The Certified Financial Analyst program reached milestones in 2019 that extended beyond record participation rates including increasing gender parity, with Australia leading the trend.
According to CFA, female test-takers have more than doubled in the last five years and now make up 39 percent of all participants. The «Level I» candidate data – a good indicator of future trends in the three-level program that requires a minimum of three years for completion – signaled growing female participation with notable markets like Australia and the U.K. achieving parity or even beyond.
In addition to gender party, Australia also led all markets with the highest year-on-year candidate growth at 23 percent.
More than 21,000 new candidates completed the full CFA program which added content on fintech, machine learning and professionalism in investment management in the curriculum this year.
More Exam Centers in Asia
CFA continues to expand globally to further its reach, especially in Asia where it is adding more test centers. This year, it opened test centers for the first time in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Yangon, Myanmar. It also added centers in existing markets like Australia, which now includes Brisbane, and India, which now includes Bhopal. From 2021 onwards, computer-based testing will be introduced for Level I candidates to further expand reach.
«This is an exciting time to build a career in the investment profession, with ever more opportunities to make a positive impact,» said Nick Pollard, Asia Pacific managing director of the CFA Institute.
«The complexities of delivering returns in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in the context of global sustainability, will require expert analysis and a willingness to develop competence both within and beyond traditional markets.»
