First cohort results validate UK-regulated delivery model in India, demonstrating measurable gains in trading capability and professional behaviours
London | India, 23 April 2026 — ZISHI, the global financial education and professional training specialist, has announced the successful completion of the first Indian cohort of its Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Financial Trading, delivered in India in partnership with ISFT by Derivion, a specialist provider of financial trading education in India.
The results provide evidence of the effectiveness of ZISHI’s UK-regulated university delivery model within the Indian higher-education environment, demonstrating measurable skills development and tangible shifts in career confidence among participants.
ISFT by Derivion continues to deliver the extended programme, learner engagement and operational execution on the ground in India.
Measured outcomes and learner impact
Post-delivery results show strong and consistent improvements across both technical capability and professional behaviours.
Across the cohort:
- Overall programme satisfaction achieved a 5* rating
- 100% of students would recommend the programme
- Significant gains were recorded across discipline, problem solving, time management and confidence in a professional environment
- Marked improvements were also observed in financial trading knowledge, adaptability and resilience
- 100% of participants reported increased aspiration to pursue careers in financial trading, alongside improved confidence in their employability within the financial sector
What stands out is the pace and depth of participant development, with consistent progression across both technical trading capability and the behavioural standards required in professional environments.
These outcomes indicate measurable progression aligned with the expectations of entry-level roles in financial markets and related sectors.
Applied learning with real-world relevance
The programme combined structured, practitioner-led teaching with applied market learning designed to reflect professional trading environments. Participants engaged with tier-one front-end trading systems, working with real-time pricing across multi-asset markets in conditions where execution, control and risk management are critical.
Participants developed disciplined, structured approaches to trading, alongside improved decision-making under pressure and increased confidence in pursuing financial market careers.
Student feedback reinforces the quality and consistency of the learning experience:
“A very informative and engaging course with strong practical exposure.”
“The programme exceeded expectations in terms of learning and clarity.”
“I have really enjoyed the ZISHI [ISFT by Derivion partnership] course. I feel it has taken me to the next step in life and has really opened up a new pathway for me.”
Leadership perspectives
Robert Russell, Global Head of Professional Trader Qualifications at ZISHI, said:
“This first cohort provides clear evidence that regulated, practitioner-led trading education can be delivered effectively within international higher-education environments. The progression we’ve seen reflects both the development of technical capability and the behaviours required to operate in professional financial markets.”
Ratender Dhull, Founder & CEO, ISFT by Derivion, said:
“Completing our first cohort with ZISHI has validated what we set out to build – a programme where students go beyond learning about financial markets to operating within them. Seeing 100% of participants report improved career confidence and aspiration is exactly the outcome we designed this for. This is the foundation for what comes next across India.”
Validating a scalable model for skills-based education
Post-delivery results from ISFT by Derivion cohorts show how UK-regulated financial trading qualifications can be integrated effectively within Indian institutions.
For ISFT by Derivion, the partnership enables the integration of globally recognised, regulated qualifications into its existing offering, strengthening its ability to deliver industry-aligned, employment-focused education.
The results indicate that a structured, practitioner-led model can deliver consistent academic standards alongside applied, employment-relevant outcomes. This provides a strong foundation for continued rollout as part of ZISHI’s broader India Trading Diploma Initiative, with further cohorts already planned, reflecting continued interest in practitioner-led, regulated financial education.
ENDS
About International School of Financial Trading (ISFT) by Derivion
International School of Financial Trading (ISFT) by Derivion is India’s specialist provider of practitioner-led capital markets education, delivering UK-regulated qualifications that bridge the gap between academic learning and professional financial market practice. Operating across India with its UK presence through Derivion International Private Limited, ISFT by Derivion partners with leading global institutions to equip students and finance professionals with the technical skills, regulatory knowledge, and behavioural competencies demanded by today’s financial industry.
www.isftglobal.com
Programme enquiries:
For further information, please contact: Robert Russell, Global Head of Professional Trader Qualifications, ZISHI, robert.russell@thezishi.com
Media enquiries:
For further information, please contact: Suzanne Sirett, Marketing Director, ZISHI, suzanne.sirett@thezishi.com
