CFA HB

CFA® IBF-STS Accredited Programs

  • Overview

  • CFA® IBF-STS Accredited Programs

    The Institute of Banking & Finance Singapore (IBF) is the national accreditation and certification agency for financial industry competency in Singapore under the IBF Standards. Find out more on www.ibf.org.sg.
     

    About IBF Standards

    The IBF Standards represents a set of competency standards developed by the industry, for the industry. It provides a practice-oriented development roadmap for financial sector practitioners to attain the necessary training to excel in their respective job roles. Covering 12 industry segments spanning more than 50 specializations, the IBF Standards offers a comprehensive suite of accredited training and assessment programs to guide a financial sector practitioner, from licensing exams on through to professional certifications across 3-levels: IBF Qualified (for new entrants); IBF Advanced (for senior practitioners and specialists); and IBF Fellows (for industry veterans).
     


    About the IBF Certification

    IBF Certification is an industry endorsed mark of quality for finance professionals in Singapore.

    Individuals who successfully complete an eligible IBF-Standards Training Scheme (“IBF-STS”) accredited assessment programme and meet the relevant criteria may apply for IBF Certification.

    The IBF Certification is awarded to practitioners who have attained the required skills for the selected industry segment and function, and are expected to uphold values of professional excellence, integrity and commitment to the industry.

    Participants who successfully complete the IBF-STS accredited CFA® Level 1, 2 & 3 Programs and fulfilled the required number of Technical Skills and Competencies (TSCs) for the selected job role can apply to be conferred the relevant IBF Certification Level Status#.

    Find out more about IBF Certification Levels and its benefits here.

    *Terms and conditions apply.
     


    Benefits of attending an IBF-Accredited Training Program

    Job Relevant Skills

    IBF-accredited programs are designed to equip finance practitioners with competencies needed for their jobs. Such programs are aligned with the IBF Standards, which are developed in close consultation with the industry.
     

    Mark of Quality

    IBF-accredited programs have a training and assessment component, and are subject to an independent and rigorous review by the IBF to ensure that the training institution and programs meet industry standards.
     

    Industry Recognition

    Individuals who successfully complete an IBF-accredited program and meet the relevant criteria may apply for IBF Certification.

    Key facts
    Duration
    In-Person (LI-LIII): 7 months | E-Learning (LI-LIII): 6 months
    Intakes
    Level I: February, May, August, and November | Level II: February and August | Level III: May and November
    Assessment
    Not applicable
Curriculum
Modules
  • Alternative Investments 
  • Corporate Issuers
  • Derivatives
  • Economics 
  • Equity Investments
  • Ethical and Professional Standards
  • Fixed Income
  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Portfolio Management
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Admission Criteria
    Minimum Entry Requirements

    Minimum Age: 21

    Academic Level:

    • Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent), or be in the final year of your Bachelor’s Degree program. You will have to complete your Bachelor’s Degree in order to register for the Level II exam or
    • 4 years of professional work experience (does not have to be investment related) or
    • Combination of professional work experience and education that totals at least 4 years

    Language Proficiency: Obtain grade C6 at GCE O-Level English language or equivalent

  • Fees

    • Factsheets and Tuition Fees
      Exam Registration

      Earlier enrolment entitles you to greater savings when you register for your exam with CFA Institute. CFA Institute will not accept enrolments for the exam after the final deadline. Please note that these fees are paid directly to CFA Institute and not to Kaplan and are not included in our course fees.

      The one-time program enrolment fee and exam registration fee are payable in US dollars only, and are non-transferable and nonrefundable.

      The exam registration fee covers the cost of:

      • The eBook (contains the complete curriculum you need to study)*
      • Practice Exams
      • Mock Exams

      *You may purchase a print version of the curriculum (available for a non-refundable fee of US$150, plus any fees associated with shipping) at the same time or after you register for an exam. For full details on CFA® Program Fees and Late Enrolment Fees, please visit:
      http://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/exam.

      Funding Eligibility Requirement

      Eligibility Criteria

      Applicants must:

      • Be a Singaporean or a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR), physically based in Singapore (Either self-paid or company-sponsored)
      • Have successfully completed the training program (including passing all relevant assessments and examinations), with at least 75% of class attended
         

      Documents required:

      • University transcripts & certificate
      • NRIC for verification purposes
      IBF Standards Training Scheme

      The IBF Standards Training Scheme (IBF-STS) provides funding for training and assessment programs accredited under the IBF Standards.

      For more information, refer to the IBF-STS training scheme here.

      Commencement Date: 1 Jan 2023
       

      Funding Quantum

      Funding amount for direct training costs: 

      • 50% capped at S$3,000 per participant per course (for Singapore Citizens & PRs only)
      • 70% capped at S$3,000 per participant per course (Singapore Citizens 40 years & above)
         

      Eligible Participants

      Eligible Individuals must:

      • Be a Singaporean or a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR), physically based in Singapore
      • Either company-sponsored individual or self-sponsored participant
      • Have successfully completed the IBF-STS recognized program (including passing all relevant assessments and exams)

      Companies eligible to submit claims for company-sponsored participants:

      • Be a Singapore-based financial institution regulated by MAS (licensed or exempt from licensing by MAS)
      • Be a FinTech firm certified by Singapore FinTech Association
         

      For more information on:

      • Funding, IBF Certification and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements, click here.
      • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Enhanced IBF Standards Training Scheme, click here. (LINK TO BE UPDATED)
      Kaplan 360

      The Kaplan360 application, available on both Apple and Google Play stores, can also be used to track class schedules. For more information, click here.

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