New York: CFA Institute, the global association of investment management professionals, announced that 188,915 candidates worldwide have registered for Level I, II and III CFA exams taking place this weekend at test centers in 91 countries. This year’s exams, to be administered on 3 June 2017 (today) worldwide. This year June exams have seen a 9 percent increase in registrations compared to June 2016.
Regionally, the Asia Pacific region (including India) continues to be the largest source of candidates, with 90,290 registered for the June 2017 exam, accounting for 48 percent of the total. The Americas region saw the registration of 58,549 candidates, 31 percent of the total, and 40,076 candidates registered in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), accounting for 21 percent of the total.
CFA said that the growth in candidates shows a strong demand for investment education rooted in ethics and is a testament to the increasing focus on raising standards, improving professionalism and putting client interests first.
“The CFA charter is the most rigorous credential in the investment profession, and represents the technical skills, knowledge, and commitment to ethics that future professionals need to succeed,” said Paul Smith, CFA, president and CEO of CFA Institute. “When investors place their trust in CFA charterholders, they can achieve peace of mind knowing that they are in the hands of professionals with the expertise and integrity to meet their investment goals and put their interests first.”
CFA Institute currently has more than 142,000 charterholders who work in some of the most prominent firms around the world, including BNY Mellon, JP Morgan Chase, PwC, HSBC, and State Street. Employers know that by hiring charterholders, teams are strengthened with professionals who have an in-depth understanding of client needs, and the capacity to tailor and implement specific solutions.
The CFA curriculum is grounded in the practice of the investment profession and is methodically updated with knowledge, skills, and competencies that are relevant to the profession. The three-level self-study program covers topics including Ethical and Professional Standards, Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Corporate Finance, Investment Tools, Asset Classes, and Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning.
The CFA exam comes on the heels of the organization largest global gathering, the CFA Institute 70th Annual Conference, held May 21 to 24 in Philadelphia. At the event, Smith invited an audience of more than 1,800 professionals from 70 countries to commit to higher standards and help make the system work for all investors.
