Corporate finance is the backbone of both startups and large corporations, often making the difference between thriving and failing. In today’s fast-paced business landscape, the CFO’s ability to balance revenue growth with shareholder value is more crucial than ever.
“Corporate finance is the lifeblood of any business, driving growth and ensuring long-term stability,” says Joseph Cherian, Deputy CEO and Practice Professor of Finance at the Asia School of Business (ASB). “It’s more enjoyable than you might think. Every decision we make has financial implications, shaping market dynamics and economic stability.”
ASB’s Agile Continuous Education (ACE) program offers a Corporate Finance course led by Joe, focusing on maximizing shareholder value while balancing risk and profitability. “The ultimate purpose of corporate finance is to maximize the value of a business,” Joe explains. He emphasizes corporate banking’s role in lending to profit-generating businesses. “One approach is to separate financial risk into four broad categories: market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, and operational risk.”
The ACE program, which Joe’s team teaches with the experienced ASB instructor, Jason Yap, helps learners adapt to rapid technological and societal changes, offering flexible and personalized education, while not ruling out the potential of learners pursuing an MBA or Executive MBA down the road if they so choose. “Our live sessions are where the magic happens,” Joe says. Participants start with video lectures and assignments before the live discussions. Foundational topics are covered through pre-course videos. “We want everyone to come in with a solid understanding of the basics,” Joe emphasizes.
The eight-week course explores financial principles and decision-making. Participants engage in financial simulations and key theories. “Understanding the time value of money is crucial,” Joe stresses. “It’s about recognizing how time, inflation, and uncertainty affect the value of money.” Core concepts include the cost of capital, investment criteria, and the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM).
The course is designed for Executives who want to make informed corporate decisions, providing tools for informed financial decisions. Participants analyze financial theories, evaluate management tools, and interpret data. “It’s about empowering executives to make better decisions,” Joe emphasizes. “Corporate finance is not just about numbers; it’s about strategy and impact.”
ASB’s Corporate Finance course offers a transformative educational journey, enhancing professional capabilities and deepening understanding of corporate finance to lead organizations toward sustained success. To find out more about ACE and the courses offered, visit https://asb.edu.my/ace/