CFA
Tor Vergata University of Rome has become the latest university to be welcomed into the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.
MSc Finance and Banking has been acknowledged as incorporating at least 70 percent of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) and placing emphasis on the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct within the academic program. This program positions students well to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst charter, which has become the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world.
What is the CFA Institute?
The Chartered Financial Analysis Institute is a nonprofit association of investment professionals whose mission is to lead the investment profession globally by promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence for the ultimate benefit of society. The CFA Program is a three-part exam that tests the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, and wealth planning. The CFA Program is typically completed by those with backgrounds in finance, accounting, economics, or business. CFA charter holders are qualified to work in senior and executive positions in investment management, risk management, and asset management.
What is the CFA University Affiliation program?
CFA Institute awards CFA Program Partner status to recognize academic degree programs in finance that are (i) academically rigorous and (ii) closely aligned to professional practice. The CFA Institute acknowledges that professional and academic qualifications are complementary: both play an important role in ensuring the success of the finance industry.
As part of CFA’s mission to promote the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence, the Institute has a long history of working with educational institutions around the world. Some of these institutions:
- incorporate elements of our curriculum into their degree programs;
- offer waivers from graduate school entrance exams or coursework;
- work with local CFA Institute member societies to support student teams in the annual Research Challenge.
What are the benefits for MSc Finance and Banking students?
Each year, the CFA Student Scholarship allows a number of MSc Finance and Banking students to sit a CFA certification exam. As a globally recognized credential in the investment management profession, earning the CFA charter demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge and commitment to thrive in today’s complex and evolving investment industry. The CFA designation is a mark of distinction, and investment firms know it represents a higher standard. More information about CFA Student Scholarships can be found here.
What is the CFA Research Challenge?
The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual global competition that provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis and professional ethics. Each student will be tested on their analytical, valuation, report writing, and presentation skills. They gain real-world experience as they assume the role of a research analyst. Local-level competitions are organized and judged by CFA Institute society members and volunteers who function as local hosts. The winning university team from each local competition advances to the sub-regional competition. The following documents may be consulted: CFA Research Challenge Rules – Fact Sheet – CFA Research Challenge Presentation.