The CFA Institute, the global association of investment management professionals, has announced that more than 250,000 candidates have registered for the upcoming Level I, II and III CFA exams, an increase of 11 percent over last year.
The number of test centres has also increased from 286 to 348 in 95 markets worldwide, representing growing recognition of the credential in emerging markets. The exams will take place on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June 2019.
The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts administered the first exam in 1963 and awarded the title of Chartered Financial Analyst to applicants who passed. The first exam was administered at 27 centres in North America and in London to 284 candidates, where six examinees were women. Today, approximately 40 percent of the candidates are women.
The CFA Program is focused on the practice of the investment profession and is updated every year to reflect the evolving knowledge, skills, and competencies needed in the profession. The three-level self-study program covers a wide array of topics. These include ethical and professional standards, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance, equity investments, fixed income, derivatives, alternative Investments, portfolio management and wealth planning.
This year’s curriculum has 10 new readings, which include fintech applications, ethics cases within a fintech work setting, machine learning active, passive equity investing, and professionalism in different occupations within investment management.
Paul Smith, CFA, President and CEO, CFA Institute, said: “Pursuing the CFA credential is a very rigorous process, with less than one in five candidates successfully completing the process to earn the charter. We are gratified to see the record number of candidates willing to put in the work continue to grow each year. Especially in new markets around the world where finance plays such a vital role in building strong economies. In addition to signifying the gold standard for financial acumen, the program sets a critical, high benchmark for the level of ethical behaviour and fiduciary responsibility necessary to preserve the respect and confidence of investors.”
The CFA Institute has more than 165,000 charterholders, who predominantly work in the industry’s investment banks, asset management and investment advisory firms.
