Idea and Purpose
DKF University is conceived as a dedicated training hub for market data and financial services professionals who want to move from understanding trends to applying them in day-to-day work. Hosted in tandem with DKF Munich, it builds on the congress discussions and networks by offering immersive, instructor-led programs in small, closed groups.
Aimed at professionals from banks, asset managers, fintechs, vendors and service providers, its purpose is to strengthen the professional backbone of the industry: people working with market and reference data, commercial models, vendor relationships, and technology who increasingly operate in a complex, regulated and data driven environment.
Through targeted training sessions, DKF University connects global best practices with the specific needs of the market data ecosystem. Participants gain a shared language, frameworks and tools that support better decision making around core functionalities —ultimately helping firms improve efficiency, compliance and commercial outcomes.
FISD Level 1
FISD Professional Certification Training – Level 1 provides a comprehensive introduction to the financial information industry for professionals who want to build a solid, end to end understanding of market and reference data. The course explains how financial markets work, who the key stakeholders are on the sell side, buy side and at exchanges, and how data underpins trading, investment and risk management.
The training covers four core blocks: the functioning of financial markets and instruments; the different types and sources of data; technology and distribution architectures; and key industry issues and trends. Participants gain key insights into data regulation, distribution, consumption, pricing, and the evolving role of data within financial institutions.
The training also covers technology basics, including data feeds, distribution platforms, desktops and applications, as well as the role of enterprise and reference data management.
Commercial and contractual topics such as licensing models, compliance, audits and inventory management are introduced in a clear, practical way. Delivered by a senior market data specialist from MDS at Work, the program prepares participants for the optional FISD FIA certification exam and for more pertinently, advanced responsibilities in market data roles.
FISD Level 2
FISD Professional Certification Training – Data Licensing Level 2 is designed for professionals with several years of experience in market and reference data who want to deepen their capabilities in the licensing frameworks, compliances and commercial aspects of data usage.
The course will examine the roles of all entities in the licensed data ecosystem, including information providers, data vendors, sub vendors, service facilitators, technology providers, subscribers and audit firms. Emphasis will also be on navigating different categories of licensable data, license types, user classifications and pricing drivers such as units of count and fee waivers. The program explains typical contract components, from formation and terms to change management, and shows how to maintain robust compliance through usage tracking, reporting and efficient handling of license updates.
By the end of the program, participants will be better equipped to interpret licence terms, manage risk and work constructively with providers and auditors. Delivered by a senior market data specialist from TCAM, it helps participants and their firms reach a higher level of licensing discipline and prepares them for the FISD FIA certification path.
Negotiation Skills
The Negotiation Skills program is a practical, one day workshop tailored to professionals in financial services and the market data industry who want to conduct and close negotiations more effectively across the full deal cycle.
The course views negotiation as a mindset focused on creating mutual value, not just pushing for short term wins. Participants work through core elements such as preparation, research and BATNA, stakeholder analysis, understanding value drivers, and setting clear objectives. Key attributes of active listening and enquiry, managing difficult conversations, and exploring creative deal structuring that balances commercial, relationship and strategic considerations will be explored at length via pragmatic examples, exercises and group discussions.
The idea is for attendees to build frameworks for immediate application across sales, account management, vendor management and leadership roles. The workshop is suitable for data vendors, fintech providers and financial institutions, with cases adapted to the experience levels of the group. By the end of the day, participants will be better equipped to navigate complex market data negotiations and to build sustainable, long-term agreements that strengthen client and vendor relationships.
Led by an expert with nearly 20 years’ experience on both vendor and consumer sides – including roles at leading providers and financial institutions – the training translates real industry experience into actionable techniques.