CIIA – Your Global Passport
Move seamlessly between financial centres with a qualification recognised by regulators on every continent.
The Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA) designation supports your career—wherever it leads.
With its distinctive examination structure, combining a global core with a country-specific module, the CIIA ensures that holders possess in-depth knowledge of both international standards and local regulations. This dual focus has earned the trust of regulators worldwide.
Explore how the CIIA is recognised and embedded within national regulatory frameworks across various regions. Use the tabs below to navigate directly to the area relevant to you.
Countries recognise the CIIA charter
Exam languages incl. EN, DE, JP, CN
Investment pros carry the CIIA
Austria – OVFA: Austrian Standards for Financial Research declared market standard by FMA.
Belgium – ABAF: No mandatory regulation; market values CIIA/CEFA.
Finland: No mandatory regulation; market values CIIA/CEFA.
France – AMF / CNCP: CIIA listed in CNCP; SFAF centre recognised for AMF certification.
Germany – BaFin: Recognised for MiFID II fit-&-proper under WpHG.
Greece – HACSA: CIIA exempts holders from all regulator exams (analyst, advisor, etc.).
Hungary: No formal regulation; CIIA prized by employers.
Italy – CONSOB: Automatic recognition via MiFID II passport (CNMV list).
Lithuania: CIIA may substitute brokerage licence exams case-by-case.
Norway – NFF: No mandatory regulation; market values CIIA/CEFA.
Netherlands – DSI: Registers professionals; CIIA accepted in competence framework.
Poland – FSA: Fast-track to broker & adviser licences; CIIA cuts exam load.
Portugal – CMVM: CIIA, CEFA, CFA accepted under Reg 3/2010 for analysts & consultants.
Romania: Higher-education required; CIIA provides added value.
Russia – Central Bank: CIIA grants qualified investor & investment advisor status.
Spain – CNMV: Listed in ESMA-aligned ‘appropriate qualifications’ for MiFID II.
Sweden – SFF: Market recognises CIIA; regulator silent on specific titles.
Switzerland – FINMA: Adviser register (FINSA) accepts CIIA.
United Kingdom – FCA: CIIA in ‘Appropriate Qualification’ tables (activities 2,3,12-14).
China – CSRC / SAC: CIIA exam organised under CSRC framework; compulsory for analysts.
Chinese Taipei – SAAT: CIIA recognised; media analysts require Certified Securities Analyst licence.
Hong Kong – SFC: CIIA meets ‘industry qualification’ via HKSI PDFM pathway.
India: No mandatory titles yet; CIIA respected amid upcoming wealth-management rules.
Japan – SAAJ: CMA & CIIA valued; many employers subsidise fees.
Korea – FSC: CIIA holders treated as market professionals; KAA authorised body.
Vietnam – SSC: CIIA recognised alongside CFA in licensing scheme for analysts & fund managers.
Argentina – CNV: CIIA/CEFA/AFC exempt holders from Suitability Exam (Res 706/2017).
Brazil – CVM / APIMEC: Sell-side analysts must be certified; CIIA via CNPI category C path.
Peru: No regulation; CIIA not mandatory but adds credibility.
United States – PRMIA: CIIA holders exempt from PRM Exam 1 (Financial Foundations).
Kenya: No analyst exam; CIIA well regarded by CMA & IRA.
Morocco – CMF: CIIA satisfies analyst requirement for investment professionals.
Nigeria – CIS: Stockbrokers must hold CIS; CIIA complements professional standing.
Tunisia – CMF: Listing sponsors need at least one internationally certified analyst (CIIA accepted).
Why regulators trust the CIIA
1. Two common exams (Foundation & Final) ensure a global knowledge base.
2. One national/regional exam tailors that knowledge to local rules.
3. Exams are written by AZEK and vetted by the International Examination Committee.
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