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Description

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): Understanding Structures, Comparing and Selecting

Understand how ETFs are actually built and how they are used in portfolio management

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

Two ETFs tracking the same index can behave very differently. The replication method, the treatment of dividends and securities lending all create differences that a simple comparison of fees will never reveal. Portfolio managers and advisers must be able to read what sits inside the wrapper before recommending a fund.

This short-format programme breaks down how ETFs work, from share creation through to trading on the secondary market. You compare competing funds against objective criteria and then build a reasoned allocation. Case studies are based on the published documentation of listed funds.

Learning objectives

  • Explain the creation and redemption mechanism of ETF units
  • Distinguish the replication methods and their consequences
  • Measure tracking difference and identify its causes
  • Compare two competing index funds against objective criteria
  • Build an allocation combining index-based and active management

What makes this programme different

Detailed comparison of two ETFs tracking the same index
Guided reading of the documentation of a listed index fund
Analysis of ETF behaviour during periods of liquidity stress

Programme

1Mechanics of the listed index fund

What sits inside the wrapper

  • Creation and redemption of units and the role of authorised participants
  • Full physical replication or sampling
  • Synthetic replication and counterparty exposure
  • Securities lending and ancillary fund revenue

2Comparing and selecting

Beyond headline fees

  • Tracking difference and tracking error
  • Ongoing charges and implicit trading costs
  • Fund liquidity and liquidity of the underlying assets
  • Distribution policy and tax treatment

3Portfolio applications

From product to allocation

  • Building an index core and satellite active pockets
  • Sector, geographic or thematic exposure
  • Tactical use and exposure rotation
  • Behaviour in stressed markets and execution precautions

Who is it for

Wealth advisers and portfolio managers, as well as financial analysts and sales professionals distributing savings and investment products.

Prerequisites

Working knowledge of financial markets and collective investment funds is required.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.