ÉTS and the Caisse launch new graduate program in Financial Engineering

Starting in September 2011, the Programme court de 2e cycle en ingénierie financière (Short Graduate Program in Financial Engineering) will be available to engineering and applied science professionals who wish to improve their knowledge of financial markets and products in order to better assess the financial implications of their projects and collaborate more effectively with finance experts.

“ÉTS is very proud to launch this innovative program with a partner as prestigious as the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. The instruction is based on engineering methods and advanced mathematical tools, such as numerical simulations and computations, operational research, and statistical methods, and students will learn how to use these methods and tools to better assess risks when making financial decisions,” said Yves Beauchamp, Chief Executive Officer of ÉTS.

The Caisse, which initiated the process, helped develop the program with ÉTS specialists. “This program reflects the Caisse’s commitment to help advance Québec’s investment expertise. As has been emphasized by the Montreal financial cluster, our city holds an important place in the derivatives market. It is home to major information technology companies that play an essential role in the derivatives industry. This program will therefore enable those seeking to supplement their knowledge as investors to gain practical training that complements their technical expertise,” stated Normand Provost, Chief Operations Officer and Executive Vice-President, Private Equity with the Caisse.

During the semester, Caisse employees will be invited to share their experience with the students enrolled in the program, present them with case studies, and answer their questions about today’s financial markets.

The 15-credit program offers five courses:

• Financial Theory, Economics and Portfolio Management
• Investment Methods and Systems
• Derivatives
• Financial Risk Management
• Financial Engineering Seminar

A bridge is available to enable students in this short program to continue their studies in a non-thesis Master’s program. For more details, visit the French ÉTS Web site click the “Programmes d’études” tab, and go to the “Cycles supérieurs” section.

ABOUT ÉCOLE DE TECHNOLOGIE SUPÉRIEURE (ÉTS)
ÉTS is one of nine Université du Québec constituent universities. The school trains engineers and researchers renowned for their practical, innovative approach, development of new technologies, and their transfer to industry. Nearly one in four Québec engineers graduates from ÉTS, which has 6,000 students, including over 1,350 at the master’s and doctorate levels. Specialized in applied engineering teaching and research, it maintains enjoys a unique partnership with business and industry. Learn more at www.etsmtl.ca

ABOUT THE CAISSE DE DÉPÔT ET PLACEMENT DU QUÉBEC
The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is a financial institution that manages funds primarily for public and private pension and insurance plans. As at December 31, 2010, it held $151.7 billion in net assets. As one of Canada’s leading institutional fund managers, the Caisse invests in major financial markets, private equity and real estate. For more information: www.cdpq.com.