The modular "Investor Relations Certification Programme" has been designed to support the professional development of Investor Relations practitioners through a comprehensive curriculum covering the core competencies, emerging trends and recognised best practices of the profession.

Background

Investor Relations have evolved from a disclosure-focused function into a strategic discipline at the intersection of finance, corporate governance, communications and capital markets.

Today, IR professionals are expected to ensure regulatory compliance and transparent disclosure and, particularly, to build long-term investor confidence, support access to capital and communicate a coherent equity story in an increasingly complex and fast-moving market environment.

At the same time, the IR landscape is being reshaped by significant regulatory developments, heightened investors expectations, rapid technological innovation and the growing use of artificial intelligence by investors and analysts.

The Academy Certificate in Investor Relations has been developed to address these evolving demands. Combining technical knowledge with practical application and insights from leading market practitioners, the programme provides a comprehensive framework for developing the competencies required of today Investor Relations professionals.

The certificate, awarded upon completion of the training and successful examination, provides a qualification recognized across European markets. 

Benefits of attending and key take-aways

This qualification equips successful candidates with the necessary knowledge, tools, and competence to manage effective, fair, and trustworthy communications between their company and its shareholders and stakeholders.

It enables Investor Relations professionals to strengthen their strategic contribution to the business, enhance their credibility with internal and external stakeholders, and demonstrate their commitment to recognised industry standards and continuous professional development.

The modular Investor Relations Certification Programme has been designed to help Investor Relations professionals and Communications Managers develop and apply the current IR best practices across the full spectrum of the role.

Covering topics ranging from capital markets, regulatory compliance and disclosure obligations, digital engagement and emerging technologies, the programme provides the critical skills to build closer relationships with investors, regulators and other stakeholders and to tackle changes in critical aspects of the day-to-day role of IR professionals.

Successful completion of the certification also provides a recognised professional credential that supports career development.

Structure

A 4-phased programme 

The Mastercourse is a four-phased programme:

1 - Assessment – an online check-point to verify the participants’ level of knowledge on some fundamental topics

2 - Foundation courses – three online courses to get ready for the core curriculum:

     - Introduction to financial markets and Instruments
     - Financial Statement Analysis
     - Company Valuation

     These courses will be mandatory for participants with identified knowledge gaps during the assessment phase 

3 – Core Courses – 9 modules on the most relevant topics for an IR expert

The core curriculum of the Certification Programme is based on five modules:

1. 1. Foundation of Investor Relations in Capital Markets – One day in person   
   2. Regulatory and Disclosure Framework – One day in person 
   3. Financial and Valuation Literacy – 2 half-days online
   4. Communications and Storytelling – 2 half-days online
   5. Leadership and Stakeholder Management – One half-day online
   6. Capital Markets Strategy – 3 half-days online
   7. Crisis and Special Situations – 2 half-days online
   8. AI, tech and data in Digital Investor Relations – One half-day online
   9. IR and ESG – 2 half-days online

4 – Final examination - At the end of the Mastercourse, an online examination session will be held in person in Milan - Euronext Offices.
The exam will be a multiple-choice questionnaire, made of 75 questions to be completed in 90 minutes. 
During the training, delegates will be also assigned a capstone project to be presented on the final examination day.

The capstone integrates all prior modules into a single applied assessment, conducted in front of a review panel.

• Mock earnings call with live Q&A simulation
• Full IR strategy plan development for a listed company
• Panel review and feedback from practicing IR officers

 

Who should attend

Target audience

§  Post-graduates
§  IR professionals
§  Sustainability managers
§  Board directors
§  Communication and PR Managers of listed and listing companies
§  Financial analysts of listed companies

 

Course Tutors

Academy experts

The programme featured speakers and lecturers who are well-known industry experts in Europe.

 

Logistics

Learning environment

The Mastercourse is a blended training programme.

The foundation courses will be delivered online by the Academy elearning platform.

The Welcome ceremony and the first and second module of the core courses will be carried out in person in Milan at Euronext Offices. (More details to follow).

The third to ninth modules of the core courses will be carried out online as virtual classrooms on Academy’s Teams platform.

The Examination and Certificate Ceremony Day will be carried out in person in Milan at Euronext Offices. (More details to follow).

Learning material

The handouts and course material will be provided to the delegates in pdf format via the Academy e-learning platform before each training session.

 

Academy Certificate

Certified Investor Relations Officer - Academy - Euronext Group

At successful completion of the examination, the delegates will be awarded the 'Academy Certificate in Investor Relations' by Academy - Euronext Group.

Please be aware that the Investor Relations certification will be valid for two years. To maintain its validity beyond this period, participants must complete a 8-hour annual update on IR practices starting two years after obtaining the certification.