Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment
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Abbreviation | CISI |
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Formation | February 12, 1992 |
Headquarters | London, UK |
Region served | 104 countries |
Website | www |
The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) is the largest and most widely respected professional body for those who work in the securities and investment industry in the UK and in a growing number of financial centres globally. An innovative and forward-focused organisation, committed to providing members and firms with access to the latest developments and opportunities and to ensuring its products and services are up to date, relevant and meet the needs of the ever-changing financial services industry.
Evolved from the London Stock Exchange, the Institute now has more than 45,000 members in 116 countries[1]. In the past year, it set 40,000 examinations in 80 countries, covering a range of professional qualifications. The CISI's head office is in London, and has offices around the world, including in India, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Dubai.
At the centre of the Institute's activities is its mission to encourage the very highest professional standards of competence, and its core business activities are focused on achieving three main aims:
- To promote, for the public benefit, the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in the field of securities and investments
- To develop high ethical standards for practitioners in securities and investments and to promote such standards in the United Kingdom and overseas
- To act as an authoritative body for the purpose of consultation and research in matters of education or public interest concerning investments and securities
CISI qualifications are structured into the following areas – wealth management, financial planning, operations, capital markets, corporate finance, Islamic finance and risk and compliance.
Membership of the CISI provides practitioners with the recognition of being a professional in a world of increasing competition, particularly as greater emphasis is being placed upon individuals to attain and maintain competence. Through extensive continuing professional development opportunities available to CISI members, the Institute assists members and firms to meet these requirements.
History
- 1992: Securities Institute formed and initially has 4,800 members. Graham Ross Russell becomes Chairman and Tim Nicholson is Chief Executive. Institute develops 18 regional branches.
- 1993: Unveiling of Institute griffin statue by Bank of England Governor Eddie George. The statue was designed by a student at Chelsea College of Art and Design.
- 1994: Institute becomes a registered charity.
- 1995: Launch of the annual Ethics Lecture – The first speaker was Lord Runciman. Securities Institute in Ireland forms.
- 1997: CPD scheme for individuals introduced. Geoffrey Turner becomes Chief Executive.
- 1998: Exams and training delivered in 58 countries.
- 1999: Membership in UK regions increases to 5,018.
- 2000: Scott Dobbie, now Chartered FCSI(Hon), becomes Chairman.
- 2001: Exam entries rise to a record 54,620.
- 2002: Securities Institute holds 10th anniversary dinner at Guildhall, City of London. Ruth Martin, now CISI Managing Director, joins the Securities Institute as Director of Qualifications.
- 2003: Examinations Board is set-up and chaired by Sir David Howard.
- 2004: Simon Culhane, Chartered FCSI appointed as new Chief Executive. Institute launches Scottish office in Edinburgh. Securities Institute changes its name to Securities & Investment Institute.
- 2005: Computer based testing of all exams is introduced.
- 2006: Institute introduces corporate membership. Institute launches offices in India and Singapore. Free student membership given to Institute exam candidates to provide them with increased support during their studies.
- 2007: Institute sets up office in Dubai. SII launches University Centres of Excellence programme.
- 2008: The Institute welcomes the FSA's interim feedback statement on the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) and looks forward to helping improve standards of professionalism in the retail sector.
- 2009: Alan Yarrow, Chartered FCSI(Hon), becomes Institute Chairman. After achieving Chartered status, the SII changes its name to the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.[2]
- 2010: The CISI adopts its own coat of arms, an entitlement of being a Chartered body.
- 2011: New international office and operations centre opens in Sri Lanka. The CISI becomes an FSA Accredited Body for RDR and is now authorised to issue Statements of Professional Standing (SPS).
- 2012: Institute celebrates 20 years of independence.
- 2013: The CISI become first professional body in the world to require new capital market entrants to pass an integrity test.
- 2017: The CISI celebrated its 25th anniversary
Qualifications
The CISI is widely acknowledged as the main provider of qualifications for the securities and investment industry. It offers a wide-ranging programme of qualifications for employees working in, or aspiring to work in, financial services.
Training Providers
To ensure CISI's exams and qualifications are accessible to all, the Institute have developed strong links with accredited training partners worldwide. Accredited training provider s are key partners for the Institute, providing high quality training and expertise to candidates. Only the highest calibre training provider is formally accredited and awarded the CISI kite mark.
Membership
The CISI is the leading professional body for securities & investment practitioners. Around 40,000 members currently benefit from its programme of CPD and networking events, with continuing professional development (CPD), at the heart of the Institutes's values and policies.
There are five grades of membership, including the opportunity to become personally chartered. Find out more
Membership Levels
The Institute has five different grades of membership, so whether you are just starting out in the industry and studying for a benchmark qualification or you are an established practitioner with a wealth of experience and qualifications, there is a grade appropriate for your level.
Chartership
Becoming personally Chartered demonstrates your personal commitment to continuing learning and high standards of integrity and ethical behaviour. Candidates are entitled to use the designation Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow. Members benefit individually through enhanced standing in the industry and the wider community
To become Individually Chartered, members need to meet the criteria set out by the CISI’s policy.
Members can also apply to be a Chartered Wealth Manager. Chartered Wealth Manager is a title launched by the CISI to recognise members in the retail sector at the pinnacle of their profession.
Corporate Supporters
The CISI provides firms with the opportunity to become Corporate Supporters, which enable firms to demonstrate publicly that they are leaders in integrity and competence. Becoming a Corporate Supporter provides tangible evidence that a firm meets high standards of quality through its alignment with the standards of the CISI. Clients, staff and the market recognise that Corporate Supporters of the CISI are the market leaders in quality, integrity and competence.
Member Benefits
Professional Benefits
As well as the widely recognised designatory letters (ACSI, MCSI, and FCSI) CISI membership provides a comprehensive and diverse benefits package, designed to assist members in enhancing and maintaining their knowledge through Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
CPD
CPD Scheme
The CISI CPD Scheme enables members to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to continuing professional development to both their employer and the relevant regulator.
It has been designed to ensure that all members, regardless of seniority, geographical location and industry specialisation, are capable of completing the scheme.
CPD & Networking Events
The CISI offers a programme of CPD seminars, conferences, training courses and networking events in London, regionally and internationally. These provide the opportunity to members and non-members to hear insights on the latest issues and developments in the financial services industry. Attending educational CISI events qualifies for CPD hours. The Institute UK branch network provides a local organisation for Institute members. Each branch runs a full programme of professional CPD & networking events and social events throughout the year.
Integrity
The CISI believes that integrity is a key component of professionalism which is defined as the effective combination of knowledge, skills and behaviour. In each of these areas the CISI has developed products and services where the high standards of integrity are embedded and regularly tested.
The events of the past few years provide a reminder of the importance of firms acting and demonstrating their honesty, openness, transparency and fairness in all their business activities.
Poor actions by single individuals can result in great costs to firms, both financially and through loss of reputation. Fostering an environment of trust, integrity and professionalism leads to greater confidence, ultimately strengthening a firm’s reputation in the market. The CISI is committed to championing the highest standards of ethical behaviour and practice among its individual members and Corporate Supporters. It sets this standard by encouraging the adoption of its Code of Conduct, developed with the Worshipful Company of International Bankers, by individual members and firms.
"To set standards of professional excellence and integrity for the securities and investment industry, providing qualifications and promoting the highest level of competence to our members, other individuals and firms." CISI Mission Statement
To achieve its objective of developing high ethical standards for practitioners in securities and investments and promoting such standards in the United Kingdom and internationally, it offers a wide range of products and services to debate, refresh and test integrity. The Institute encourage firms and individual practitioners to engage in these activities, to develop their skills and knowledge and to demonstrate their commitment to continuing professional development.
Educational Initiatives
As part of the CISI's charitable objectives, the Institute is dedicated to promoting financial services as a career to young people and strives to continuously improve education standards within the finance sector.
The CISI partner with Schools, Colleges and Universities to offer qualifications which help students understand the industry and prepare them for a career in financial services. The CISI works closely with CISI members, regional committees and Corporate Supporters to advise young people, from all backgrounds, about the wide variety of job opportunities which are available.
References
- ^ CISI. "CISI Financial Services Professional Body". www.cisi.org. Retrieved 2017-09-12.
- ^ "UK Chartered bodies". Privy Council. Retrieved 10 June 2013.