As the field of finance has increased in complexity in recent years, the number of available designations has grown, and, correspondingly, some will have more recognition than others.
The curriculum is designed to provide finance professionals with a broad base of knowledge in alternative investments.
Candidates must complete two examinations in succession and pay an ongoing certification fee to retain rights to use the financial designation.
The program covers a considerably wide range of topics relating to advanced investment management and security analysis - thus economics, financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance, alternative investments and portfolio management - and provides a generalist knowledge of other areas of finance.
To attain the Charter, candidates require three years work experience; thereafter they must adhere to a code of ethics, and pay an ongoing certification fee to retain rights to use the designation.
For retail focused professionals, CISI - the UK based Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment - offers the Chartered Wealth Manager Qualification (CWM),[5] comprising three sequential exams in financial markets, portfolio construction, and then applied wealth management.
With further experience requirements met, the Chartered Wealth Manager title may be used additional to other CISI membership designations.
To receive authorization to use the designation, the candidate must meet education, examination, experience and ethics requirements, and pay an ongoing certification fee.
Once qualified, a CFTe may pursue the MFTA (Master of Financial Technical Analysis),[19] requiring submission of a research thesis.
The program comprises three examination levels, certifying that the individual is competent in the use of technical analysis, and knowledgeable re the underlying theory.
The qualification is accredited by the International Federation of Technical Analysts and the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
[23] The qualification is "designed with a focus on the commercial, practical and technical skills" applicable in corporate finance.
With three years appropriate experience,[24] these lead to the ICAEW Corporate Finance (CF) designatory letters, and to full CISI Chartered Member status.
Certificants have three years experience and hold a relevant degree or other qualification; AFP thereafter specifies continuing education requirements.
It is designed for in-depth training for individuals in derivatives, IT, quantitative trading, insurance, model validation or risk management.
(Several UK universities have MSc programmes aligned with these;[39] students may gain exemption from specified modules.)
The Diploma in Treasury Management (3 papers over 12–18 months) allows for Associate Membership, with post-nominal letters AMCT, while the subsequent Advanced Diploma (of similar structure and duration, and requiring also a dissertation) grants full membership, MCT.