Friday 10th February 2017 marks to the day the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) and the not-for-profit professional body has been helping financial professionals since 1992 progress to the highest standards of professional excellence with CISI qualifications and membership.
During this period CISI’s membership has grown from a mainly UK-centric 8,000 in the first year to today’s community of 40,000 global members across 116 countries. The Institute’s qualifications are recognised in over 40 jurisdictions, it has 11 National Advisory Councils worldwide and 40,000 exams were taken in 80 countries last year.
Helping to enhance the employability of those working in financial services is an important aspect of CISI’s global remit, as Amir Tayeb ACSI, Analyst, Investment Counsellor at Royal Bank of Canada explains: “I chose CISI membership as it has provided me with a forum where I can enhance my knowledge about the world of finance as well as wealth management. Additionally the many events held through the CISI have allowed me to network with different people from various walks of life who all have the subject of finance in common.”
Equally important is CISI’s objective of supporting those students looking to start a career in financial services. CISI’s partnerships with schools, colleges and universities throughout the world offers qualifications and career education for young people to learn about the financial services industry. This work is important as it allows young people to gain an understanding of the diverse job roles and employer opportunities available within the industry to realise their potential.
At this year’s Careers In Investment Management Conference Ben Gartside a year 13 student from Parrs Wood High School said: “The CISI conference was an eye-opening experience which gave me a greater insight into the world of finance and associated careers. From attending the event I feel that a career in finance is accessible and something I would now consider.”
During the last 25 years CISI has had three Chairmen: Graham Ross Russell FCSI(Hon) 1992-2000, Scott Dobbie CBE FCSI(Hon) 2000-2009 and current Chairman and previous Lord Mayor of the City of London Sir Alan Yarrow Chartered FCSI(Hon). All have shown inspirational leadership in helping the Institute to evolve and grow its membership..
Its motto of “My Word Is My Bond” has been central to CISI’s efforts to show that professional conduct is a critical complement to business and financial services industry knowledge. Throughout the 25 years of its development CISI has always held integrity and ethics as fundamental to its ethos, influencing standards of professional competence. Scott Dobbie, CISI’s Chairman from 2000-2009 sums up the essence of this commitment to professional behaviour: “The sound advice given to me on joining a then small Edinburgh stockbroker in the early 1970s was ‘Client first, firm second and self third’ – advice that has stood the test of time.”
Simon Culhane Chartered FCSI and CISI Chief Executive said: “For over 25 years we have supported our members throughout their professional journey, as they uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Our practitioner designed qualifications pathways, CPD and networking events and elearning tools ensure that our members possess current knowledge and skills needed to reach the forefront of their profession.
“We aim to connect members around the world and our ambition is to inspire and equip a new generation of young people to take up the opportunities that a career in financial services provides.”