NAPF and CFA Institute working together to increase investment knowledge of the finance industry for pension trustees

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) and CFA Institute today announce an agreement which aims to increase trustees’ knowledge of the financial sector by enabling NAPF members to register for the CFA Institute Claritas Investment Certificate. The agreement is the first of its kind which globally offers to educate and empower pension trustees to increase their understanding of the financial sector.

As part of the NAPF Academy, which offers core educational trusteeship courses, the Claritas Investment Certificate will be a valuable opportunity for trustees and anyone who would like to gain a clear understanding of the investment industry and their professional responsibilities within it. This will help to bridge knowledge gaps between those who have a responsibility for assets and those who manage or advise on their behalf. The programme will be offered to NAPF members at a preferential rate.

Julian Mund, Commercial Services Director, NAPF, said:

“Through our Academy, and now with CFA Institute, the NAPF provides high quality education services that are relevant to our members and accessibly priced. Our members have more than £900bn of assets and regardless of whether the funds are managed externally or in-house it’s vital that their trustee boards and pensions staff have a clear understanding of investment industry essentials and the roles and responsibilities within it. The Claritas Investment Certificate offers our members just that.”

Kate Lander, CFA, Head of Education (EMEA) at CFA Institute, commented:

“The NAPF is an integral part of the UK pensions industry and through the adoption of the Claritas Investment Certificate, trustees will have the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge of the financial sector and how it works, ultimately contributing to the effective stewardship of pensions funds in the long-term. We are delighted to be partnering with the NAPF on this initiative to help further our mission of promoting the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence for the ultimate benefit of society.”

The Claritas Investment Certificate is accessible to a wide range of professionals and is a self-study course which requires between 80 to 100 hours of study over a six month period. The Claritas Investment Certificate is made up of seven modules covering the industry, tools, instruments, structure, controls, client methods, and ethics, and culminates in a single self-scheduled, online exam at a proctored testing centre. On successful completion of the examination, candidates will be awarded a certificate of knowledge.

Further information on the course and how to register can be found at the NAPF website.