Investment Management Profession Aims to Build Professionalism and Competence at CFA Institute Annual Conference

Global investment management professionals gather in Frankfurt to advance standards of education and professional conduct

FRANKFURT, Germany, April 27, 2015 /CNW/ - CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, today challenged investment professionals at its 68^th Annual Conference in Frankfurt to make more of an impact for investors and society, in order to advance the value of the global profession and make the world a better place for investors. In an address to attendees, new president and CEO of CFA Institute, Paul Smith, CFA, called on all participants in investment management to demonstrate what it means to be a professional by promoting the highest standards of education and professional conduct; develop professionalism at every level; and advocate for policy and thought leadership that benefits investors and society at large.

"The global middle class is projected to grow by 180 per cent by 2040. Our potential client base is set to explode," said Smith. "There is a problem, however, and it lies in the fact that many clients don't perceive the value we add for the fees we charge. We have to work harder to convince them that investment professionals work to both meet client's investment objectives and create positive social impact."

This year's conference features more than 40 speakers, including Jürgen Stark, former member of the executive board of the European Central Bank and Ian Bremmer, founder and president at Eurasia Group. One of the industry's largest and longest running gatherings of investment professionals, the CFA Institute Annual Conference offers insight into analytical approaches to investing, as well as a strong focus on putting client needs and the long term goals of society at large first.

"We help individuals and institutions globally to invest hard-earned assets," continued Smith.  "In the vast and complex global investment markets, these people are connected by the powerful force of capital.  We have to deliver the clear message to investors and policy makers that we are a force for good, one that places the interest of investors above all else. We must work together to advance the profession."

Conference Precedes 'Putting Investors First Month' in May
The close of the conference this week will usher in the second annual Putting Investors First Month, an initiative that aims to unite investment professionals in a commitment to place investor interests above all others. The initiative includes a broad awareness campaign for the Statement of Investor Rights, a list of ten rights that any investor should expect from financial service providers. As part of the campaign, CFA Institute partners with many of its 144 member societies to host events and activities around the world. Last year, Putting Investors First Month inspired activities in 58 cities globally by member societies representing more than 60,000 investment professionals.

"By supporting Putting Investors First Month, we want to inspire our community to make a real impact and foster a market environment where investors can thrive. We must continue to stand together for what is right, and in investors' best interests," said Smith. "We ask that you endorse the Statement of Investor Rights and spread the word with your communities, clients, and social media networks."

You can follow the conference remotely through the following channels:

• Watch live and archived video streams
• Read the conference blog
• Follow the conference on social media

About CFA Institute
CFA Institute is the global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. The organization is a champion for ethical behaviour in investment markets and a respected source of knowledge in the global financial community. The end goal is to create an environment where investors' interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. CFA Institute has more than 129,000 members, including 122,000 CFA charterholders, in 147 countries and territories and 144 member societies. For more information, visit www.cfainstitute.org.

SOURCE CFA Institute