The CFA Exam Takes on Crypto: What You Need to Know

Crypto Curriculum: A Game Changer for Finance Professionals

In a move that has sent ripples through the finance world, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam is officially adding cryptocurrency and blockchain to its curriculum. Reported by Bloomberg on July 16, this change comes as part of an effort to keep pace with the rapidly evolving financial landscape. With over 150,000 financial sector professionals already prepared by the CFA Institute’s rigorous three-tiered program, this new inclusion is expected to shake up traditional finance education.

Why the Shift?

The decision to include crypto and blockchain is fueled by what the CFA Institute refers to as a “surging interest” observed in surveys and focus groups. Stephen Horan, managing director for general education and curriculum at the CFA Institute, weighed in on this trend:

“We saw the [crypto and blockchain] field advancing more quickly than other fields and we also saw it as more durable. This is not a passing fad.”

Fintech in Investment Management: A New Section

The curriculum expansion will feature a brand-new section titled ‘Fintech in Investment Management.’ This section is slated to launch its materials in August, just in time for the CFA exams coming up in 2019. Candidates are expected to devote around 300 hours—yes, 300 hours—of their life to studying for these exams. Let’s be honest, that’s roughly the length of a Netflix binge-watching marathon, but with a lot more reading.

Beyond Crypto: A Comprehensive Look at Fintech

It’s not just about crypto, though. The curriculum will also address emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, big data, and automated trading. If you’ve ever thought about investing your money into the future, it looks like the CFA exam is now firmly in that realm.

A Global Surge in Registrations

This June, an astonishing 227,031 candidates across 91 countries registered to take the CFA exams. A significant chunk is from Asia, home to major crypto markets like South Korea and Japan. These numbers highlight a growing recognition of the importance of cryptocurrency knowledge in the global finance sector.

The Ripple Effect in Education

But the CFA is not riding this wave alone. Other educational institutions are jumping onboard. The prestigious London School of Economics recently announced an online course on cryptocurrency investing set to launch this August. Meanwhile, the University of Malta is launching a specialized blockchain degree in October. Even the University of Oxford is pursuing a groundbreaking “blockchain university” structure, seeking full-degree granting powers in the EU. Talk about a revolution in education!

Your Future in Finance: Are You Ready?

As the finance world evolves and intertwines with cutting-edge technologies like cryptocurrency and blockchain, aspiring professionals may need to adapt their strategies and skills. The inclusion of these topics in the CFA curriculum signals a shift towards a more tech-savvy understanding of investment management that could shape the future of finance. So, grab a textbook, fire up your study playlist, and get ready to dive into the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain—because the future seems brighter than a freshly minted bitcoin.