Certified International Investment Analyst
Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA) is a global finance designation offered by the Association of Certified International Investment Analysts (ACIIA) to financial professionals; candidates may be financial analysts, portfolio managers or investment advisors. (The CIIA is sometimes described as "the European Version of CFA" having a global recognition; it is also seen as a successor to the earlier CEFA qualification.)
The ACIIA is recognised and promoted by both ASIF and EFFAS representing financial analyst federations in Asia and Europe. ACIIA is the international umbrella organisation for national and regional associations of investment professionals representing over 60,000 portfolio managers, analysts, investment advisers, asset managers and fund managers etc. worldwide.[1]
The uniqueness of the CIIA designation is that it tests members both at the local level from the countries they are appearing and having cleared those country specific exams can only appear for ACIIA common international level exams. This way it maintains standards both at the national and international levels.
Promoting Federations
ACIIA was formed in year 2000 by two large and world's leading federations "EFFAS" and "ASIF". The third federation "APIMEC" of Brazil joined with ACIIA to offer CIIA program to member countries bringing in a common platform of Knowledge and uniform standards to Investment professionals worldwide. For the constituent analyst societies see under EFFAS and ASIF.
CIIA Requirements
To be awarded the CIIA, candidates must pass two "Common Knowledge" Exams and a third National/Regional Exam (examining knowledge of specific markets), and have 3 years relevant experience [2] and has to be a member from of ACIIA as well as their local regional society. The exams are taken twice per year and are written at a postgraduate level.
CIIA Code of Professional Ethics
A. Fundamental Principles
- Honesty, Integrity, and Fairness
- Reasonable Care and Diligence
- Interests of Clients First
- Independence and Objectivity
- Professional Competence
- Required Knowledge and Compliance
B. Specific Key Principles
- Reasonable Basis and Fair Representation
- Suitability
- Prohibition Against Misrepresentation
- Prevention and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest
- Compensation
- Fair Dealing with Clients
- Prohibition Against Use of Material, Non-Public Information
- Proper Use of Professional Qualifications
- Preservation of Client Confidentiality
Legal and Other Recognitions
- The CIIA qualification is recognised as a key 2 qualification in the UK by the Financial Services Skills Council.
- Membership of Securities & Investment Institute (SII) with 3 years of Professional experience for CIIA diploma holders for full membership (MSI). SII is also a part of the ACIIA network.
- The ACIIA has an awarding body status in the UK and CIIA qualification to be included on the appropriate examinations list for seven relevant activities that are regulated by the FSA (Financial Services Authority) in the UK.[3]
- The Securities Analysts Association of Japan (SAAJ) offering the prestigious Japanese qualification CMA has given exemptions to common exams and CIIA holders have to give only regional or local exams covering only national topics.[4]
- Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong the equivalent of SEC for USA recognises CIIA holders for Test of Competence and for fulfilling regulatory requirements.
- The CIIA fulfils the regulatory requirements of the Polish Securities and Exchange Commission for registration as a licensed securities broker or investment adviser.
- In the US the CIIA holders are recognized by PRMIA (Professional Risk Managers' International Association) as the equivalent of passing first two required exams.[1]
- LOMA which is an international association of Insurance and Financial services companies headquartered in the US, has recognised the CIIA designation for Professional Achievement Credits (PACs) in its Fellow, Financial Services Institute (FFSI) Programme.
- IFBL (Institut De Formation Bancaire Luxembourg) in association of PWC (Price Waterhouse Coopers) recognises CIIA diploma holders for their IFBL Certified Private Banker program giving exemptions from attending tuition blocks Legal and Regulatory Framework and Portfolio Management, as well as passing specific examinations.
References
1.http://www.aciia.org/pages/ethics.asp
2.http://www.aciia.org/files/CIIA_FSSC_Recognition_July07.pdf
3.http://www.sfc.hk
4.http://www.prmia.org
External links