CFA Institute, the global association for investment professionals and administrator of the CFA Program, has announced the launch of the Claritas Investment Certificate (Claritas). This new international education standard for the financial services industry will open for global registrations in May 2013.

At a time when the ongoing financial crisis has undermined trust in financial services, CFA Institute is launching Claritas, in part, to help restore its integrity and reputation. “Building and maintaining trust in the financial services industry is at the heart of our mission at CFA Institute, and the Claritas Investment Certificate was born out of our firm belief that clarity and knowledge will help achieve this,”  said John Rogers, president and CEO of the CFA Institute. 

Claritas will provide a foundational level of education aimed at increasing levels of knowledge and understanding of the investment industry for the many professional disciplines within financial services, including consultancy, compliance, marketing and sales, legal, HR, IT and operations. 

Currently 68 organizations and over 3,000 candidates are taking part in a pilot program. These organizations are supporting the development of the industry focused program and include asset managers, financial institutions, media, and consulting groups.

Participants are also globally diverse, with candidates taking part from a variety of countries including Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Pakistan, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, UAE, UK, Uruguay, and the United States. The first pilot exams are scheduled for late March.

Based on feedback from CFA Institute members and input from top financial leaders, regulators, and academics from around the world, the new program is made up of seven self-study modules covering the industry, ethics, tools, instruments, structure, controls, and client needs. Those completing the certificate will emerge with a clear understanding of the investment industry and their professional responsibilities within it.