Try our course finder tool

Subject overview

This course is no longer accepting new student applications. Single subject enrolments will be open until Study Period 6 2022. Contact us for further details.

The subject focuses on developing advisers’ knowledge and skills in behavioural finance and how this affects the decision-making process of SMSF trustees. Individuals  examine the central tenets from the field of behavioural finance, particularly those findings that provide insights into psychological influences in investment decision‐making.  The assessments provide individuals an opportunity to apply their learnings via conceptual and case-study based short- and long-answer questions, which also cover application to their personal professional practice with SMSFs.

For more information, please refer to the subject outline.

Subject information

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, individuals should be able to:

  • Evaluate the application of behavioural finance to the interaction and engagement with SMSF trustees.
  • Explain factors resulting in measurable, systemic biases in investment decisions including the difference between collective and individual decision making processes.
  • Analyse the impact of behavioural biases on SMSF fund management strategies.
  • Develop a methodology for mentoring and guiding SMSF trustees

 

Topics covered

  1. Origins of behavioural finance
  2. Traditional and behavioural finance
  3. Emotional decision making
  4. Personality traits
  5. Risk perception and risk tolerance
  6. Behavioural portfolio theory
  7. Advising the behavioural investor
  8. Financial therapy
  9. SMSF trustee coaching and observational awareness

 

Continuing professional development (CPD)

Please contact Kaplan Professional’s CPD Support team on 1300 527 526 or pdmail@kaplan.edu.au.

Reading list

Baker, HK & Ricciardi, V (eds.) 2014, Investor behavior: the psychology of financial planning and investing, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, N. J.

Reading list

Assessments

Assessment TypeAssessedWeighting
Assignment 1Week 640%
Assignment 2Week 1260%

Previous study requirements

Duration

The duration of this subject is one study period (12 weeks).

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this subject. However, individuals should review the ‘Assumed Knowledge’ tab to understand the prior knowledge Kaplan Professional advises you should hold before enrolling in this subject.

Assumed knowledge

Whilst there are no prerequisites for this subject, Kaplan Professional assumes individuals have completed or are currently studying SMS001 SMSF Best Practice with SMS002 Understanding SMSF Trustees.

Course transition subject equivalence

Individuals may not be required to complete this subject if they have transitioned from a SIA/Finsia/Kaplan Professional course and have completed the following subjects:

  • there are no equivalences for this subject.

Programs you might be interested in

CRS1300149

Master of Financial Planning

Our online, FAS-approved Master of Financial Planning is a purpose-built higher education qualification set at AQF level 9. It’s designed and developed in consultation with industry experts, and combines advanced technical rigour with practical and relevant performance-focused learning outcomes.
CRS1200364

Master of Applied Finance

Leading online degree designed for ambitious and savvy individuals who are looking for advanced academic rigour, but thrive on practical and real-world learning immediately applicable in the workplace, and directly relevant to future career roles. It caters to experienced finance professionals and those transitioning into the field, integrating learning outcomes with pathways for further accreditation such as a CFA®.
CRS1200368

Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning

An eight-subject postgraduate qualification set at AQF Level 8 and FAS approved. Includes the first eight subjects of the FAS-approved Master of Financial Planning.

Related articles

Why Australian finance professionals are choosing Kaplan Professional’s Master of Applied Finance | Kaplan Professional

Kaplan Professional's 100% online Master of Applied Finance (MAF) program offers more flexibility, new specialisations and new subjects.

How to prepare for an online proctored exam

With online courses being one of the most convenient ways to study, online proctored exams have also become a popular option among education providers and students.

Fitting postgraduate study into a busy life

In this article, we’ve put together some tips for balancing study and work to help guide you.