The ICMA Centre was happy to host Mr Nick Bartlett of the CFA Society of the UK this week.

Mr Bartlett (Director of Education in CFA Society, UK) addressed students of the BSc Finance and Investment Banking and discussed the process, benefits and market value of both the CFA and IMC accreditations in connection with the recent evolutions in the world of finance. Mr Bartlett also answered student questions concerning the growth of professional education in finance and requirements for launching a successful career in the field.

As an aside to the event, Mr Bartlett and Associate Professor Ioannis Oikonomou further strengthened the links between the ICMA Centre and CFA by signing the agreement which certifies that the BSc Finance and Investment Banking has been awarded the IMC Advantage partner status. This constitutes an official recognition that the curriculum of this programme is highly practically relevant and that it covers at least 70% of the IMC syllabus.

"At CFA UK we're delighted to be going into partnership with the University of Reading," Mr Bartlett commented, "as an IMC advantage partner we'll be offering you two scholarships a year for students doing the BSc Finance and Investment Banking, and we look forward to working with you."

The two full scholarships will be made available to final year students who wish to sit the IMC exams, and are in addition to the five annual scholarships made available to students in regards to the CFA Level 1 exam due to the BSc in Finance and Investment Banking also being a recognised CFA program partner.