SQL in Finance

Learn how to code using Structured Query Language (SQL) for data storage, analysis and manipulation with applications in finance. SQL is a special-purpose programming language used by a large number of financial employers.

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Overview Curriculum Software Requirements

Overview

This course teaches students from foundations, with no prior programming knowledge or experience required. The focus is on the most common usage of SQL in the financial industry, providing students with the knowledge required to start writing SQL code from Day One on the job. The course will benefit those looking to gain working knowledge of this powerful and globally-used database programming language, and to develop knowledge of MS SQL Server.

By the end of the course, students will have an essential skill that financial employers need and feel confident in their ability to write SQL programs to perform many of the day to day functions in a Finance job.

During the program, students will develop several SQL programs which will form part of their portfolio. The portfolio is a valuable addition to a student’s CV/resume, and is a real asset that is evidence of the student’s practical experience and knowledge. This is particularly useful during a job search to set the student apart from other applicants.

The SQL in Finance course is not offered on a standalone basis. It is included in our Certificate in Finance Business Analysis (FinBA), and Coding (Python, SQL) in Finance Certificate training programs.

Curriculum

Section 1 – Basics

  • SQL Server Management Studio

  • Commenting code

  • Data import/export

  • Table functions

  • Column operations

Section 2 – Data Analysis and Manipulation

  • Selecting data

  • Data filtering

  • Data update

  • Views

  • Functions

Section 3 – Joins

  • Keys

  • Aliases

  • Left join

  • Inner join

  • Full outer join

Section 4 – Advanced Data Analysis and Manipulation

  • Pattern searching

  • Aggregation

  • Mathematical operations

  • Stored procedures

  • Nested queries

Software Requirements

SQL Server with LocalDB version, and SQL Server Management Studio must be installed on your computer for this course:

  • SQL Server 2017 Express – LocalDB version (free of charge) (Click here to go to the Microsoft website. Ensure you install the LocalDB version)

  • After the step above, install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 17.9.1 (free of charge) – download link on the Microsoft website

Note: This course is taught using SQL Server 2017 Express – LocalDB version in a Windows environment. The course is designed for specialised professionals in finance. It is not intended for IT specialists, computer scientists, or professional developers in finance. Software installation/application support is not provided by the program. Students are advised to contact the vendors or search online for information if support is required.

Next: Expert Speaker Series

Our Alumni Get Great Jobs

Graduates of our training programs secure employment with some of the most prestigious financial employers in locations across the globe. Many financial institutions sponsor their employees. More...

Become a highly skilled, highly paid professional in investment banking

Whether you’re new to finance/coding, adding more skills, or advancing your career, our training programs will prepare you for your ideal job.

Focused curricula

Each of our courses focuses on delivering only the specific knowledge you need to pass the toughest interviews, land your coveted role, and succeed in your career.

Learn from experts

Our courses are developed/taught directly by industry-leading implementation experts and thought leaders.

No finance or coding experience required

Beginner, novice or intermediate, whatever your level, you don’t need to have prior knowledge of finance or programming as all our courses are taught from foundations.

Practical learning

You won't just study the theory. Our training programs are heavily practical by design. You will learn by doing - by undertaking the type of work you will likely be doing on the job.

Coding projects

You will learn the highly sought-after programming languages of Python & SQL and then actually write the code needed to build 10+ prototypes of the kind of systems every investment bank uses.

Live teaching sessions

You will join a live web session every week where you can talk directly to the expert instructor, and other students for one-to-one and group support.

Certification

You will overcome the catch-22 hurdle of eligibility by earning a globally recognised official certificate from Financial Risk Hub that demonstrates your competence to potential employers.

CPD credits - CFA, FRM, & PRM

You can consolidate your professional quantitative finance & risk analytics credentials by earning credits from leading industry organisations such as the CFA Institute, GARP and PRMIA.

Professional recruiters

You will gain exclusive access to specialist investment banking recruiters to help you advance your career and land a high-paying role.

Go from Job Search to Job Success

We provide access to a wide variety of career services and support to help you secure your next role after successfully completing the program.

CV/resume help (FinBA program only)

You will be assigned a dedicated professional investment banking recruiter, specialising in Risk & Quant Finance, who will work 1-1 with you to tailor your existing CV/resume.

Leverage our network (FinBA program only)

We foster personal introductions to our network of potential hiring managers and recruiters, to help our students based in London, Toronto, NY/Boston/Chicago/Dallas, and Sydney/Melbourne get connected to the right people.

Job search support

You will receive invaluable guidance on how to navigate the complex recruitment landscape and conduct a smart search for your first or next role in investment banking.

Interview prep

You will be provided a comprehensive set of common interview questions and framework for how to answer them. In addition, we will train you on the mindset and approach needed to ace interviews at any investment bank.



Our Taught Courses

Market Risk (Finance)

Gain in-demand, specialised knowledge on financial products and risk analytics on a hands-on course with an opportunity to qualify for GARP/PRMIA/CFA Institute CPD credits.

Python in Finance

Learn one of the most popular programming languages in the financial industry - highly sought-after by employers.

SQL in Finance

Learn one of the most important programming languages in finance - Structured Query Language (SQL) for data storage, analysis and manipulation.

Counterparty Credit Risk

Get a solid introduction to counterparty credit risk, one of the key financial risks an investment bank faces, in a session led by Professor Johannes Ruf (London School of Economics).

Testimonials

“Your Python training materials are easy for anyone to follow even if you have zero programming experience. You are very good at explaining things in a simple manner.”

Tatsiana H
Vice President (Front Office), Goldman Sachs

“The material you are covering is excellent and very relevant for those wanting to work in finance.”

Prof. John Hull
University of Toronto

“The CV/resume building and interview preparation tips I received were instrumental. I was offered a new job at TD Bank within weeks of completing the program.”

Oyebola S
Royal Bank of Canada

“The practical approach of the course will help anyone just starting out in investment banking or looking to transition.”

Bolade O, CFA
Credit Suisse

“I truly recommend the program. I secured a new role in Traded Risk shortly after completing the Coding (Python, SQL) in Finance Certificate program.”

Iwona D
HSBC

“The program is provided in a practical context which helps to immediately ready anyone successful in completing the course for employment in investment banking.”

Nicole S
UBS

“I had no prior knowledge of finance. This hands-on program encouraged me to apply for BA roles in IBs, and it gave me a real confidence boost in job interviews. I now work as a Senior Business Analyst.”

Sam N
TD Asset Management

“I started applying my new Python skills at work while still in the program. The project-based work helped build my confidence at writing code to solve problems.”

Daniel C
UBS

“The competitively priced FinBA program is a highly relevant, practical augmentation to any mathematical finance program. Consider it a must-have.”

Taiwo R
Quant Analyst & MFE Graduate

“I cannot fully express how great Ola is and the overall content of the training program. Whoever wants to gain practical derivatives, SQL, and Python coding experience this is the right program for you.”

Jelena P
Ponce Bank

“The program is a crisp recipe for anyone interested in launching a career into FO/Risk Management. The course content is recent, relevant, practical and hands-on.”

Kinshuk P
Quantitative Analyst, Moody's

“The online recordings and the live teaching sessions were amazing. The course material was really good and in a nutshell. Ola did a great job.”

Michael M, PhD, CQF
DataMain (Financial Services Consultancy)

“Ola was very generous in connecting me with those in his network, which has helped me start my career in a technical data role. I would highly recommend the program to anyone interested in pursuing a career in financial services.”

Ali A
Cinchy

“This is a great course providing the essentials of market risk & coding in investment banking in a clear manner. It also includes guest speakers covering career progression and new developments in the financial world. It's given me the knowledge I needed to advance my career.”

Andrew L
Financial Recovery Technologies

“Participants of this program will benefit from Ola's wealth of knowledge. They are sure to acquire the hands-on skillset required to excel in the industry.”

Raj M
Vice President, Market Risk, Deutsche Bank

“Knowing Ola Alawiye as a seasoned professional, I am confident this sound program will produce the kind of professionals required in solution delivery teams at banks.”

Steve L
Managing Director, Market Risk, Bank of Montreal

“There is certainly a need in the market - from our investment banking clients - for professionals with the specialised skillset that this program offers.”

Dan L
Professional Recruiter, Financial Services