This book provides the student with a relatively non-technical guide to some of the key topics in finance where empirical methods play an important role. It has been written for students taking postgraduate degrees in finance and banking and is also suitable for students and researchers in other areas, such as a economics. After the first three introductory chapters, which outline the structure of the book and review econometric and statistical techniques, the remaining chapters discuss various topic, including : portfolio theory and assetallocation, asset pricing and factor models, market efficiency, modelling and forecasting exchange and interest rates, and Value at Risk. Understanding these topics and the methods covered will be helpful for students interested in working as analysts and researchers in financial institutions.