John Wiley & Sons

Investment Banking For Dummies

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John Wiley & Sons

Investment Banking For Dummies

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Understand the role of investment banking in capital markets

  • Analyze financial statements for informed decision-making

  • Evaluate companies using valuation models and financial ratios

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Recently updated!

September 2026

Assessments

22 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 21 modules in this course

This module provides a comprehensive overview of investment banking, including its role in economic growth, key functions, and distinctions from traditional banking. It explores organizational structures, types of operations, and the expertise required to succeed in the field. Learners will gain foundational knowledge and practical insights into how investment banks operate.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module provides an in-depth look at the key functions of investment banking, including mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and initial public offerings. It explains how investment bankers facilitate capital raising, support corporate transactions, and assist investors in making informed decisions. Learners will gain a clear understanding of the role of investment banks in the financial ecosystem.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

This module explores the key processes involved in selling companies through initial public offerings (IPOs), including the creation of critical documents like the prospectus and the role of sell-side analysts. Learners will gain insight into the financial strategies, risks, and ethical considerations that investment bankers navigate to ensure successful market entries.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module explores the role of investment banking in mergers and acquisitions, covering deal structures, motivations for corporate mergers, and factors that influence deal success or failure. It explains how investment bankers facilitate fair transactions and analyze M&A opportunities through strategic alignment and financial evaluation.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module provides a comprehensive overview of how investment banking supports leveraged buyouts, focusing on key concepts such as target selection, cash flow analysis, and exit strategies. Learners will gain insight into the financial mechanics and strategic decisions involved in LBOs, as well as the role of private equity and investment banks in the process.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module teaches learners how to locate, retrieve, and analyze financial and non-financial data from public sources like EDGAR. It covers practical skills such as importing data into Excel and using document aggregators to quickly process information. Learners will gain the ability to leverage public filings for investment research and decision-making.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

This module guides learners through the essential components of financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. It explores how investment professionals interpret these documents to assess financial health and identify opportunities. Learners will gain insights into the tools and techniques used by investment bankers and analysts.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

This module explores essential financial ratios used in investment banking to evaluate company performance, liquidity, profitability, and efficiency. Learners will gain the ability to interpret key metrics and apply them in real-world decision-making scenarios. The content provides practical insights into how investment bankers assess and value companies.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module teaches learners how to analyze industries by comparing financial ratios, defining competitive landscapes, and evaluating company performance over time. It covers techniques for creating and adjusting industry comparison universes, as well as assessing key financial metrics like growth rates and leverage. Learners will gain the skills to make informed financial decisions using industry benchmarks.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module covers stock valuation techniques, market price analysis, and the importance of tracking past transactions to make informed financial decisions. It explores different stock types and the role of pre-IPO marketplaces in investment strategies. Learners will also gain insights into identifying and understanding market distortions.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module provides an in-depth look at the mechanics of bonds, including their types, pricing, and sensitivity to interest rate changes. Learners will gain a clear understanding of how investment bankers evaluate and manage fixed-income securities in real-world scenarios. The focus is on applying financial principles to bond valuation and market analysis.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module provides an in-depth exploration of financial valuation techniques, focusing on the discounted free cash flow model and the weighted average cost of capital. Learners will develop the skills to calculate and interpret key financial metrics used in investment banking and corporate finance. The module also covers stress-testing models and understanding the impact of assumptions in valuation.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

This module explores the key components of structuring leveraged buyouts, including financing strategies, cash flow projections, and risk assessment. Learners will gain an understanding of how investment bankers use debt and equity to optimize transaction structures. The module also covers the importance of pro forma modeling and capital structure decisions.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of return on equity (ROE) and DuPont analysis, enabling learners to evaluate company performance through financial ratios and profitability metrics. It covers the strengths and limitations of ROE compared to other measures and teaches how to interpret DuPont results for investment decisions.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores the evolution of investment banking regulations, the impact of historical financial crises, and the role of key regulatory agencies. Learners will gain an understanding of compliance strategies, the influence of past events on current rules, and the responsibilities of financial analysts. It provides insights into the importance of transparency and ethical practices in the industry.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores how companies manipulate financial statements through revenue overstatement, expense understatement, and asset overvaluation. Learners will gain the ability to identify red flags in financial reporting and understand the motivations behind unethical accounting practices.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

This module explores the world of alternative investments, including hedge funds, real estate, venture capital, and cryptocurrencies, while also covering diversification techniques and conflict management in asset management. Learners will gain insights into how investment banks manage risks and build trust with clients.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

This module provides an in-depth look at the practical aspects of investment banking, focusing on financial analysis, deal structuring, and pro forma modeling. Learners will develop the skills needed to evaluate mergers and acquisitions, understand financial statements, and create realistic financial projections for real-world scenarios.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores major investment banking failures, their causes, and the resulting impacts on financial markets and regulations. Learners will gain insights into the risks of poor financial decision-making and the importance of ethical practices in banking.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module covers advanced techniques for improving financial models used in investment banking, including sensitivity analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, and risk assessment. Learners will gain practical skills to enhance accuracy and make more informed investment decisions.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module provides an overview of essential online resources that investment bankers and financial professionals use to access critical financial data. It highlights cost-effective alternatives to expensive subscriptions and emphasizes the importance of understanding regulatory frameworks like the SEC. Learners will gain practical knowledge on leveraging available tools for informed decision-making.

What's included

1 video2 readings2 assignments

Instructor

Wiley Skills Network
John Wiley & Sons
218 Courses21,713 learners

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