Page 6 - CAPE Financial Services Syllabus Macmillan_Neat

Financial Services Studies Syllabus

 RATIONALE

Financial Services Studies is a course of study that focuses on the knowledge and skill sets related to
the provision of economic goods and services within the finance industry. Although the impact of
globalisation has heightened the importance of financial security and sustainability, and the
movement of funds associated with the daily operations of World economies have changed the face
of the financial services industry, many territories do not have any such facilities or plans to prepare
their nationals for the regional market as well as for the international markets which are consistently
expanding. These markets will attract the best of the pool of experts from all over the world, with the
Caribbean being no exception to the rule as seen in several other fields. The lack of preparation of
Caribbean nationals does not augur well for the alleviation of the unemployment crisis in the Region,
or for the improvement in the quality of life experienced by citizens when economies experience
growth and development.

The study of CAPE® Financial Services Studies will assist in the formal preparation and certification of
Caribbean persons to access an untapped market space and contribute to the development of more
competent international financial services experts in an area which is poised for high profitable growth
across the Region. This programme will contribute to a Caribbean person who is more aware of the
international importance of the financial services industry and the impact of international financial
policies on the Caribbean. This will lead to a better quality of life for present and future generations
while providing wealth creation through new and innovative job opportunities and other economic
possibilities including entrepreneurship.

This syllabus is designed to provide the appropriate knowledge, skills and competencies that are
required for further studies in Financial Services, as well as for the world of work; to produce citizens
who will be more aware of developmental challenges in the Caribbean region while finding solutions
that will lead to sustainable development and economic growth. The approach to the development of a
CAPE® syllabus in Financial Services Studies is one that combines academic and technical studies. The
syllabus therefore, seeks to develop professional, technical/vocational and entrepreneurial skills
which are relevant to the field of financial services.

Ultimately, this course of study in CAPE® Financial Services Studies will develop the Ideal Caribbean
Person who, as articulated by CARICOM Heads of Government at their 18th Summit, is emotionally
secure with a high level of self-confidence and self-esteem; demonstrates multiple literacies,
independent and critical thinking; questions the practices of past and present and brings this to bear
on the innovative application of science and technology to problem solving; has a positive work
attitude; and values and displays creative imagination and entrepreneurship. In keeping with the
UNESCO Pillars of Learning, on completion of this course of study, students will learn to know, to do,
to be, and to transform themselves and society.

CXC A38/U2/16 1