Over 3,000 candidates apply for CFA exams annually in Saudi Arabia: Official

Iyad Ghulam, Vice President of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Saudi Arabia, said more than 3,000 candidates apply for the CFA exams annually in the Kingdom.

 

More than 100 new CFA certifications were issued this year, setting a record high and reflecting the growing demand for this certification in Saudi Arabia, Ghulam told Argaam on the sidelines of the CFA Institute Research Challenge.

 

He indicated that the society has over 670 members working across various financial sectors, with increasing interest from students in obtaining the CFA certification.

 

The Saudi market is among the fastest-growing globally in this field, ranking 12th worldwide in terms of the number of CFA candidates.

 

The annual CFA Institute Research Challenge, in its 10th edition, features over 20 university teams competing to analyze a company listed on the Saudi market, prepare a detailed report, and present their findings before a panel of financial experts, Ghulam said. He added that the winning teams advance to compete on a global stage.

 

The competition plays a significant role in developing the financial sector, providing students with valuable hands-on experience.

 

Many past participants hold prominent positions in major financial firms, demonstrating the competition's effectiveness in familiarizing students with the labor market.

 

Ghulam affirmed that the society is committed to empowering young professionals, developing the financial sector, and supporting companies through specialized training and awareness programs.

 

The society is affiliated with the global CFA Institute, Ghulam said, ensuring that the CFA certification remains a key advantage in international financial markets.