Griffith University is the first in Australia to be approved to take part in the prestigious CFA Institute University Recognition Program.
Griffith’s Bachelor of Commerce degree (majoring in Finance) 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 Practice within the program.
As a result, Griffith students will be well positioned to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation, which has become the most respected and recognised investment credential in the world.
“This is a significant achievement and will give our students a head start in building a strong knowledge base ahead of the CFA examinations,” Dr Alexandr Akimov, a senior lecturer at the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, said.
Dr Akimov is also Griffith University’s official contact with CFA Institute.
Global pedestal
“It is also a high-ranking commendation for the way our program and its course offerings are structured. It acknowledges the quality of our Bachelor of Commerce program (majoring in Finance) and the synergies it shares with the principles of the CFA. It puts our curriculum on a global pedestal.”
Entry into the CFA Institute University Recognition Program signals to potential students, employers, and the marketplace that Griffith University’s curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well-suited to preparing students to sit for the CFA examinations.
Griffith University is also entitled to award five CFA Program Awareness scholarships.
Among the universities around the world that have established relationships with CFA Institute are University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and Peking University.
About 219,000 candidates registered to sit CFA exams across all three levels in 2012, including almost 100,000 in Asia.
“The CFA exams are challenging. Between 50 and 60 percent of candidates fail to pass the level one exam, with similar fail rates for the level two and three exam second and third years.
“Candidates are further required to demonstrate they meet professional industry standards through their professional experience. It is a serious test of their credentials, but a most worthwhile test if CFA credentials can be achieved.
“By studying the degree at Griffith Business School, students will now have an even better chance to put themselves in a strong position to take on the CFA exams.”
A student must be at least in the final year of an undergraduate degree to take the first level CFA examination.
Australian first
There are eight universities in Australia that are established CFA Program Partners, incorporating 13 accredited programs. No Queensland institute previously achieved this partnership status, before Griffith became the first university in Australia and Queensland to be approved to take part in the remodelled CFA University Recognition Program.
By participating Griffith University will be listed on theCFA Institute websiteand other venues promoting the University Recognition Program.
Griffith’s strengthening connection with CFA Institute was indicated in 2012 when a five-strong student team advanced to the finals of the CFA Institute Research Challenge in Sydney. “This year Griffith University is selecting the team to attempt to go one better, and win the local Challenge.”
