FST Publications
As seen in the Million Dollar Round Table's Round the Table magazine:
Never Stop Learning by FST president Anita Volkomer.
Newsletters: Spring/Summer 2007; Fall/Winter 2006.
Company
Financial Services Training, Inc.
FST is a recognized provider of continuing education and professional development courses for the financial services industry. Since 1995, FST has assisted both financial services firms and their personnel in the ongoing development of their product knowledge, sales and service skills and regulatory awareness. Our clients include major investment banks, national and regional brokerage firms, independent contractor firms, investment advisors, and individual financial professionals.
Whether the need is training new hires, meeting the needs of experienced personnel, or helping internal audit and compliance staff members understand the intricacies of new products, our courses will meet your training objectives with serious, up-to-date content. You may use our online courses as-is, customize our existing content, or license courses for your in-house training programs. We will work with you to meet your unique training needs.
Put our experience to work for you!
People
Anita M. Volkomer
Anita Volkomer has more than 20 years experience in the field of regulatory compliance. As the President of Financial Services Training, Inc. (FST), she is responsible for the development of a broad range of training programs to meet the needs of the financial services industry. Clients include NASD and NYSE member firms, bank affiliated broker dealers, insurance and mutual fund companies. Her experience includes the design and development of custom training programs, operational assessments, and the development of customized policy and procedure manuals.
Prior to her affiliation with FST, Anita was Vice President and Manager of Compliance for Security Pacific Corporation where she was responsible for the development of regulatory and surveillance programs for the Corporation's securities and investment management activities. Anita has worked for two New York Stock Exchange member firms and with the New York Stock Exchange's Division of Member Firm Regulation as a Surveillance Director in the Major Firms Unit. Her oversight responsibilities for such firms required that she interface with regulatory agencies such as the SEC, the Fed and the CFTC on a regular basis making her well versed in both the financial and operational requirements and sales practice regulations that govern the financial services industry.
Anita received her B.A. and M.A. degrees from Hunter College of the City University of New York and an M.B.A. from Baruch College of the City University of New York.
Robert J. Ficklin
Robert brings a unique combination of training, financial services, and academic background to the firm. Currently, Robert is developing training curriculums, delivering training programs and marketing FST’s modules to broker/dealers throughout the U.S. Robert entered the financial services industry in 1984 with Crocker Bank in the municipal securities department. Later, Robert joined First Interstate Bank, opening their investment center in Woodland Hills, California and ultimately working in both the downtown Los Angeles headquarters and the Beverly Hills offices.
Robert developed training programs at the bank for branch employees and fixed income seminars for new hires. In addition, he has conducted seminars for Certified Public Accountants on the uses of short-term money market instruments and has appeared as a panelist at a two-day Los Angeles Times Investment Strategies conference. Most recently, Robert completed intensive training to receive the Certified Specialist in Planned Giving designation conferred by the American Institute for Philanthropic Studies.
Robert received a BA degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and earned his Master in International Business Degree (MIBS) from the University of South Carolina.
Robert is also qualified as a Series 7, 52, and 63 in addition to California State Insurance licenses. He currently serves as a financial consultant and Registered Investment Advisory Associate with Financial Network.
Thomas P. Santulli
As the newest member of the training staff, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to client projects. Tom served as a senior executive at Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette, Inc., and at Credit Suisse First Boston (USA) Incorporated, where he handled complex financial accounting issues and managed the regulatory reporting function.
Both at Donaldson and Credit Suisse line managers of the business units relied on his depth of knowledge regarding the potential regulatory and financial impact of possible transactions. Thus, Tom was an integral part of the corporate strategic planning and risk assessment process. Utilizing 11 years of experience in Member Firm Regulation at the New York Stock Exchange, Tom has guided firms through the intricacies and nuances of regulatory examinations. Tom is not only familiar with NYSE examination procedures, but also with how to respond to inquiries and investigations by bodies such as the SEC, NASD, OCC and other regulatory authorities.
Tom specializes in the development and delivery of training courses aimed at financial professionals, audit personnel and trading and investment banking personnel who must understand the potential financial impact for their firms of the deals they structure. Subjects such as the computation of Net Capital, the Reserve Formula, calculating haircut charges or other financial and regulatory issues are his area of specific expertise. His ease and skill in the classroom are especially conducive to understanding the real life implications of these issues.
Throughout his career Tom has been called upon to train and lead others in the performance of the most complex tasks. From his early days as a NYSE examiner, where he was the only Junior Examiner allowed to lead examinations, to his most senior positions in the financial community, Tom has proven his ability to use his knowledge to teach others. If your firm requires live classroom instruction, or the development of firm-specific training materials, Tom is the perfect choice to fill your needs.
Sean Newman
As FST's technology lead Sean is responsible for the smart look and functionality of FST’s web site. With a combination of amazing technical and creative design skills Sean has helped us develop a website that combines eye catching appeal with ease of use.
In addition to his IT and design skills, Sean is an active member of the California and Nebraska Bars. He has practical experience in the field of franchise law and litigation, and is knowledgeable in the field of intellectual property. Sean provides legal advice regarding copyright and internet law.
Prior to his relationship with FST, Sean was an attorney with the firm of Kramer and Kaslow in the Los Angeles area. In addition to his legal duties Sean also developed the law firm’s website.