Our courses help you to keep abreast of the latest developments and take your competence to the next level. We give you practical tools for strategic financial management and risk assurance as well as for dealing with the intricacies of banking and finance, such as financial administration, risk management, investing, banking and finance as well as insurance.

Success Comes from a Thorough Understanding of Basic Economic Principles

To make well-founded and impactful decisions on issues such as investments or pricing, executives need to be familiar with basic economic principles. Basic economic literacy and skilled application of key economic figures also play a decisive role in an organization’s strategic planning, as well as when weighing up alternatives for the future direction of, and defining success factors for, a business.

The ability of a company’s financial administration team to provide essential information in support of decision-making is another critical factor in the success of an organization. Instead of just supporting day-to-day financial routines, the modern financial administration team is first and foremost a strategic partner of the organization’s executive management. Similarly, it is important for management to know how to interpret and make the most out of financial information.

New Learning Opportunities from Technological Advancement

The technologies associated with economics, banking and finance are constantly changing. This has created a situation where banks are now among the largest software developers in the world. Digitalization has created new types of service and business models as well as new, unprecedentedly effective methods and tools for value creation. Moreover, digitalization has created a need for new kinds of economic and financial competence.

The development of information technology and its integration in automated processes have become key areas of expertise for economic and financial professionals. Both regulation and digitalization are transforming the processing of payments, for example, as more and more payments are made in the digital ecosystem instead of in cash. This shift also means learning new skills in the banking sector.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been among the most talked-about topics in the world of business for a while. Artificial intelligence is already being used to automate processes and to build new, sophisticated business solutions. However, there are still a lot of unanswered questions, which are now being tackled on various levels. How can artificial intelligence be put to use responsibly? How should artificial intelligence be regulated and controlled? And where do we draw the line so as to not thwart innovation by too much regulation? The EU is working on a new regulation that aims to protect the privacy and fundamental rights of individuals and businesses in the context of artificial intelligence. As drafting of the regulation progresses, it will also have an increasingly wide-ranging impact on businesses. As well as knowing how to apply technology, experts need to have the skills to evaluate the sustainability and transparency of such applications and the associated risks.

New Competence Requirements Relating to Risk Management, Know-Your-Customer Processes and Anti-Money Laundering

The economic environment and the turbulent situation around the world create threats that can be difficult to predict. The last few years have shown, on a practical level, what happens when risks materialize and highlighted the importance of security and preparedness. Global, interconnected chains of operations and networks are adding to the complexity of threat scenarios and forcing businesses to prepare for these threats in an increasingly systematic and strategic manner. It is important for risk management professionals as well as for legal and compliance experts and managers to examine and understand the changing operating environment of businesses, new emerging threats and risks, and the impact of legislation and legislative reforms on business operations.

Among new key areas of expertise are know-your-customer and anti-money laundering regulations and how to interpret and comply with the associated requirements. The ramping up of regulation is motivated by an international consensus on the need to prevent, for example, the financing of terrorism and drug trafficking. One of our goals is to promote and build this competence and know-how to effectively prevent money laundering. Our courses teach you how to identify and spot suspicious transactions, know your customers more systematically, and choose the right level of money laundering risk assessment for your business. We work together with top experts to run, for example, online courses and training events for professionals and managers who are legally required to observe anti-money laundering regulations in their work.

Responsible Investment and Sustainability Reporting Call for a Diverse Skills Aet

The operating environment is changing quickly, and new laws are being passed all the time to tighten competence requirements relating to sustainability. The modern sustainability framework covers three perspectives: environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG). The sustainability of business and the importance of transparent sustainability assessment feature more and more in financial and corporate reporting. The expectations and objectives of responsible businesses are wide and varied. There are also plans to introduce even more detailed and broader regulations for sustainability reporting. As well as a key component of external reports, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important element of business management. The choice of investments and partners hinges more and more often on sustainability performance.

The EU is preparing to adopt a Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which will require businesses to publish reports on their environmental and social impact (ESG). The goal is to make corporate sustainability reporting more consistent, comparable, and reliable. The CSRD is also expanding the scope of reporting requirements considerably.

In the world of investment, professionals are increasingly being called, both by law and by their clients, to provide not only investment advice but also guidance relating to sustainability. Understanding the perspectives of sustainable finance and ESG as well as their role in investing and business is becoming more and more important, as professionals need to be able to factor these perspectives into the investment services and advice they provide to both institutional investors and retail clients.

One of the most notable recent additions to the regulatory framework is the so-called EU Taxonomy, which entered into force at the beginning of 2022 and is set to expand further in the coming years. The EU Taxonomy is a classification system aimed at promoting sustainable development by establishing a list of environmentally sustainable economic activities. Among other things, it obliges banks to assess the sustainability of their customers and investments. It also increases transparency and helps to reduce the risk of greenwashing. Although the classification system is designed to make it easier for financial operators to identify sustainable investments, it also creates a new gap in competence.

Our Educational Services

We provide a wide range of educational options from flexible, independent learning to networking and group-based training. We run online courses, seminars and longer training programs as well as providing qualifications and textbooks. We have learning environments both online and on the inspiring premises of Aalto University in Töölö.

Training Programs and Qualifications

Our training programs and qualifications are a source of comprehensive professional knowledge and practical skills for all areas of the financial sector, risk management and finance. The programs are designed to provide fresh perspectives and new approaches to building the next generation of business.

Seminars

Aalto EE and Finva Finance and Insurance Education run a wide range of high-quality, needs-based expert seminars to maintain and boost the competence and expertise of people on all organizational levels. All the latest developments in the world of finance and economics are covered.

Online Courses and Books

The contents of individual online courses on economics have been designed together with Aalto University’s experts to meet our customers’ current and future competence needs. Organization-specific online courses are tailored for flexible, independent learning. Our online courses and competency tests can be uploaded to the organization’s own learning environment or accessed via Finva Finanssikoulutus online portal.

Finva Finanssikoulutus also publishes both traditional books and e-books providing useful information for finance and risk management professionals. Our e-books are sold by Ellibs and Elisa Kirja.

Customized Training Courses

Are you looking for something specific tailored just for your organization? We can build customized training courses ranging from administrative strategic processes to extensive development programs for your organization’s rising stars.