Introduction:

IFA successfully hosted a workshop at the American University of Beirut (AUB) in collaboration with 180 Degrees Consulting Club. Also, students formed teams of 3 and competed against each other in cracking the case study of the workshop. Mr. Nizar Najem, CFA Charter and instructor at IFA, the conductor of the workshop mentored the students throughout the case study.

The Banking Simulation focused on the Iraq Economic, where political and economic outlook were studied. Simultaneously it stressed the importance of micro and macroeconomic analysis. Furthermore, a Letter of Credit to one of three banks were studied were students had to choose one of the three banks as the best option.

Students were subject to different enlightening aspects. They realized how the political decisions greatly affect the investment and banking industry, as is the case with Iraq. In addition to that, concepts such as country risk premium, opportunity cost, letter of credit, financial statement and reporting analysis were put into action.

Also, student’s analytical and teamwork skills were tested through the case study. The case study provided the teams of 3 students to tackle the financial statements of 3 banks and come up with a decision with the best option. Students based their decision on their analysis of the banks’ Balance Sheet & Income Statement, as they looked for key ratios to aid their decision.

Presenting the winning team of IFA Workshop at AUB:

At the end of the workshop, the teams shared their insights and decisions with Mr. Nizar Najem. The workshop turned into a debate where students along with Mr. Nizar analyzed their answers and decisions. Last but not least, a team with the correct answer and most sound analysis were chosen as the winners. Lastly, the winning team received an honorary certificate signed by IFA and presented by Mr. Yazan Rai (Workshop organizer) and the 180 Degrees consulting Club at AUB.

Conducting a workshop at the American University of Beirut AUB was an honor to IFA and hope it won’t be the last time.