Micro-credential: Banking and Finance

Programme structure and approach to learning

This Micro-credential provides an in-depth analysis of the legal and regulatory framework for banking and finance transactions.

Guided by expert practitioners, participants will explore the central issues involved in the financing of transactions, including loan documentation, security documentation, guarantees, legal opinions, finance options, financial assistance and transactions with directors/connected persons.

The course will focus on the practical application of the law with a view to ensuring that participants develop the skills and knowledge needed to deal with the core legal and compliance issues that frequently arise in transactions.

Modules

The programme covers key themes as listed below:

Module 1: Banks, Customers, Loans and Loan Agreements

• The relationship between a bank and a customer including relevant legislation and codes of conduct
• Payment mechanisms
• Different types of finance – equity finance, commercial paper, fin tech, green and sustainable finance
• Key elements of loan transactions such as loan agreements, term sheets, and subordination and intercreditor issues
• Key clauses in a loan agreement

Module 2: Security and Secured Lending

• Common forms of security including quasi-security and third-party support
• Acceleration provisions in loan agreements and their importance for security enforcement
• Enforcement provisions and mortgagees’ rights and powers
• Guarantees and corporate benefit
• Sections 82, 238 and 239 of the Companies Act 2014

Module 3: Banking Regulation

• The role of Central Bank and the function of the EU Banking Union
• The Authorisation and Approval procedure
• Consumer laws/codes of conduct including the Consumer Credit Act 1995 and the 2025 Consumer Protection Code 
• SME Regulations, PSD 2 and MIFID 2

Module 4: Cornerstones of Banking

• Legal Opinions
• Restructuring and refinancing

Module 5: Specialised Finance

• An introduction to asset finance and project finance

Workshops

The workshops are a key feature of this course. They are designed to be interactive and to consolidate knowledge. The workshop dates are as follows:

1. Workshop 1, Banking and Finance Law: Wednesday 14 October at 5.30 pm
2. Workshop 2, Banking and Finance Law: Wednesday 4 November at 5.30 pm

Assessments

2,500- word written assignment in the form of a letter of advice.