The CFA Institute has reported a 13 per cent growth in global candidates, particularly in China and the United States, where the most number of participants sat the body’s most recent exam.
The investment association announced 34,651 candidates passed the CFA Level 1 exam in December 2018, 45 per cent of the total number who tested for the program.
To earn the CFA charter, candidates must pass all three levels of the exam and meet the work experience requirements of four years in the investment industry.
Fewer than one in five candidates who begin the programme successfully complete the CFA charter, which takes an average of four years to finish.
The Asia Pacific region led the institute's global candidate growth, with 23,646 candidates sitting the December exam in mainland China.
This was followed by 12,375 candidates in the United States, 8,151 in India, and 4,382 in the United Kingdom.
Paul Smith, president and chief executive of the CFA Institute, said: "As these candidates progress to the next level, they’re aligning themselves with our mission.
"They are dedicating themselves to achieving the best outcomes for investors, and also to serving a greater purpose and creating a better future for the profession and for society.
"We’re honoured to have them join us in our work to create a better world for investors."
rachel.addison@ft.com
