CFA Program Level I Receives Accreditation from Institute of Banking & Finance Singapore (IBF): IBF Certification and Funding to Support Financial Sector Professionals

CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, today announced that Level I of the CFA Program has been successfully accredited by the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF), marking the first time that the CFA Program has received recognition under a national industry skills framework with funding support in Asia Pacific.

With the attainment of the IBF accreditation status, eligible candidates in Singapore who register for CFA Program Level I and subsequently pass the exam at the August 2026 sitting, or any later sitting, will be eligible for the IBF Certification (IBF Qualified Level 1) and can obtain a subsidy of up to 70% of the course fees, significantly reducing the cost of participation.

Funding administration will be managed locally by CFA Society Singapore. “This milestone reflects Singapore’s recognition of the CFA Program as an essential credential for developing financial talent aligned with the country’s vision of retaining its position as a world-class financial hub,” said Cindy Tan, CFA, President, CFA Society Singapore.

The CFA Program is widely regarded as the gold standard in investment management education, emphasizing global best practices, rigorous analytical training, practical skills, and the highest ethical standards. “With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide and growing candidate numbers in Singapore, the CFA Program equips professionals with the skills required to meet the demands of today’s fast-evolving financial industry, from portfolio management to sustainable investing,” said Simon Ng, CFA, Immediate Past President, CFA Society Singapore.

Carolyn Neo, CEO, Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore, said:
“The CFA Level I Program plays a pivotal role in developing deep financial expertise and ethical leadership in the investment profession. The accreditation of the Program means that it is aligned with the Skills Framework for Financial Services, and individuals who successfully complete this Program are eligible for IBF Certification, an industry recognized mark of skills attainment. This further enhances the value of the CFA Program for financial professionals in Singapore and reinforces IBF’s commitment in uplifting and supporting the career development of professionals across Singapore’s financial services sector.”

Margaret Franklin, CFA, President and CEO, CFA Institute, said:
“We are delighted to partner with the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore on this landmark initiative. IBF plays a vital role in strengthening Singapore’s financial ecosystem, particularly in developing the skills and capabilities of professionals. This partnership will have a positive impact on aspiring CFA candidates in Singapore. For the first time in an Asia Pacific global financial center, the CFA Program is aligned to the national skills framework with funding made available, a clear recognition that underscores both the Program’s importance to Singapore’s talent development agenda and its accessibility for the next generation of professionals.”

“We look forward to working closely with IBF to support Singapore’s continued leadership as a global hub for financial excellence, while empowering the next generation of talent with the skills, credentials, and opportunities they need to succeed,” Franklin said.