In 2010 we welcomed 397 new charterholders, with over 130 attending the society’s Charter Recognition Reception in January. As you know, the CFA program involves a set of three gruelling six-hour exams that are taken typically over a course of three years – if not more. This year 46 percent (9,800 candidates) of those who sat for the Level III exam passed globally. Earning the charter shows your commitment to a level of excellence in ethics and technical knowledge that is only the beginning. By signing the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, charterholders are making a commitment to continue their search for professional excellence. We at Toronto CFA Society are dedicated to helping charterholders and our members achieve those goals by providing continuing education that is timely, relevant and accessible.

In addition to continuing education, Toronto CFA Society is committed to helping our members advance their careers in the investment industry. In light of that commitment, we held our third annual professional development day in January. The theme of this year’s event was how to harness the three “C”s of successful career management: capabilities, culture, and connecting. The speakers shared with attendees their thoughts on what skills are required in today’s, and more importantly, tomorrow’s financial landscape. Toronto CFA Society’s commitment to employer outreach continued with the help of the President and CEO as well as the Chair of CFA Institute’s Board of Governors, John Rogers, CFA and Margaret Franklin, CFA, when they came to Toronto to speak to some of Toronto’s top employers regarding the merits of hiring a CFA charterholder.

Continuing our outreach efforts, we are holding a joint Infrastructure Symposium in March with Financial Executives Institute (FEI), Canadian Venture Capital Association (CVCA), and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators (CICBV). It will feature speakers from OMERS, Bimcor, Infrastructure Ontario and many well-known fund managers including some from Blackstone, Macquarie, JP Morgan and others.

We will continue to strive to increase the profile of the CFA designation amongst employers, other industry associations and regulators to help our members achieve their career objectives. As always, we welcome your feedback and encourage you to give us your comments at www.torontocfa.ca.