, offered by the CISI. I would thoroughly support the promotion of this paper (and think that it deserves its own qualification having sat it myself!) and believe that the course with Paul Kitching should be a quasi-mandatory requirement, if one expects to pass it.

Without the course, I would suggest that the chances of succeeding on this testing paper are significantly lower than with it. I would highly recommend the course to anyone in relevant Derivatives Investment/ Trading/ Sales/ Research or Compliance roles, as well as those in higher level Investment Bank Risk Management or indeed anyone working for relevant components of the FSA, would benefit too.

"This course provides an exceptional introduction into the workings of the financial derivatives world, enabling me to a gain better understanding of the market in which derivative traders operate. As an Internal Auditor, this was especially beneficial as it enabled me to better understand the risks of the business and therefore gave me the knowledge to focus my future audit testing.

The course tutor (Paul Kitching) was extremely knowledgeable on the subject matter, which allowed him to create a positive learning environment for all students no matter their background despite the extensive syllabus provided by the Chartered Securities Institute.

I would personally recommend this course to anyone who has to work with derivatives on a regular basis, whether they work in the front office, back office or in a support function because it provides something for everyone. Additionally, as part of the wider CISI Diploma, it can lead to a professional qualification that can assist in moving your career along by formally recognizing your understanding of the financial markets."

"Prior to sitting the CISI Financial Derivatives diploma paper I attended a course taken by Paul Kitching. This particular paper of the diploma is extremely challenging and hence I found the course, plus the continuous support I received from Paul, to be crucial to my success in the exam.

The course was well structured and the material explained exceptionally well and the tutor's passion and in-depth knowledge of the subject constantly encouraged me to think outside of the box. The diploma is highly recognised within the investment industry and has been of significant benefit to my career progression to date, having recently gained a senior position within a top tier wealth manager."