CISI partners with King Faisal University to offer world-class financial services qualifications

By Lora Benson | Nov 27, 2018
  • The CISI has partnered with King Faisal University, making it the first ‘CISI Partner University’ in Saudi Arabia, providing students, graduates and faculty access to CISI qualifications       
  • The collaboration aims to boost knowledge among future financial services practitioners in the Kingdom through globally recognised qualifications 


The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), the leading professional body for securities, investments, wealth and financial planning professionals, has announced a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s oldest national university, King Faisal University.      

The partnership paves the way for the students, alumni and faculty members to have access to CISI’s international qualifications, preparing them for a bright future in the financial services profession whether in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere in the world.

King Faisal University is the first ‘CISI Partner University’ in Saudi Arabia to offer CISI qualifications such as Fundamentals of Financial Services and International Introduction to Securities and Investment to students pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Finance. The qualifications are also available for alumni and faculty interested in continuing their financial services education.

With this collaboration, the University and the CISI aim to increase students’ chances of employability by providing high quality education that will benefit them both academically and professionally.  

“Developing our presence within Saudi Arabia has always been top priority for us, and we are delighted that King Faisal University is CISI’s first university partner in Saudi Arabia, one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious universities. Our qualifications will help university stakeholders not only by equipping them with up-to-date knowledge on the financial services sector, but more importantly imbibing the importance of work ethics and professional integrity in the profession,” said Matthew Cowan Chartered MCSI, Regional Director at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment Middle East.

The CISI’s partnership with King Faisal University will fill the region’s gap for a need to have a high standard of professionalism, integrity and work ethics through its Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes, online platforms and other learning benefits.

“At our university, the specialisation of finance has received remarkable recognition due to recent economic developments in the country. Our partnership with the CISI gives us a wider perspective and better appreciation of the financial service profession within the region and worldwide through its internationally accredited qualifications,” said Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, President King Faisal University.   

“With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aiming for a knowledge-based economy evident with increased employment rate and international competitiveness, we believe that education is the best investment for the future of the financial services profession. It is the CISI’s ongoing commitment to educate the next generation of financial services practitioners on the significance of professionalism and integrity that is crucial to the financial workforce in the region and worldwide,” Matthew added.