04 December 2025 – Since 2015, The Investment Association (IA), the trade body for the UK investment management industry, and ZISHI, a recognised specialist in financial services training, have worked together to build capability, confidence and resilience across investment management. The partnership serves IA member firms by combining the IA’s industry reach with ZISHI’s practitioner-led expertise.
Led by Graham McConkey, ZISHI’s Head of Regulatory and Compliance Services, ZISHI designs and delivers in person and live online programmes on behalf of the IA. Training blends practical regulatory and market insight with applied case studies and experiential learning, helping professionals at different career stages develop sound judgement rooted in real industry practice.
The curriculum spans technical and market-focused foundations such as Fundamentals of the Private Markets, Private Markets Valuation Overview, Exchange Traded Funds, An Introduction to the Investment Management Industry, Introduction to Funds, An Introduction to Derivatives and An Introduction to Investment Management for Non-Investment Management Professionals.
Alongside this, IA members access a comprehensive suite of regulatory, conduct and governance programmes including Compliance Monitoring in Investment Management Firms, Understanding Regulation and Compliance in Investment Management Firms, Conflicts of Interest, Financial Promotions, Greenwashing, Best Execution and Ethics and Culture in Investment Management, as well as skills courses such as Effective Report Writing and Effective Minute Taking.
Feedback from IA participants consistently highlights the trainers’ first-hand industry experience, the clarity with which complex topics are explained and the practical relevance of each session. Delegates value the way regulation, market structure and firm obligations are translated into concrete actions and report increased confidence in applying what they have learned in their day-to-day roles.
Graham McConkey, Head of Regulatory and Compliance Services at ZISHI, commented:
“Our work with the Investment Association is grounded in a shared commitment to strengthening professional capability across the industry. By combining real regulatory and market experience with practical learning design, we help IA members build the knowledge, judgement and resilience needed to operate effectively in today’s investment environment.”
Gillian Painter, Director of Membership, Enterprises, Marketing & Engine at The Investment Association, commented:
“At the Investment Association, we are committed to supporting our members in building the skills and confidence needed to navigate an increasingly complex investment landscape. Our partnership with ZISHI ensures that firms benefit from training rooted in real-world expertise, helping professionals at every stage of their careers to strengthen their judgement and resilience. Together, we are equipping the industry with the capability it needs to serve savers and investors effectively, today and in the future.”
About The Investment Association
The Investment Association (IA) is the trade association for UK investment managers. It represents firms that manage savings and investments on behalf of clients around the world and works with government, regulators and other stakeholders to support a strong, competitive and responsible investment management industry.
