CSI Updated CSC2 Exam Questions and Answers by tate

Investment dealers play a unique role in the institutional market due to their dual capability of operating on both the buy side and the sell side :

The Buy Side Investment dealers assist institutional investors like pension funds, mutual funds, and hedge funds in acquiring securities to meet their investment objectives. These clients aim to optimize returns on their invested assets, and the dealers provide them with access to securities markets, investment advice, and execution services.

The Sell Side On the sell side, investment dealers facilitate the issuance of new securities. They underwrite and distribute these securities, providing liquidity to the market. They also produce research reports and provide trade execution services to institutional and retail clients. This dual operation is critical for maintaining market efficiency and ensuring the smooth functioning of capital markets.

This dual-role capacity makes investment dealers pivotal in bridging gaps between the needs of securities issuers and institutional investors. They enhance market liquidity, efficiency, and transparency through their intermediary functions.

Within a buy-side firm, the portfolio manager is responsible for executing the portfolio strategy. They oversee investment decisions, asset allocation, and security selection based on the investment mandate and client objectives. Other roles:

Head of fixed income (B) specializes in fixed-income securities rather than overall strategy.

Investment advisor (C) interacts with clients, focusing on advice rather than execution.

Trader (D) carries out transactions but does not set the portfolio strategy.

References

CSC Volume 2 , Chapter 27: Working with the Institutional Client - The Buy-Side Portfolio Manager , p. 27-8​.

The exchange that lists and trades the futures contract sets the minimum initial margin rate . This margin is required as collateral to ensure performance under the contract. The exchange determines this rate based on the volatility and risk of the underlying asset, and it is subject to adjustment depending on market conditions.

Other options:

Investment dealer : Acts as a facilitator but does not set the margin rates.

Buyer/Seller : Must meet the margin requirements but do not set them.