Popularity of CFA exams soars in Europe
A total of 14,000 candidates have enrolled to take the exams in 2002, according to the Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR), which administers the exam.
The UK accounts for more than a third of Europe's candidates.
The phasing out this year of the UK Institute of Investment Management and Research (IIMR) exams, in favour of the CFA, has boosted UK candidate numbers.
European enrollments in 2002 increased the most in France - by 52%, up to 798. Growth was also strong at other big CFA centres, including Germany and Spain.
CFA exams measure fundamental knowledge of investment principles. Candidates include equity analysts, fund managers, investment bankers and accountants. The AIMR says the CFA's growing popularity reflects the increasingly global nature of employment in capital markets.
