Course Outline for FINRA SIE Exam Prep

Module 1: Introduction to Capital Markets

• Lesson 1.1: Overview of Capital Markets
  • Definition and purpose of capital markets
  • Key regulatory entities and their roles
• Lesson 1.2: Market Participants
  • Types and roles of investors
  • Roles of broker-dealers, investment advisors, and other participants
• Lesson 1.3: Market Structures
  • Primary, secondary, third, and fourth markets
  • Electronic and over-the-counter markets
• Lesson 1.4: Economic Factors
  • Impact of Federal Reserve policies
  • Economic indicators and their effects

Module 2: Understanding Securities and Risks

• Lesson 2.1: Equity Securities
  • Types of equity securities and their characteristics
  • Voting rights and dividend payments
• Lesson 2.2: Debt Instruments
  • Types of bonds and their features
  • Yield, coupon rate, and maturity considerations
• Lesson 2.3: Options and Packaged Products
  • Basics of options and trading strategies
  • Overview of mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment products
• Lesson 2.4: Investment Risks
  • Types of investment risks
  • Strategies for risk mitigation

Module 3: Securities Offerings

• Lesson 3.1: Types of Securities Offerings
  • Public vs. private offerings
  • Initial and secondary offerings
• Lesson 3.2: Offering Documents and Regulations
  • Key offering documents and their purposes
  • Regulatory filing requirements and exemptions

Module 4: Trading and Settlement

• Lesson 4.1: Trading Orders and Strategies
  • Types of trading orders and their uses
  • Trade capacities and market roles
• Lesson 4.2: Settlement Processes
  • Trade settlement timeframes and methods
  • Understanding corporate actions and their impacts
• Lesson 4.3: Investment Returns
  • Components of investment returns
  • Calculating yield and total return

Module 5: Customer Accounts and Compliance

• Lesson 5.1: Types of Customer Accounts
  • Cash, margin, and retirement accounts
  • Account registration and characteristics
• Lesson 5.2: Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering
  • AML compliance programs and reporting
  • Privacy and data protection requirements

Module 6: Regulatory Framework

• Lesson 6.1: Registration and Continuing Education
  • Requirements for registration and continuing education
  • Permitted activities and restrictions for registered persons
• Lesson 6.2: Employee Conduct and Reportable Events
  • Requirements for employee conduct and reporting
  • Consequences for failing to comply with regulations

Module 7: Prohibited Activities and Ethical Standards

• Lesson 7.1: Market Manipulation and Insider Trading
  • Definitions and examples of market manipulation
  • Understanding insider trading and penalties
• Lesson 7.2: Other Prohibited Activities
  • Restrictions on IPO participation and improper use of customer funds
  • Prohibited activities related to records and customer interactions

Module 8: Review and Exam Preparation

• Lesson 8.1: Comprehensive Review of Key Concepts
  • Summary of key topics from each module
  • Practice questions and review exercises
• Lesson 8.2: Exam Strategies and Tips
  • Test-taking strategies for the SIE exam
  • Time management and stress reduction techniques