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Koç University is Chosen as First CFA Program Partner in Turkey

 

London and Istanbul, July 23, 2008 – Koç University has been named as the first higher education association in Turkey to be selected as a Program Partner by CFA Institute.

Koç University has been chosen as a CFA Institute Program Partner because of its world-class finance course and pursuit of excellence in teaching and research. The partnership also means that at least 70 percent of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge is embedded into the Masters in Finance course, including CFA Institute ethical and professional standards. Recognition as a CFA Institute Partner provides a signal to potential students, current students, and the marketplace that the university curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well suited in preparing students to sit for the CFA exams. The partnerships are only awarded to a select number of institutions around the world.

A key benefit is that Koç University’s masters students will be equipped with investment specializations such as financial analysis, portfolio management, and investment consultancy through an integrated approach. The students will have access to CFA Institute textbooks, journals, and other educational resources. They will also have exposure to investment professionals both in Turkey and around the globe through continuing education events organized in collaboration with CFA Society of İstanbul and CFA Institute.

“Competition for the best jobs in finance has never been tougher,” said Dennis McLeavey, CFA, head, Education, EMEA. “This year saw more than 175,000 candidates register worldwide to study for the CFA examinations. We know increasing numbers of recruiters are looking for candidates who have earned the CFA charter.” McLeavey added, “Koç University is a world-class university that stimulates research, pursues excellence in teaching and research, and contributes graduates who can serve humanity. This makes the university an ideal partner for CFA Institute in its mission to set the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence in investment management.”

Barış Tan, dean of the College of Administrative Sciences and Economics (CASE) at Koç University, said, “The Masters in Finance course at Koç University has been chosen as a CFA Program Partner due to the academic merit and the structure of the program which addresses the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are needed in the investment profession."  He also added, “We are delighted to be selected as the first CFA Program Partner in Turkey and in this region.”

About Koç University
Koç University was founded in 1993 as a private, non-profit institution of higher learning that emphasizes excellence in teaching and research. It is financially supported by the Vehbi Koç Foundation. In addition to its Master of Science in Finance program that has been selected as a CFA Partner Program, Koc University School of Business offers a world-class education in English with its MBA, Executive MBA, Ph.D. and undergraduate degrees in business administration, economics, and international relations. More information may be found at www.ku.edu.tr

CFA Institute
CFA Institute is the global association for investment professionals. It administers the CFA and CIPM curriculum and exam programs worldwide; publishes research; conducts professional development programs; and sets voluntary, ethics-based professional and performance-reporting standards for the investment industry. CFA Institute has more than 95,900 members, who include the world’s 82,600 CFA charterholders, in 134 countries and territories, as well as 135 affiliated professional societies in 56 countries and territories. More information may be found at www.cfainstitute.org. (Bloomberg users can find CFA Institute at 497458Z).