Chennai, Feb 15 (UNI) Institute of Financial Management and Research (IFMR) today signed an agreement with National Commodity and Derivatives Exchanges Limited (NCDEX) to promote research and education in commodity markets and derivatives, for building capacity in this relatively virgin domain.

IFMR and NCDEX would set up a dedicated 'NCDED Centre for Research in Commodity Markets' at IFMR for research and knowledge management in commodity markets.

The Centre would conduct certification courses for market participants and financial institutions and organise seminars, workshops and conferences to create awarness, IFMR Director R Kannan told newspersons here.

''The centre would also act as commodity data bank for academic researchers,'' he added.

Prof Kannan said initially the data centre would conduct a 20-hour intensive course, which would give exposure to live-trading for financial professionals and candidates involved in commodity markets.

''There would be a 50-hour detailed certificate course, which would impart intensive knowledge about online trading,'' he said adding ''IFMR is also planning to launch post graduate diploma course in commodity marketing.'' Prof Kannan said ''we perceive a gap that needs to be filled in research in commodities markets and derivatives.'' ''We believe that we can address this gap by leveraging the intellectual capital capabilities of both IFMR and NCDEX,'' he said.

The research focus of IFMR was reflected in its seven existing centres across the country. These centres would support the curriculum through inputs on latest developments and case studies in their respective verticals.

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