Masters in

Financial
Analysis
Masters in
Financial Analysis

Contents
Designed for the best and brightest 4

The London Business School

advantage  6

Your Masters in Financial Analysis

experience8

A foundation for success 10

Broaden your learning experience 12

Electives13

Get inspired 14

Career impact 15

Benefit from our finance careers

expertise17

Beyond the classroom 18

The alumni view 20

Take the next step 21

For the latest updates on how we are

responding to Covid-19 please visit
london.edu/about/contact/safe-and-open

2 london.edu/mfa
Fuel your future
in finance
Masters in Financial Analysis
12–16 months full-time in London
Finance is a highly competitive industry. To stand out
you’ll need more than just academic knowledge and an
understanding of the latest trends, terminology
and software. To set yourself apart, you’ll need to
demonstrate commitment, a truly global perspective
and a wide range of professional skills.

Whether your ambitions lie in investment banking,

asset management or a finance role in the corporate
environment, the Masters in Financial Analysis (MFA) will
give you the foundations to reach your career goals.

Based in the heart of the world’s leading financial capital,

London Business School and our leading faculty are
acclaimed for their academic excellence and extensive
industry knowledge.

Our Career Centre engages with a wide-ranging list

of top-tier recruiters, equipping you with the skills and
mindset to impress. Immersed in a vibrant postgraduate
campus, you will build a global network of diverse
business minds through an array of clubs, conferences
and events.

Masters in Financial Analysis 3

Designed for the best and brightest
Our Masters in Financial Analysis is designed for driven and ambitious
graduates – the highest performers from around the world.

The MFA is an intensive 12- to Management Admission Test with a choice of typically three
16-month programme. Based at (GMAT) or Graduate Record electives from a portfolio of
our central London campus, you’ll Examination (GRE), or to have cross-programme courses,
be surrounded by experienced passed CFA Level 1. spanning Finance, Accounting,
business minds from every Economics, Management
finance function and sector. Practical and Science and Operations and
You’ll have unprecedented experiential learning Strategy and Entrepreneurship
opportunities to meet with high- subject areas.
calibre students and alumni, London offers an incredible
Core MFA finance studies are
giving you the perfect opportunity backdrop to the finance
complemented by a range of
to build a lifelong global network. classroom, one where every
other activities. The mentoring
lecture, tutorial, study group and
Competitive and hard-working, scheme is an invaluable way to
speaker offers a corresponding
you’re the person who thrives in benefit from the professional
real-world context and
a pressurised environment and experiences of Masters in Finance
perspective. London Business
constantly pushes yourself to be and MBA students with a career
Challenge Week gives you hands-
the best you can be. A new or background in finance. There is
on experience with live case
recent graduate with up to two also a wide range of school events,
studies at leading institutions
years of postgraduate experience, many of which are student-
in London, broadening your
you’re looking to develop a full led. Numerous professional
knowledge of both individual
range of skills to help propel you conferences attract high-calibre
companies and diverse business
into a finance career. Ultimately, speakers, many of whom come
environments.
you want to make a real impact on from finance-related roles and
the global finance industry. Core courses give you the organisations to share their
fundamentals of business across insights on business, success and
If this is you, join our MFA and
a range of critical subjects, from leadership. Clubs are an important
become part of a truly exceptional
investment fundamentals and aspect of school life and provide
peer group – ambitious graduates
asset management, to corporate a great chance to network with
from top schools, all committed to
finance and private equity. You like-minded students from other
building a career in finance.
will continue to build the self- programmes.
We expect that every student awareness and interpersonal skills
will have achieved at least a 2:1 that are so important to recruiters
or equivalent from a competitive through your individual personal
university, and we require you development programme. You’ll
either to have taken the Graduate also customise your experience

Meet the world on your Masters in Financial Analysis

210 44 32% 95% 46,000+

students nationalities female international alumni
in the MFA2021 represented in the  students students across 155 countries
class MFA2021 class
in the MFA2021 class in the MFA2021 class

Consistently ranked among the best international business schools by Bloomberg Businessweek and the Financial Times

4 london.edu/mfa
Leveraging London
As a global financial capital, London is the ideal place to A London résumé
study finance, not least because the top recruiters are based
here. The city, which is home to more than 300 nationalities, of the top 500 global companies based
houses the world’s leading financial institutions, offering 75% in the city
limitless opportunities. Studying with us not only combines the
of leading financial institutions
excitement of London life with the sheer vibrancy and academic
excellence of our campus community; it also makes you better
100% represented

equipped to work anywhere in the world.

300+ languages spoken
A global perspective
With the world economy now tightly integrated, understanding 30m visitors each year
finance on a global scale is critical. Several years on from
the financial crisis, global banking continues to address
the challenges from a slowdown in the growth of global 1,000+ tech startups formed every month

financial assets, the collapse of cross-border capital flows

and a reduction in cross-border lending. Such uncertainty
means that a global perspective is vital for anyone wanting
264 foreign banks

to succeed in international finance. At London Business

School, our global environment is unique. A typical MFA 80% of the world’s metal trading

intake exposes you to more than 30 nationalities and a wider

range of languages, enabling you to absorb multiple cultural
nuances and perspectives. Networking and studying alongside
4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

the very best finance students from around the world, you’ll

develop the skills, knowledge and global outlook that today’s 240+ museums and galleries
recruiters value.

180+ theatres

150+ public parks

“The MFA offered me the exclusive combination of studying under world-class

academics and receiving unparalleled careers services. I felt like LBS invested
in my personal goals in a way no other school could compete with.”
Mark Jalleh (Malaysian), MFA2020, Financial Services Consultant, Mazars UK

Masters in Financial Analysis 5

The London Business School advantage
London Business School’s position at the heart of a global financial hub
makes us the ideal location for finance students from around the world.

Cross-continent classes
The exposure you have to a
global environment at LBS is
unique. Learning together, you
absorb the cultural nuances
and alternative perspectives of a
globally diverse group – a vital skill
for anyone wanting to succeed in
international business.

Wherever your role takes you,

give yourself the best chance of
success with the knowledge,
networks, outlook and ongoing
support that LBS can provide.
A world-class finance We ask that all MFA applicants have,
Global impact faculty
or are studying for, an undergraduate
degree in a numerate subject, such as:
Our campus is a short journey
London Business School’s ● accounting
from the city centre – a
finance faculty is second to
remarkable global finance hub. ● chemistry
none. Combining academic
Taking full advantage of this ● computer science
expertise with groundbreaking
proximity, part of your study
industry experience and real- ● economics
will involve visiting key London-
world connections, they produce ● engineering
based finance institutions and
research in everything from
learning about their different ● finance
hedge funds, to M&A, to corporate
organisational cultures from ● mathematics
governance. Highly respected
senior practitioners. You’ll also join
around the world, they consult to ● physics.
one of the Global Immersion Field
financial institutions, corporations
Trips (GIFTs) to apply your learning Those without a numerate
and government agencies,
in an international business degree but who can demonstrate
sharing their knowledge in class
context. More details are available quantitative skills gained through
and beyond campus.
on page 12. employment are also encouraged
to apply.

“What made my experience at LBS unique was that everyone in the MFA was
helping each other – especially through the recruitment process.”
Maud Chiche (French), MFA2017, Investment Banking Associate, Morgan Stanley

“Finance is very competitive, but at LBS competition comes exclusively from other schools; it cannot be felt inside the
classroom. I met people from everywhere around the globe, and because we had the same ambition and were looking
for the same jobs, it was very easy for us to connect.”

6 london.edu/mfa
MFA2021 nationalities by region*

47%
5%
Europe (excl. UK) 26%
UK East Asia
1%
Central Asia

5%
North America
1%
Oceania

2%
Africa/
3% Middle East 10%
Central/
South America South East/
South Asia
*All nationalities are self-declared.

“One of the most powerful things about the MFA programme is its global
perspective. When you’re in class, there are many diverse backgrounds,
with different points of view that you’re exposed to. You gain a broader
understanding of the topic you’re learning, and also just about life.”
Begum Tuglu (Turkish), MFA2019, Investment Banking Analyst, Macquarie Group

MFA2021 undergraduate study discipline

Economics
28%
Business/Management
27%
Finance/Accounting
26%
Engineering
7%
Maths/Science
7%
Social Science
3%
Humanities
1%
Other
1%
0 10 20 30

Please note that programme statistics have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

Masters in Financial Analysis 7

Your Masters in Financial Analysis
experience
The Masters in Financial Analysis is an intensive programme that produces
highly employable graduates with relevant and applicable skills.

Impress the world’s top An innovative format combines Fourth-term option

lectures for the whole class with
finance recruiters interactive seminars and labs for Contingent on your career track,
smaller groups. You’ll be trained and subject to additional fees,
One of the key skills employers
on the latest financial industry the option of a fourth term
look for in new hires is the
tools, including: Bloomberg, allows you to complete three
ability to translate theory into
FactSet, R and RStudio and additional elective courses or
practice. Finance recruiters are
Advanced Excel Modelling. All take an international exchange to
no exception – they want skilled
content is driven by real-world broaden your global exposure and
graduates who can hit the ground
data, giving you insights into the understanding. Exchanges have
running. Our MFA gives you a
major players and strategies at previously been available with
solid base in finance, accounting,
work in the financial world. other world-class business schools
data analysis, financial modelling
in Europe, North America and Asia.
and world economy. You also Face the same kind of challenges
gain knowledge of the very latest and assignments that you’ll The fourth term also expands
financial software and exposure to come up against in a typical your eligibility to apply for more
financial markets and institutions. post-programme analyst role, internship opportunities. For
It’s an applied programme that in a supportive classroom companies that recruit on a strict
will ensure you complete your environment. Explore real-world penultimate-year policy, MFAs
studies equipped with exceptional problems with faculty on hand are able to resume their studies
analyst-level skills. to help, and build the confidence in September following summer
and skill set to secure your internships commencing at the
ultimate graduate job. end of their core coursework
in June.

8 london.edu/mfa
Programme structure
Our world-class programme empowers you to kick-start a career in international business. Here’s an overview of its
structure and highlights.

PRE-TERM ORIENTATION TERM ONE TERM TWO TERM THREE OPTIONAL

4TH TERM
August/September October–December January–March April–June

Additional
Online Foundations Core courses Core courses
Core courses electives/
preparation and pre-course and electives and electives
exchange

● Accounting ● Orientation ● Investment ● Asset ● Mergers and ● Summer

● Finance ● Career Fundamentals Management Acquisitions internship

● Data Foundations ● Corporate Finance ● Capital Structure ● Financial

Analytics ● Personal and ● Data Analytics ● Securities Institutions ● Electives
● Careers Leadership for Finance Valuation ● Personal
Introduction Development ● Analysis of and Financial Finance ● International
● Accounting Financial Modelling ● Private Equity exchange
● Excel for Statements ● World Economy
Finance

● Career Week ● Electives ● Electives

● Global Immersion ● Global Immersion ● Global Immersion

Field Trips * Field Trips * Field Trips *

● Career search and ● London Business

recruitment** Challenge Week

Skills Programme

Personal and Leadership Development

*Students choose one from a selection of seven Global Immersion Field Trip options (subject to availability).
**Career search and recruitment happens throughout the whole programme, but this is particularly intense in term one.

“In just 50 years, we’ve become widely recognised as a top global business school.”
Andrew Scott, Professor of Economics, London Business School

“It was really exciting to be part of research and thought leadership, Our outstanding faculty and our
the team that launched the MFA despite our youth and relatively extensive alumni, based in senior
programme. The LBS story is a short small size. positions in every global financial
but extremely successful one. In just centre, mean that we combine
We were the first School to launch
over 50 years we’ve become widely academic rigour with real-world
a Masters in Finance programme,
recognised as a top global business content and applicability. It is exciting
and that ‘post-experience’ programme
school. Over the years we have nearly to have launched a ‘pre-experience’
has been consistently ranked as
doubled in size, maintaining our finance Masters and bring to that
the world’s best by the Financial
enduring commitment to quality and market our brand, insights and
Times (UK). Based in London, LBS is
achieving global recognition through connections.”
exceptionally strong in finance.
rankings, corporate recruiters, faculty

Masters in Financial Analysis 9

A foundation for success
Core courses in the fundamentals of finance and accounting are at the heart
of the MFA experience.

ASSET MANAGEMENT CORPORATE FINANCE

Investment Fundamentals Corporate Finance

Combining analytical tools and This course will teach you to value
financial theory, this course will companies, taking into account the
teach you how to make good incomplete information one often
investment decisions. With this finds in real life. You will discuss
highly quantitative course, you will the challenges analysts face when
develop a solid foundation in the valuing a company and how to
fundamentals of asset valuation and better cope with them. Emphasis
asset management. The course will is placed on the role of information
cover multiple asset classes such as in financial decisions and agency
equities, government and corporate problems. You will also gain a
Orientation and bonds, derivatives, and commodities. detailed understanding of corporate
foundations You will become familiar with the governance, payout policy, IPOs
latest empirical methods employed and SEOs.
Kick off your MFA journey at and will be fully equipped to
Orientation, joining participants implement these methods Capital Structure
from the Masters in Management yourself in the workplace. You
(MiM), Global Masters in In the wake of the financial crisis,
will learn approaches to creating
Management (GMiM) and Masters this course will re-examine the
value and managing risk in a
in Analytics and Management fundamental linkages between
changing environment.
(MAM) programmes and getting valuation and financial structure. You
to know your new classmates. Asset Management will develop an understanding of
Taking part in a challenging debt structure and related risk and
outdoor leadership programme, This course enables you to analyse the importance of illiquidity
you’ll build important consider how to allocate wealth and its relation to benchmark asset
teamwork skills. into different asset classes and pricing frameworks.
investment strategies. You’ll
Core courses explore the contribution of fixed Mergers and Acquisitions
income in equity portfolios and
The MFA has 12 required core This course studies the market for
the role of alternative investments.
courses. All are designed to corporate control. You will study
A particular focus is given to long-
equip you with the skills to the key concepts of mergers and
term investing, with a coherent
launch a successful career acquisitions: how to value a target,
modelling of assets and liabilities,
in finance, and are based strategic behaviour and different
and performance evaluation. You’ll
around five finance pillars: landscapes around the world. You will
look into the recent development of
Corporate Finance (including also discuss the merits of dispersed
more complex investment products,
M&A and Capital Structure); ownership versus block control and
and compare and contrast them with
Asset Management (including learn about shareholder activism,
traditional fund structures. This will
Investment Fundamentals and corporate reorganisations, workouts
include the limits to arbitrage and
Asset Management); Accounting and bankruptcy.
the costs of implementing actual
(including Analysis of Financial trading strategies.
Statements and Security
Valuation); Financial Markets
(including World Economy,
Financial Institutions and Personal
Finance); and Data Analytics
for Finance.

10 london.edu/mfa
“The Masters in Financial Analysis had a huge impact on my life. From an academic
perspective I learnt so much about the financial world. I also learnt how to work in
a culturally diverse world.”
Marieke Desmet (Belgian), MFA2017, Investment Associate, Ackermans & van Haaren

ACCOUNTING FINANCIAL MARKETS

Analysis of Financial World Economy Financial Institutions

Statements Never get caught out on the broad Study the role of banks, insurance
macro issues that drive markets and companies and investment funds by
Learn to interpret a financial story
finance and understand how these learning about their business models,
from any organisation, build your
impact your organisation. Learn to assets and liabilities. Start with an
technical toolkit and develop an
converse knowledgeably about today’s overview of the recent financial crisis
advanced understanding of revenue
major macroeconomic issues – with and, crucially, why banks fail. Analyse
recognition, revaluations, foreign
a focus on monetary and fiscal policy the impact of financial regulation,
currency adjustments, deferred
and exchange rates, the determinants and learn to evaluate current market
taxes, pension accounting and
of growth in advanced and emerging trends and how our major financial
securitisation. Structured over 10
markets, and how economic and institutions are managed. Finally,
sessions, this course gives you the
financial cycles interact. Learn how study funds, including portfolio
skills necessary to read and analyse
key data tells a story, including the management, the mutual fund
company financial information.
linkages and interplay between industry and hedge funds.
Securities Valuation and economic and financial variables. Gain
an understanding of institutional and Personal Finance
Financial Modelling theoretical frameworks.
Understand and analyse the financial
Delve into issues like business decisions that individuals make in
strategy, the reformulation of financial
Private Equity
their lifetime. Investigate the risks
statements, structured forecasting Introduce the concepts, techniques, and constraints people face, and
and residual income valuation. Build institutions and dynamics involved in learn about education investment
financial models in workshops with the private equity sector. Learn the and the value of human capital;
an industry practitioner. Develop a key drivers behind the growth and cash management, including
thorough understanding of company success of private equity as an asset credit and mortgages; and cash
value drivers and gain the ability to class and how it fits into institutional and portfolio investment up to and
apply fundamental security analysis investors’ portfolios. after retirement.
and valuation.

DATA ANALY TICS

FOR FINANCE

Learn how to identify the areas where

data analytics add the most value
using R and RStudio. Understand
and quantify the accuracy of sample
evidence to construct simple but
powerful models that test your
intuitive reasoning. Build regression
models to describe and predict
complicated outcomes. Gain practical
skills for how to present quantitative
analysis and recommendations
effectively.

Masters in Financial Analysis 11

Broaden your learning experience
Hone your skills in financial analysis and build your knowledge and
connections on campus, in London and around the world.

London Business
Challenge Week
Real-world exposure is key to translating
theory into practice. During the London
Business Challenge Week, you will get
hands-on experience by working with a
company to analyse a live business case.

Tour world-class, London-based financial

organisations and participate in a live case
study in situ, exploring challenges and
issues specific to each company.

Put your market skills to the test using

real-world financial industry technology
to compete with your classmates
in managing a portfolio, analysing
a business opportunity, or building Personal development Global Immersion Field Trips
a pricing model in light of today’s
The MFA is a transformational experience
(GIFTs)
market conditions.
that develops committed finance Join other Early Career students to
Financial industry tools professionals. Customise your personal develop an advanced understanding of
development plan to build the self- international business practices.
Embedded throughout the programme are awareness, confidence and critical
practical modules where you will develop workplace skills that are so sought after by Led by faculty, GIFTs are an immersive
the technical expertise every analyst needs. finance recruiters. Workshops will teach part of your degree and expose you to
Hone your Excel skills to build complex you how to make an impact online, build the key themes of entrepreneurship and
valuation models. Become a proficient your networking and presentation skills, social impact. The trips are an immersive
programmer in your choice of Python, SQL, and improve time management. Select and transformative part of your learning
or VBA/Macro. Use Excel, R, FactSet and learning models each term, keeping experience, building knowledge and
Julia in core assignments. Practitioner-led, pace with your individual development skills and challenging you to work with
customised courses and seminars are held requirements. communities, organisations and different
in our state-of-the-art Collaborative Learning business cultures to solve real-world
Centre and digital lab. Career exposure business problems. A core requirement
of the degree, you gain practical
Experience real-world market forces Our central London location and insight, deliver concrete solutions and
in a competitive environment through exceptional reputation give you the emerge with a deeper understanding
market simulation software used to chance to connect with global recruiters, of new sectors – from microfinance to
train industry professionals. Become an including representatives from top clean energy – and the international
investment banker, market maker or global banks such as Goldman Sachs, business context.
portfolio manager as you work in teams Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, Bank of
to navigate through market volatility as it America, Citi, Credit Suisse, Nomura and While the Covid-19 pandemic continues,
responds to actual global events. HSBC. In addition to roles at large global GIFTs may be delivered virtually.
investment banks, our students embark
Languages on fulfilling careers in finance across the
MBA, Masters in Finance
corporate world, at companies such as (MiF) and alumni mentoring
As the world becomes increasingly
Bloomberg, Fosun Group, Cargill, Deloitte, scheme
connected, speaking an additional
PwC, KPMG, Louis Dreyfus, Pictet and
language is an important element for
Yorkville Advisors. Mentors are a great source of informal
success. Studying new languages can also
help with your career planning and job
open doors to new insights and cultural
applications, readily providing advice,
understanding. A second language is an
networking and support. We encourage
exit requirement of our MFA programme.
you to build connections with current
students and utilise the alumni network
to find out more about organisational
culture from those working in your
target companies.

12 london.edu/mfa
Electives
Customise your MFA experience. Delve into areas of interest or explore
new topics through a choice of electives.

As an MFA student, you usually our world-renowned faculty, Finance

take three electives from a they are delivered in practical
portfolio of cross-programme and academic formats that Advanced Corporate Finance,
courses, spanning Finance, showcase the depth and quality of Behavioural Finance, Credit Risk,
Accounting, Economics, faculty research. Derivatives, Financial Engineering
Management Science and and Risk Management, FinTech,
Offered in flexible formats
Operations and Strategy and Fixed Income Securities, Hedge
on weekdays, evenings and
Entrepreneurship subject areas. Funds, Wealth Management
block weeks, electives provide
and Islamic Finance, Project and
A programme highlight, electives a deep dive into specialist
Infrastructure Finance, Python
enable you to delve into an area subjects and invaluable cross-
for Finance, Real Estate Finance,
of interest, gaining a detailed generational learning with MBA,
Topics in Asset Management,
understanding of a particular MiF and experienced leadership
Value Investing
subject. programme students. This is an
unmatched opportunity to expand Accounting
In addition to customising your
your network, build a wealth of
degree, well-chosen electives
new knowledge and develop the Corporate Communication
concentrate your knowledge
resources you need to succeed. and Investor Relations, Digital
and build a solid foundation
Investing, Financial Analysis
for your job search. Taught by
of Mergers and Acquisitions,
Systematic Investing in Credit
Markets

Economics
Elements of Machine Learning,
Emerging Markets, European
Financial Markets, Global Capital
Markets and Currencies

Management Science
and Operations
Data Mining for Business
Intelligence, Energy: Markets,
Models and Strategies, Time
Series Analysis

Strategy and
Entrepreneurship
Financing the Entrepreneurial
Business, Managing and Financing
the Responsible Business,
Pathways to Start-up Success

“The great thing about electives is that you are studying with people across
all programmes at LBS. It’s really amazing to learn alongside someone who
might have up to 20 years’ experience.”
Michiel Meyer (Dutch), MFA2017, Partner Manager, Addity Payments

Masters in Financial Analysis 13

Get inspired
Our faculty are thought leaders recognised the world over for their global
perspective, academic rigour and financial expertise.

With one of the largest finance

faculties in the world, we are
renowned for attracting teaching
talent of the very highest calibre,
for cutting-edge academic
research and for ensuring
real-world relevance in
everything we do. In turn, our
exceptional faculty create top-
ranking programmes with an
emphasis on rigour, the practical
application of research and our
close connections with business.

Learn from innovative industry

practitioners who are pre-
eminent in their field. LBS is firmly
established as a global centre of
financial excellence. Much of our
world-class reputation is built
on the acclaim of our finance
faculty, who regularly consult to
financial institutions, companies
and government agencies.

Faculty excellence builds You’ll not only learn to use technical ● faculty-led lectures
business tools and the latest finance ● study groups and assignments
confidence software with confidence, you’ll
● seminars and development
Right now, you may have little finance understand context and culture.
workshops
experience but a lot of potential. You’ll become a ‘think-on-your-feet’
solution-finder. ● computer simulation exercises
Our faculty enable you to bridge
that gap by providing a balance of ● company site visits
Interactive learning is one of the
in-depth theory and analytical skills most powerful ways to absorb and ● individual preparation
with practical experience of the apply knowledge. The MFA uses the ● guest speakers
finance world. following teaching techniques:
● live strategy cases.

“At London Business School, we aim to give all MFA students a

comprehensive education in finance. This involves rigorous analytical
tools, real-life case studies, and insights from the latest research. Alongside
this, we teach our students crucial soft skills such as public speaking,
time management and personal leadership. We give them opportunities
to learn not only from professors, but also from guest speakers and more
importantly from their peers.”
Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance, London Business School

14 london.edu/mfa
Career impact
Discover more about the career impact our graduates experience
after the programme.

The career move you make You’ll receive insights from:

after this programme is crucial. ● on- and off-campus presentations by finance, consulting and technology
Our Career Centre team offers companies to provide opportunities to meet with representatives to get a
a comprehensive programme, flavour of their brands and ethos
giving you the tools you need to
● experienced sector recruitment advisors and career coaches to provide
make your job search focused
information on the market and help you to target your applications
and effective. We instil these
skills through coaching and ● MBA and MiF students to assist in the application process: teasing out key
mock interview sessions, lectures points in your CV and constructing a powerful covering letter
and online training. ● Connect with alumni working in your target companies to get to know
more about their working world.

“I knew I wanted to develop my career in finance and specifically private equity. But the
way in can feel impenetrable. The power of the LBS industry network should not be
underestimated. I got an internship with Blackstone in their real estate division as a result of
a meeting at an LBS recruitment event.”
Loyan Adus (Canadian), MFA2019, Senior Analyst, Timbercreek

Top recruiters ● Goldman Sachs ● McKinsey & Company

● HSBC ● Nomura
● Bain & Company ● J. P. Morgan ● PwC
● Barclays ● KPMG ● Standard Chartered
● Citi ● Macquarie Capital ● Strategy&
● Credit Suisse ● Morgan Stanley ● UBS
● Deutsche Bank

Masters in Financial Analysis 15

Employment stats: MFA2019

91% 94% 100%

accepted an offer received an offer reporting rate
within three months of graduation within three months of graduation

Job locations 52% 13%

United Kingdom Europe (excl. UK)

25%
Asia

4%
4% Middle East
North America

2%
Africa

Sector destinations

81% 11%
Finance Consulting
Investment Banking/Brokerage 56%
Private Equity 10%
Investment Management 6%
Hedge Funds/Alternative Investments 3%
Finance – Other* 6%

5%
Technology**
3% Diversified***

*Finance - Other includes: Commercial Banking/Project Finance, Central Banks/Ministries/Regulation/Public Finance, Real Estate Investment, and Services & Products
**Technology includes: FinTech, Internet/E-Commerce, and Information Technology
***Diversified includes: Energy, Industrials and Healthcare

16 london.edu/mfa
Benefit from our finance careers expertise
London Business School is a top choice for global recruiters. Our prime
London location, industry contacts and world-class financial reputation
position you for long-term career success.

Specialist career advisors

The Career Centre comprises more than 50 permanent
staff, many of whom have real-world finance experience
to help students achieve their career goals. Team
members include:

Christian Dummett accumulated

more than 20 years of finance
experience in banking and private
equity before joining LBS in 2013.

Richard Bland joined LBS in 2009,

Listening to and meeting professionals from a wide range
having spent more than 20 years
of global companies such as Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan,
in the finance industry, including
Blackstone, Amazon, McKinsey & Company, A.T. Kearney and
10 years as a rates trader.
BNP Paribas – on and off campus – allows you to explore career
options. The MFA curriculum, experiential learning, personal
development, career skills programme and admissions criteria
Alexandra Leahu has 10 years’
are shaped to meet these recruiters’ needs.
experience in M&A, financial
To help you land that crucial first post-MFA role, we’ve made sure communications and business
that the programme gives you: development.

● the finance knowledge to impress at interview and beyond

● access to a wide range of recruitment options Tim Mann has more than 20 years’
● professional and careers skills to enable you to communicate experience as an equities investor at
your value to potential employers leading investment management
● a global alumni network for you to draw on throughout firms.
your career.

Career Centre supports you every step of your career journey. Wherever you’re headed, we
enable you to drive your career forward through coaching, skills development and access to
career and networking opportunities.
● Help to identify your career goals and transferable skill set
● Coaches and specialists providing company and sector advice
● Access to networking and career opportunities across finance, consulting, technology and other sectors
● Support in producing an exceptional CV and cover letter
● Mock interview training
● Simulated assessment centres with other business school students
● Networking masterclasses
● Ongoing alumni career and learning support.

Masters in Financial Analysis 17

Beyond the classroom
The Masters in Financial Analysis will inspire you. London will excite you. And
our extracurricular conferences, clubs and wider School activities will keep
your mind alive.
Campus life at London Business School is vibrant and diverse. Our student community represents a wide range of
professional, sporting and cultural passions, combined with a seemingly constant desire to try new things. Most activities 
are led by students, overseen by the Student Association and generously supported by alumni.

Student clubs Finance clubs Student-led trips

and events

Get involved. Clubs embody the Our strong links to the City make The most dynamic speakers from
spirit and creative drive of our it easy for the brightest and best around the globe come to London
campus. They offer an excellent in the banking world to share their Business School. Through lectures,
opportunity to network and socialise insights and experience with our forums, conferences and summits,
outside the classroom and give you many finance clubs. Our highly you can boost your learning with
further opportunities to connect active Private Equity and Venture insights from inspirational leaders
with experienced professionals Capital Club currently boasts more from the worlds of business, politics
across the wider School community. than 1,200 members interested in all and the arts. Recent guest speakers
Clubs can also boost your job search; aspects of the field. The Investment have included Pascal Cagni, former
there are any number of professional Management Club manages a General Manager and Vice President
groups where you can collaborate portfolio of US$200,000 of donated at Apple, and Dame Amelia Fawcett,
with other like-minded individuals funds and also runs an annual former Banking Executive at
and polish your presentation and Stock Pitch event where members Morgan Stanley and Non-executive
organisational skills. Follow your pitch their stock ideas to fund Chairman for The Guardian (UK).
love of football, learn to salsa or join management professionals.
With a student body that represents
a professional trek – the choice is
the world, trips to ‘home’ countries
endless and it’s yours.
are a favourite activity. What better
way to discover the charms of a
place than with an insider guide?
On campus, Tattoo is a lively carnival
Some of our 70+ student clubs ● Investment Management Club
celebrating the international
● Asia Club ● Latin America Club
make-up of the School, with
● Basketball Club ● Marketing Club performances and cuisines themed
● Corporate ● Military in Business Club to each country. In December, the
Leadership Club ● Retail & Luxury Goods Club traditional Santa Pub Crawl (with
students in Santa Claus costumes)
● Energy Club ● Running Club
is an unforgettable Christmas get-
● Entrepreneurship Club ● Sailing Club together.
● Film Club ● Social Impact Club
● Finance Club ● Technology and Media Club
● Healthcare Club ● Women in Business Club

18 london.edu/mfa
Career treks
These invaluable trips, organised by Global voices, inspiring minds
students with the support of the Career London Business School regularly welcomes the most innovative and dynamic
Centre, take you to less familiar business speakers in the world. Attend lectures, forums, summits and conferences and
cultures and environments. Explore learn from key global finance leaders. Recent speakers* from the finance world
new industries as you visit companies include:
and institutions, and ask the questions
Dr Josef Ackermann Stephen Hester
you’ve always wanted to.
Chairman, Zurich Insurance Group; CEO, Royal Bank of Scotland
Vice-Chairman of the Foundation
António Horta-Osório
Board of the World Economic Forum
Chief Executive,
“I was an Executive Ana Patricia Botín Lloyds Banking Group
Executive Chairwoman,
Committee member of Anshu Jain
Santander UK
the Real Estate Club, Head of Global Markets,
Christophe Le Caillec Deutsche Bank
Africa Club, the Social
SVP/Chief Financial Officer, Global
Representative for the MFA Thomas Piketty
Network and International Consumer
Internationally renowned economist
and on the Sundowners Services, American Express
and bestselling author of Capital in
committee. At the end of Dame Amelia Fawcett the Twenty-First Century
the day, I didn’t come to Former Banking Executive at Morgan
Lady Susan Rice CBE
LBS for a long time, Stanley and Non-executive Chairman
Managing Director,
for The Guardian (UK)
I came for a good time – Lloyds Banking Group (Scotland)
and it’s exceeded all my Martin Gilbert
Xavier Rolet
Chief Executive,
expectations!” Aberdeen Asset Management
CEO, London Stock Exchange
Martin Wheatley
Jonni Glick (South African), President Ólafur Grímsson
CEO, Financial Conduct Authority
MFA2017, Real Estate Private Equity, President of Iceland
Deutsche Finance International
*Speaker titles reflect their positions at the time of their visit to London Business School.

Masters in Financial Analysis 19

The alumni view
Discover more about the Masters in Financial Analysis experience from one
of our graduates.

“The MFA focuses on the practical rather than academic

side of things, which is something that sets LBS apart from
many other schools.”
Lola Le Fur (French), MFA2017, Investment Banking Analyst, Deutsche Bank

Aiming high Parallel paths Study here. Go anywhere

It was LBS’s reputation that ultimately LBS is an extremely diverse place, with By joining LBS, you become part of a
attracted me. When studying for a students from all around the world. worldwide network. Whenever you want
masters, it’s important that it will set Something we all had in common was to expand your knowledge in a particular
you up to achieve your career goals, so our ambition. I found it amazing being field, you can reach out to alumni who are
attending a prestigious school, for me, was surrounded by so many highly intelligent always happy to help you beyond your
essential. LBS offered an environment that people, yet despite this, everyone had expectations. I was previously interested
really suited my personality – with a focus different goals. One of my classmates was in growth equity whilst working towards
on collaboration, encouraging people a Harvard alumni, and wanted to come to a career in that field, and decided to
to help each other and work as part of a LBS as she was interested by the challenge reach out to an LBS alumni who worked
team. I never wanted to be surrounded by of studying finance, with a view to start at General Atlantic. As this person was
students who only follow their own paths her own company, rather than specialising working as the head of Europe for a major
and are super competitive amongst each in the field. It was great to experience growth fund, I assumed they wouldn’t
other. I wanted to be in a collaborative people studying to develop the skills to have time to reply to me. The result was
environment. When you work with others, do different things, which was another very much the opposite. They got back
and come together as peers to reach interesting way that LBS encourages to me straightaway, offered to meet for
a goal, the results you can achieve are diversity. You may know what you want a coffee and gave me some great advice
tremendous. to do before joining your programme, but and information. To this day we are still in
that can always change when meeting contact. The mentorship opportunities
Real-life learnings people with different mindsets and goals. are truly unlimited because of the
collaborative mindset of the alumni who
I always knew I wanted a career in finance.
I had previously studied economics and The London experience make up the LBS community.

business at the University of Warwick, so London was the only place I wanted to
had a quantitative background before study. Being immersed in a thriving global Always involved
starting at LBS. I was considering both the capital, you’re able to take advantage of I am still connected with my classmates,
MiM and MFA, but decided on the MFA as opportunities that you don’t find anywhere who have gone on to become great
it better suited my experience. I also liked else. Whether attending job interviews, friends over the years. I also return to LBS
that it was a very pragmatic and finance going for coffee chats or networking with on a regular basis and use the network
driven programme. I knew I would have people in your industry, LBS’s location and alumni community to stay informed
to work hard and learn a lot, but I didn’t in the heart of London makes all of this of different opportunities. Additionally,
anticipate how intense and fulfilling the possible. In my third term, I had a little I’ve had interns working for me over the
programme would be. The MFA focuses more time available and decided to work years who often ask for advice or referrals
on the practical rather than academic side part-time for a private equity firm, outside when applying to LBS. It’s one of the ways
of things, which is something that sets LBS of studying and class hours. The beauty where I enjoy giving back to the School by
apart from many other schools. Everything of London is that so many incredible encouraging smart, sharp individuals who
I’ve learnt through the programme can be businesses are based here, you just need fit into the collaborative mindset to apply.
directly applied to my day to day life in my to make the most of what’s on your door
current role at Deutsche Bank, which has step. For me, working whilst studying was
proved invaluable to my career. an extremely valuable experience, and the
flexibility of the programme means you
can really organise your schedule so that it
is manageable.

20 london.edu/mfa
Take the next step
If you want to see your talents and potential develop, build the foundations of
a successful and exciting career at LBS. Find out more about the School, the
application process and financing your degree.

Take an online tour Financing a Masters in

Explore the School. Learn more about our Financial Analysis The application
Masters in Financial Analysis programme,
the application requirements and our
Pursuing your postgraduate studies is process
a big financial commitment and many
faculty and alumni community. Complete your application online.
funding sources have strict deadlines,
You will need to supply the
london.edu/mfa so begin your research early. Living
following:
expenses should be budgeted for too, and
Meet us around the world we can advise on how you can prepare. ● completed online application
Accommodation costs in particular ● essay questions
Attend an event hosted on our London
can vary. We do not have student
campus or internationally to connect ● CV
accommodation on campus but
with us and our alumni. See our ● proof of an undergraduate
offer a number of places in student halls
website for the latest information degree in a numerate subject,
around London.
on dates and locations. equivalent to a UK 2:1 and
london.edu/events Awards and bursaries above; those without a
numerate degree but who can
Read our blog We offer a number of scholarship demonstrate quantitative skills
awards to help offset fees for candidates. are also encouraged to apply
Get updates, tips and useful information Awards are made at the discretion of
● your GMAT/GRE score and/or
on the applications process from our the Scholarship Committee, and we
your CFA Level 1 certification
Recruitment and Admissions teams, and offer scholarships to support both star
read about the programme experience students with strong academic and ● proof of proficiency in English:
from our students. extracurricular achievements, and those we accept IELTS, TOEFL,
with financial need. In addition to merit Cambridge CPE, CAE or PTE
admissionsblog.london.edu
awards and bursaries, there are also if you have not been taught
Connect with an ambassador awards for women, UK residents and in English
global students. ● two referees (academic or
There is no greater way to understand professional).
the benefit of something than to ask See the website for the latest information
someone who has gone before you. on funding your place on the MFA You can apply at any of our stated
Our student ambassadors are happy to programme: london.edu/financialaid application deadlines but early
answer your questions. application is advised, so the
sooner you apply, the sooner
london.edu/ambassadors
you can be considered for the
next intake and the closer you
will be to launching a successful
finance career.

Talk to us

+44 (0)20 7000 7515

[email protected]

Apply now and start

the journey london.edu/mfa

Masters in Financial Analysis 21

Our programmes
London Business School can boost your capabilities and potential at every
stage of your career.
Years of experience 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20+

Early Career
Masters in Management

Global Masters in Management

Masters in Analytics and Management
Masters in Financial Analysis

Mid Career
MBA
Masters in Finance (Full-time)
Masters in Finance (Part-time)

Leadership (Senior)
Executive MBA
EMBA-Global Americas & Europe
EMBA-Global Asia
LBS Sloan Masters

Executive Education
■ Range of work experience in class ■ Key target range of work experience ■ Average class work experience

Early Career Mid Career Leadership (Senior)

Masters in Management MBA Executive MBA

12–16 months | Full-time | London 15–21 months | Full-time | London 20 months | Part-time | London or Dubai
For recent graduates with up to two years of For individuals who are looking to make a Designed for those who want to accelerate
full-time postgraduate work experience who vertical shift in their career path, change their career into general management or move
want to kick-start a career in business. industry or job function, or develop an beyond their technical or functional specialism.
entrepreneurial toolkit.
Global Masters in Management EMBA-Global Americas
24 months | Full-time | London Masters in Finance (Full-time) & Europe
and Shanghai 10–16 months | Full-time | London 20 months | Part-time | London
For recent graduates with up to two years For experienced financial professionals and New York
of full-time postgraduate work experience. wishing to advance their career or change For dynamic, mid-career managers and
Strong interest in Asia and knowledge their area within finance. professionals who are highly ambitious
of Mandarin highly recommended, but and have, or aspire to have, transnational
not mandatory. Masters in Finance (Part-time) responsibilities.
22 months | Part-time | London
Masters in Analytics For experienced financial professionals EMBA-Global Asia
and Management looking to further their career while 20 months | Part-time | Hong Kong,
12–16 months | Full-time | London still working. London and New York
For recent graduates with up to two years For dynamic, globally focused executives
of postgraduate work experience who and managers wishing to deepen their
are targeting a career in business and understanding of western and eastern
data analytics. business practices.

Masters in Financial Analysis LBS Sloan Masters in

12–16 months | Full-time | London Leadership and Strategy
For recent graduates with up to two years of 12 months | Full-time | London
full-time postgraduate work experience who Designed to prepare experienced senior
are looking to embark on a career in finance. managers for their next career challenge.

Find out more Masters Programmes Executive Education

+44 (0)20 7000 7500 +44 (0)20 7000 7390
[email protected] [email protected]

All admissions decisions are taken in accordance with best equal opportunities practice.
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Regent’s Park
London NW1 4SA
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7000 7000
london.edu

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