Our Designation Programs

Interested in enhancing your professional skills and adding a credential to your name that will distiguish you as one of the best in the industry? The Institute of Business & Finance (IBF) offers five of the oldest financial designation programs in the industry, including the Certified Fund Specialist^® (CFS^®) designation.  Over two dozen Fortune 500 companies have utilized our services; close to 13,000 advisors and support personnel have gone through one or more of our programs. Each of our five designations is designed to give you the knowledge you need to be the best-informed advisor finance professional in one of today’s most competitive fields. For more than 20 years, we have helped thousands of members of the financial services industry attain designations that have enhanced their credibility and professionalism.

CFS^®
The Certified Fund Specialist^® designation, the oldest in the mutual fund industry, enables finance professionals to construct client portfolios using modern portfolio theory to evaluate financial measurements and benchmarks. When you study at IBF, you will learn how each part of a portfolio interacts with the others and will review criteria such as alpha, beta, correlation coefficient, first-auto correlation, R-squared, and standard deviation in the selection process. After training, you will be able to create an efficient portfolio using close-end, exchange-traded, and open-end funds and, more importantly, convey important concepts to a client. This is what sets the CFS^® program apart. Students obtain both theoretical and practical information.

CAS^®
We also offer the Certified Annuity Specialist^® (CAS^®), the oldest annuity designation. The comprehensive CAS^® program encompasses the traditional as well as the newer aspects of fixed-rate and variable products. Because close to a third of all annuity contracts are not properly titled, the program includes an extensive section on titling options and the impact each has on estate and income taxes. Students who earn the Certified Annuity Specialist^® designation will find that their EIA, traditional fixed-rate and variable annuities knowledge rises to a whole new level.

All Programs
You can study for designations at home or work; no need to rearrange your busy schedule. You decide when you are ready. Our expert faculty and friendly support staff are dedicated to helping you successfully complete your program and earn your designation.

On our website, you can also find a certified financial advisor, view our reference guide, request a catalog, or even enroll in a “mini-course” on advisory investing. We also offer the MSFS graduate degree. Thank you for visiting IBF!