As the global economy struggles against mounting national debts and economic woes, 139,900 candidates from 160 countries–9% more than last year–enrolled for the chartered financial analyst exam this month, the CFA Institute announced Wednesday, June 2.
But while the number of CFA candidates is up worldwide, the United States had the poorest showing, increasing at a rate of only 3% compared to top-rated India, which grew at a rate of 39% this year. Still, the United State has more CFA candidates this month than any other country, with 38,200, versus 11,800 from India.
Asia Pacific continues to be the largest source of candidates, accounting for 40% of the total, followed by 37% from the Americas, and 23% from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Asia Pacific, which includes China, India, Korea, and Australia, also led the worldwide growth, with a 12% increase in the number of candidates.
Officials at the CFA Institute, the global association that administers the CFA curriculum and exam programs, said the increase in test takers reflected a commitment among finance professionals to high standards of competency and integrity.
