Our Courses
Three courses. One coherent path.
From first principles to prospectus reading — each programme is complete on its own and builds naturally onto the next.
Back to HomeOur Methodology
How we structure learning.
Each Phoenix Compass course is built on a weekly rhythm: structured reading materials are released at the start of the week, followed by a live session in which participants work through questions, test their understanding, and raise anything the materials did not resolve clearly.
We do not believe in passive learning. Every module includes either a practice exercise or a reflection prompt designed to require the participant to apply what they have read. In the portfolio course, these exercises build across weeks toward the written allocation plan submitted at the end.
Live sessions run for approximately ninety minutes. They are recorded and accessible for four weeks after the session date. Participants who miss a session can watch the recording and submit questions asynchronously. We try not to let anything fall through the gap between someone's schedule and their learning.
Weekly reading modules
Live sessions, recorded
Applied exercises each week
Course 01
ETF Foundations
A four-week introduction to exchange-traded funds for learners in their 40s and 50s who want to understand these instruments before considering them in their own accounts. Topics include how ETFs differ from mutual funds, the creation-and-redemption mechanism in plain language, how tracking works, and the fee structures that matter most over long holding periods. The course uses real historical examples without recommending present-day purchases.
What the course covers:
- How ETFs differ structurally from mutual funds and unit trusts
- The creation-and-redemption mechanism explained without jargon
- Tracking error and tracking difference — what they mean and why both matter
- Total expense ratio and its effect over a ten- to twenty-year holding period
- Physical versus synthetic replication
- Historical market context without present-day product recommendations
Programme steps:
- What is an exchange-traded fund — the basics
- Inside the creation and redemption mechanism
- How indices are constructed and what tracking means
- Costs, fees, and what they compound to over time
Course 02
Building an Index Portfolio
A six-week programme for those who want to construct a long-term portfolio built primarily around index products. The course walks through regional allocation, cost-aware selection between similar products, total cost of ownership including platform fees, and the behavioural discipline needed to hold index positions through market cycles. Participants complete a written allocation plan with facilitator feedback.
What the course covers:
- Regional and asset-class allocation for a long-term portfolio
- Comparing similar index products on cost and characteristics
- Total cost of ownership — beyond the expense ratio
- HK brokerage platform fees and their effect on long-term returns
- Behavioural factors that cause investors to underperform their own portfolios
- Writing and reviewing a personal allocation plan
Programme steps:
- Allocation frameworks — global, regional, and by asset type
- Cost-aware product selection within an asset class
- Total cost of ownership across the holding chain
- Market cycles — how index investors have historically fared
- Behavioural discipline — the human side of holding through volatility
- Writing your allocation plan — structure and facilitator review
Course 03
Advanced ETF Considerations for Midlife
A ten-week programme for learners already familiar with the basics who want to think more carefully about specialty products — smart-beta funds, sector ETFs, currency-hedged variants, and active ETFs. Modules cover how to read a fund prospectus, tax considerations for Hong Kong residents holding US- and Ireland-domiciled products, and the decisions involved in consolidating an accumulated ETF collection as one approaches retirement.
What the course covers:
- Smart-beta funds — what they aim to do and what the evidence shows
- Sector ETFs — uses, risks, and how to evaluate concentration
- Currency-hedged ETFs — how hedging works and when it matters
- Active ETFs — how they differ from passive and what the fee difference implies
- Reading a fund prospectus — the sections that matter most
- US vs Ireland domicile — tax implications for HK residents
- Consolidating an ETF portfolio as retirement approaches
Programme steps:
- Smart-beta strategies — factor investing and its evidence base
- Sector and thematic ETFs — construction and concentration risk
- Currency-hedged products — mechanics and decision criteria
- Active ETFs — the fee-return trade-off
- How to read a prospectus — practical walkthrough
- Domicile and tax — US versus Ireland for HK investors
- Accumulation versus distribution funds and dividend withholding
- Consolidation strategies for pre-retirement portfolios
- Review and integration — pulling together a consistent framework
- Participant Q&A and case discussion
Course Comparison
Which course is right for where you are?
| Feature | ETF Foundations | Index Portfolio | Advanced ETF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 weeks | 6 weeks | 10 weeks |
| Fee (HKD) | 1,580 | 2,280 | 3,080 |
| Prior knowledge required | ETF basics | ETF basics + portfolio | |
| Covers ETF mechanics | Review | Assumed | |
| Portfolio construction | Advanced only | ||
| Written allocation plan + feedback | |||
| Tax and domicile considerations | |||
| Prospectus reading | |||
| Smart-beta, sector, currency-hedged ETFs | |||
| Best for | Complete beginners | Those ready to plan | Experienced holders |
Standards
What all three courses share.
Independence
No product affiliations, no referral revenue. Course content reflects educational considerations only.
Annual updates
All materials are reviewed and updated before each cohort to reflect current regulatory and market conditions.
Qualified facilitators
All facilitators hold relevant professional or academic credentials and complete an internal content review before leading sessions.
Data privacy
Participant information is held securely and used only for course administration, in line with Hong Kong's PDPO.
Pricing
All fees are inclusive. No hidden additions.
Course 01
ETF Foundations
1,580
HKD per participant
- 4 live sessions (recorded)
- Full reading materials
- Practice exercises
- 4-week recording access
Most Detailed
Index Portfolio
2,280
HKD per participant
- 6 live sessions (recorded)
- Full reading materials
- Written allocation plan
- Individual facilitator feedback
- 4-week recording access
Course 03
Advanced ETF
3,080
HKD per participant
- 10 live sessions (recorded)
- Full reading materials
- Prospectus walkthrough
- Tax module for HK residents
- 4-week recording access
Not sure which course fits where you are?
Contact us and describe where you are in your understanding. We will suggest a starting point without any pressure to commit.
Talk to Us First