New York, 28 April 2014
“Putting Investors First Month is an ideal time to call attention to the needs and rights of investors and spotlight those in the investment profession who are committed to serving the interests of investors,” said John Rogers, CFA, president and CEO of CFA Institute. “The financial industry is dealing with a crisis of public trust, and despite signs of recovery in markets around the world, many investors still do not believe that their interests are the primary concern of those responsible for managing and growing their savings and investments.”
The CFA Institute 2014 Global Market Sentiment Survey (PDF) of investment professionals worldwide indicated that the most needed action to boost investor trust and confidence is improved ethical culture that is established and encouraged by top management and executives. The survey also explores issues critical to investor trust, including fair treatment and the information investors need to properly evaluate products and services to make informed decisions.
“The global financial industry can be an extraordinary force for good, but there is still work to be done to shape the industry for future generations,” continued Rogers. “Through Putting Investors First Month, CFA Institute aims to inspire the industry to ensure that investors’ rights to information, fair and honest advice and accurate assessment of risk and reward is at the core of client service. A commitment to uphold the highest standards of investment practice and to serve investors and the global economy can affect positive change in finance, but change starts with all of us.”
Putting Investors First Month Slate of Global Events Kicks Off May 1
Putting Investors First Month activities will be held in more than 50 cities around the world by CFA societies representing more than 35,000 investment professionals. It kicks off on May 1 in New York with a free live-streamed event covering best practices for individuals, firms, and policymakers to improve the future of finance, and in Chicago, where the local society will hold its annual conference to help financial professionals adapt investment strategies to a changing world.
Other events include: a series of events in Florida featuring CFA Institute president and CEO John Rogers; a declaration by the Governor of Georgia of May 19 as Putting Investors First Day throughout the state; a future of finance symposium in Amsterdam; a conference in Istanbul featuring the Minister of Economics; the Philippine Retail Investment Conference in Manila; a conference for financial professionals and students in Mexico, and a presentation in Toronto to explore industry reforms.
For information on all member society events, visit this list on the CFA Institute website.
Putting Investors First Month is part of the CFA Institute Future of Finance initiative, a global effort to shape a trustworthy, forward-thinking financial industry that better serves society. The initiative sets the stage for the 67th CFA Institute Annual Conference, to be held May 4-7 in Seattle, which will bring together up to 1,800 of the world’s leading financial professionals to focus on shaping the future of finance. More than 30 scheduled sessions, including presentations from Shelia Bair, Nate Silver, and Bill Sharpe, will examine market trends and deliver practical advice to shape the future of finance for generations to come.
For more information about the Future of Finance initiative, Putting Investors First Month, and the Statement of Investor Rights, a declaration of the conduct investors are entitled to expect from financial service providers, visitwww.CFAInstitute.org/FutureFinance.
CFA Institute
CFA Institute is the global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. The organization is a champion for ethical behavior in investment markets and a respected source of knowledge in the global financial community. The end goal: to create an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. CFA Institute has more than 119,000 members in 147 countries and territories, including 112,000 CFA charterholders, and 143 member societies. For more information, visit www.cfainstitute.org.