FIX Protocol Training

Why this is different

A good grounding in the FIX Protocol is vital for many front-office and support functions in investment banks and trading venues, and so this is where we start your educational journey — learning what the protocol is, how messages are constructed, and how messages are passed between parties.

To be effective in a role which uses the protocol, however, requires a far broader understanding than just the basics of message construction, and this is where our course stands apart. Designed specifically for those working in production support or FIX conformance roles, we put FIX in a broader business context and teach the hands-on technical skills that you will need to be effective quickly.

Not only do we teach key industry vocabulary and concepts – from OMS to matching engines, and from RFQs to IOIs – we also teach the core technical skills that are highly valued by employers, including basic scripting and SQL queries.

Out training also doesn’t stop when you leave the classroom. FixSpec tutors remain engaged and ready to help our alumni as they go back to their employers, acting as mentors and sounding-boards for change, and offering further assistance and training as they deliver value to their firms, and develop with own careers.

Who Is It For?

This course is designed for students entering into FIX-related jobs in investment banks, trading venues and software vendors, specifically, those working in development, QA, FIX conformance/certification, and production support roles.

We do not assume any prior FIX or financial markets knowledge in this course, starting with the basics and moving at the speed of the students’ ability. It is ideally suited to either recent graduates or new team joiners with up to one year of experience.

Looking for more advanced courses? Drop us a line to discuss options.

Topics Covered

Day 1, AM – FIX protocol

– Message construction, key concepts and workflows

– Technology and tools — engines, FIX clients and parsers

– How FIX fits into the bigger picture, and what are the alternatives

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Day 1, PM – Financial markets overview

– How trading takes place from order idea to settlement

– Understanding the acronyms and trading models

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Day 2, AM – Crash course in technical tools

– Basics of scripting (bash, perl)

– SQL primer

– Key grep strategies

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Day 2, PM – Designing efficient conformance

– Documentation best practise (including electronic specifications)

– Writing conformance tests

– Designing and implementing efficient conformance processes

Pricing

£1,000 + VAT per attendee, or £800 + VAT when sending 2 or more attendees.

Course materials, lunch and refreshments provided.

Alumni & Continued Learning

Our tutors remain available to course alumni to assist with their continued development and learning.

This process starts shortly after the course as tutors provide individual student feedback on areas that the student could benefit from further learning, providing guidance as required. Tutors will seek to check in with alumni on a regular basis as they continue their career, to understand if there are any further training requirements that they could benefit from.

Find out more and Enroll