After around three years of study, 39 local investment professionals have earned the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst(r) (CFA(r)) designation, CFA Association of Pakistan announced on Thursday 22nd December 2011.
Administered by CFA Institute, the CFA Programme is a graduate-level, self-study curriculum and series of examinations that test candidates around the world in ethical and professional standards, financial statement analysis, economics, portfolio management and analysis and valuation of debt, equity and alternative investments.
The CFA charter is the only globally recognised credential for investment analysis and management. The CFA programme sets a globally recognised standard for measuring the competence and integrity of financial analysts, portfolio managers and investment advisers.
The candidates for the CFA designation must pass a series of three, six-hour exams. Each of the three examinations typically requires candidates to spend 250 to 300 hours in study preparation. Candidates take, on average, a little more than 3 years from initial enrolment to the time they complete all requirements for the CFA designation.
Dr Ishrat Hussain, Dean of the Institute of Business Administration graced the occasion as the chief guest. He congratulated the successful candidates on receiving the CFA charter but also cautioned them against being complacent. He emphasised that the dynamic global economic environment warranted that in order to remain competitive, all professionals need to treat education as a continuous process. The 39 new CFA charterholders brings the total number of CFA charterholders in the Pakistan Society to 164. These individuals are portfolio managers, investment advisers and other investment professionals.-PR