Numerix, an analytics provider for structuring, pricing and valuation of derivatives and structured products, is launching a series of courses aimed at financial engineers to educate them on the finer points of pricing and managing complex derivatives within the vendor’s solution. The vendor has dubbed the endeavour NumeriX University and it will be offered free of charge to those that wish to learn more about the vendor’s offering.
Steven O’Hanlon, president and chief operating officer of the vendor, hopes the NumeriX curriculum and the prospect of becoming a “NumeriX Certified Financial Engineer” will appeal to current and future customers and partners of the firm. “As more and more skilled individuals are victims of the turmoil in the financial markets, the ability to learn new skills and stay current on the best practices being developed in the capital markets is critical. Looking ahead, it will take individuals with specialised expertise to help institutions advance valuation and pricing best practices and meet new regulatory demands,” he contends.
The vendor is now offering three separate course programmes focused on different asset classes in New York. Later this year, NumeriX will begin offering the same courses in London and Hong Kong, as well as new courses aimed at IT professionals.
Applicants must hold advanced degrees in financial engineering, applied mathematics or equivalent disciplines and have worked with derivatives at a financial institution or software company. Moreover, as part of the selection process, applicants will be required to take a brief online exam.
Given the tough job climate in the financial markets, the appeal of such a course to those “casualties” of the market (NumeriX’s words) may hold some sway with those seeking to boost their appeal to employers. However, given its focus on the NumeriX product set, this may be somewhat limited.
