Last Modified & Updated: 2011/10/03 15:42 by HD Verified
CFA • Chartered Finance Analyst
CIB • Chartered Institute of Bankers
CIOBS • Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland
IPFM • Institute of Professional Financial Managers

Becoming a Chartered Finance Analyst (CFA) is a highly regarded achievement and one which illustrates an in-depth knowledge of the investment industry. Typically a Chartered Finance Analyst will be or become a portfolio manger or research analyst at hedge funds and private equity firms.

There are three CFA course levels: I, II and III. Obtaining the CFA qualification is no easy feat since the self-study program can take several years to complete and students must complete and pass three six-hour exams, as well as agree to abide by a strict code of ethics and standards of conduct.

In 2010 180,000 sat CFA Level I - III courses with their average age being 30.

Similar to the prestige of being a Chartered Finance Analyst is the becoming a Chartered Banker awarded by the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland (CIOBS). The CIOBS is the oldest banking institute in the world and offers a wide range of banking and finance qualifications for retail, commercial and private bankers. The CIOBS is the only professional finance and banking body to award the prestigious "Chartered Banker" designation.

With a similar size of membership the Institute of Professional Financial Managers (IPFM) positions itself as an organisation for professional and financial managers. The difference with IPFM when compared to CFA and CIOBS (amongst other notable differences) is that the institution addresses professionals working in the accountancy and treasury management sectors. Therefore, if you work in either of these sectors - consider studying a finance course with IPFM.

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