RMIT Trading Facility

The RTF is the only facility of its size that receives live data from the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals - Thomson Reuters.

The RTF is equipped with a live market data feed from Thomson Reuters and a range of financial analysis tools used by professionals at the world’s leading banks and investment firms for data, news analysis, and market research. The RTF provides information on bonds, bills, foreign exchange, share prices, futures, forwards, swaps, options, current local and international market news.

The courses and programs run in the RTF use this market data in real-time trading simulations and technical workshops for multi-asset portfolio and risk analysis, hedging, money market and foreign exchange instruments trading of all of which are conducted at real-time market rates. This innovative approach to education and training is part of RMIT Business’s commitment to providing graduates with ’real-world’ skills. The facility replicates a large bank or corporate treasury centre, with capacity to seat up to 60 participants at 20 dealer’s desks. Each desk is equipped with a Thomson Reuters terminal as well as a specialised keyboard. 

The use of the facility has expanded in recent years to include a broader base of simulation-style teaching and practical market modelling using commercial software tools. Originally intended as a facility for undergraduate courses, the use of the RTF now takes in a range of activities for students in the vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, commercial activities and short course programs. During a normal semester, the room can typically be used for up to 45 hours per week. When not in use for teaching, the RTF is available as a research resource for students enrolled in related courses. There is also a high level of demand for the RTF as a feature of visits to RMIT Business by overseas and local dignitaries.

The facility is predominantly used by economics and finance student. Most are looking forward to careers in banking, finance, treasury and risk management, stockbroking or other fields of finance.

Many past students who have trained in this facility have carved out successful careers in finance in Australia, Asia, London and New York.

What happens in the facility?

Skills are developed in the realistic, hands-on work environment unique to the RMIT Trading Facility. The RTF facilitates experiential learning, without incurring real financial risks and costs.

All participants learn to manage their own banking transactions, and are responsible for correcting errors or omissions, creating a full audit trail of the process.

Participants can be trained in all aspects of financial markets settlements, auditing, foreign exchange, money market, risk management, dealing techniques, and market language and conventions.