Global Academy of Financial and Management

What Global Academy of Financial and Management does

Global Academy of Finance and Management (GAFM) is a non-profit, US-based professional certification body founded in 1996, operating under the IBS International Board of Standards. The organization issues over 200 board certifications, charter designations, and skills specializations spanning finance, accounting, risk management, economics, wealth management, project management, compliance, consulting, AI, ESG, and FinTech. Its portfolio includes flagship designations such as CWM Chartered Wealth Manager (EU trademark protected through 2032), Accredited Financial Analyst (AFA), Chartered Financial Manager (ChFM), and Accredited Management Accountant (AMA), alongside sub-brands AAPM (project management), AAFM, CEC (e-commerce consulting), and IMCB (management consulting).

GAFM's distribution model centers on articulation agreements with ACBSP and AACSB-accredited business schools (over 800 partners globally), accredited training providers, and government credentialing authorities across 40+ nations. Global exam delivery is conducted through Thomson Reuters and Pearson Education testing centers, with e-learning integration via EdX/Open edX. GAFM is the first US-based certification body to achieve ISO 9001, ISO 21001, and ISO 29993 certifications, and has earned recognition from US Department of Education, FINRA, CHEA, TÜV Austria, and the governments of UAE, China, India, Ghana, Bahamas, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. The proprietary PCAS Psychometric Certification Assessment Solutions is positioned as an AI-driven competency evaluation system.

Revenue is generated through three primary streams: certification application and renewal fees paid by individual professionals, licensing fees from accredited training providers and universities delivering GAFM-approved coursework, and accreditation fees charged to institutions entering partnership agreements. The organization is founder-led by Commissioner George Mentz (CEO, founder, and general counsel), with approximately 51-100 employees supporting a membership base of 10,000+ fellows and charter-holders plus 45,000 affiliates across 150+ countries.

Name

Global Academy of Financial and Management

Legal name

IBS International Board of Standards - GAFM Global Academy of Finance and Management

Website

https://gafm.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

GAFM Global Academy of Finance and Management is a non-profit, US-headquartered professional certification body operating in 40+ nations with members in 150+ countries. It issues over 200 board certifications and charter designations in finance, risk, wealth management, project management, AI, and compliance, distributed through 800+ accredited business school partners and global testing networks.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Certification Services

NAICS

Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Finance, Accounting & Risk (CFA/CPA/FRM) Certifications (EDAAANAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Awarding Organizations & Credentialing Bodies (Certificates/Diplomas) (EDADAFAC), Project, Program & Portfolio Management Certifications (EDAAANAB), Accounting & Finance Certification Prep (CPA, CMA, CFA, FRM) (EDANAIAD)

Keywords

• Professional certification programs
• Financial designations
• Wealth management credentials
• Project management certifications
• Accreditation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Colorado Springs

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Professional Certification Fees: Revenue generated from certification applications, membership fees, and designation charges for financial, management, and professional credentials. Candidates pay application fees, certification fees, and renewal fees.
2. Accredited Provider Licensing: Revenue from licensing certification programs to training companies, universities, and institutions that deliver GAFM-approved coursework and examination preparation.
3. Accredited Provider Fees: Fees charged to training providers and institutions for accreditation and partnership agreements to deliver GAFM certification programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Global Academy of Finance and Management (GAFM), operating through IBS International Board of Standards, confers professional board certifications, chartered designations, and skills specializations in finance, accounting, risk management, economics, wealth management, project management, compliance, and consulting. The organization licenses certification programs to accredited training providers and business schools across 40+ nations, with members in over 150 countries.

Product overview

The Global Academy of Finance and Management (GAFM) operates as a multi-brand certification and accreditation ecosystem offering over 200 professional certifications and charter designations in finance, accounting, risk management, economics, wealth management, project management, compliance, and consulting. The core platform consists of the GAFM main brand (Global Academy of Finance and Management) conferring flagship certifications including CWM Chartered Wealth Manager, Chartered Financial Manager (ChFM), Accredited Financial Analyst (AFA), and Chartered Risk Analyst (CRA). Supporting sub-brands include AAPM Academy of Project Management (Master Project Manager), AAFM American Academy of Financial Management (subsidiary with 151 countries), IBS International Board of Standards (governance and standards body), CEC Certified e-Commerce Consultant, and IMCB Management Consultants Board. The portfolio also includes specialized certifications in AI (Certified AI Professional, Chartered AI Professional), ESG (Certified ESG Consultant), and FinTech (Master Certified FinTech Professional via EdX partnership). The PCAS Psychometric Certification Assessment Solutions provides AI-driven assessment delivery. GAFM offers accreditation pathways through ACBSP and AACSB business school partnerships, with global distribution through Thomson Reuters and Pearson Education testing networks.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Chartered Wealth Manager (CWM): Primary wealth management certification designation with EU trademark renewed until 2032
• Accredited Financial Analyst (AFA)
• Chartered Financial Manager (ChFM)
• Chartered Project Manager (ChPM)
• Accredited Management Accountant (AMA)
• Master Project Manager (MPM)
• Certified International Project Manager (CIPM)
• Chartered Economist (ChE)
• Chartered Trust and Estate Planner (CTEP)

Products and services

• CWM Chartered Wealth Manager Flagship wealth management professional designation; recognized by FINRA, US Department of Education, and UAE Government. EU trademark protected through 2032.
• Chartered Financial Manager (ChFM) Professional designation for financial management professionals; listed on FINRA education website with transparent requirements.
• Accredited Financial Analyst (AFA) Financial analysis certification recognized by FINRA and US Department of Labor; eligible for free Columbia University Professor courses.
• Chartered Risk Analyst (CRA) Risk management professional certification covering financial risk assessment and management disciplines.
• Chartered Project Manager (ChPM) Project management professional certification; trademark secured with AAPM; recognized in 40+ countries.
• Master Project Manager (MPM) Advanced project management certification; trademark ownership secured by GAFM; distributed in 40+ countries.
• Accredited Management Accountant (AMA) Management accounting certification recognized by FINRA; demonstrates expertise in managerial accounting and financial management.
• Master Financial Planner (MFP) Comprehensive financial planning certification; federally recognized trademark; University of Atlanta partnership eligibility.
• Chartered Trust and Estate Planner (CTEP) Wealth planning and estate management certification; featured in Forbes and Investopedia Financial Dictionary.
• Chartered Anti-Money Laundering Consultant (CAMC) AML compliance certification for financial professionals; covers regulatory compliance and fraud prevention.
• Certified FinTech Professional (MCFP) Master-level fintech certification program delivered in partnership with HKUX and EdX; covers blockchain, AI-driven finance, and digital transformation.
• Certified ESG Consultant (CESG) Environmental, social, and governance consulting certification for sustainability-focused financial professionals.
• Certified Artificial Intelligence Professional (CAIP) AI applications certification for finance professionals; covers AI-driven finance and technological integration.
• Chartered Artificial Intelligence Professional (ChAIP) Advanced chartered designation for AI implementation in financial services and management consulting.
• Certified in Anti-Money Laundering (CAML) AML certification covering financial crimes, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance.
• Certified Compliance Professional (CCP) Regulatory compliance certification for banking and financial services professionals.
• Master Compliance Professional (MCP) Advanced compliance certification for senior compliance officers and risk management professionals.
• Accredited Bank Branch Manager (ABBM) Banking management certification for branch operations directors and banking professionals.
• Certified International Project Manager (CIPM) International project management certification under AAPM global standards; distributed worldwide.
• Accredited Provider Partnership Program Licensing program allowing training companies, universities, and institutions to deliver GAFM-approved coursework and exam preparation; accredited providers pay annual accreditation fees.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10-15% annual membership growth rate
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• China Government - Talent Exchange Center of the Ministry of Industry and Information TechnologymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Starting Dec 2023, GAFM/AAPM/IBS students are eligible for China Management Certification and Project Management Certification issued by Chinese government agency; first for any certification body with ISO 29993 and ISO 21001
• SIS CertificationscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023SIS Certifications provides ISO 9001, ISO 21001, and ISO 29993 certification; SIS is IAS (International Accreditation Services) accredited and IOAS accredited
• ECLBS (European Council for Leading Business Schools)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022ECLBS accreditation standards recognition; Dr. George Mentz added to Global Board of Advisors for ECLBS
• QAHE (International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-tertiary and Higher Education)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020QAHE accreditation standards recognition agreement; Chairman K.C. Lam of QAHE added to IBS/GAFM Global Advisory Board
• University of Hong Kong / EdXmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019GAFM partnered with University of Hong Kong and EdX/Open edX; GAFM is creator of MOOC to CERT philosophy; Certified FinTech Professional program available online through edX
• CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016GAFM is a charter member signatory to CHEA Quality Standards Alliance memorandum; founding signatory to CHEA International Quality Group memorandum of affiliation for quality assurance partnerships worldwide
• Government of Indonesia Credentialing AuthoritymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 November 2015Indonesia Governmental Credentialing Authority recognizes GAFM credentials through joint accreditation memorandum of understanding; 250 million person population market
• Government of the BahamasmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 November 2015GAFM Approved by the Government Ministry of Education of the Bahamas for Executive Certification Training
• Ministry of Education TaiwanminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 November 2015GAFM recognized by the Ministry of Education Taiwan Government Republic of China
• Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (TVTC)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2015Business programs licensed and approved by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through TVTC for professional certification training
• TÜV Austria / TÜV Technischer Überwachungs-Verein ÖsterreichcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2015TÜV Austria conducted accreditation approval audit for ISO 29990:2010 Training Certification and ISO 9001:2008 Quality Certification; 140-year-old EU/Austrian technical inspection association
• ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Global standards agreement for certification standards; graduates of ACBSP-accredited business schools are eligible to apply for GAFM certifications after completing courses and exams; partnership established since 2004 with formal accreditation standards articulation agreement
• AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Recognition of GAFM on AACSB website by the President; AACSB accreditation recognized as path to GAFM certifications; GAFM is a professorial member with articulation recognition
• Arab AcademymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Arab Academy for more than 20 Arab nations approves and sanctions GAFM certifications
• UAE GovernmentmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2015UAE Government jointly confers the CWM Chartered Wealth Manager Certification with GAFM; securities authority cooperates on educational standards; Dubai Financial Market selected AAFM for professional training
• South American School of Mines and ManagementminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2015Approved for distribution of certification courses and programs in South America
• Thomson ReutersmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 August 2014Global distribution agreement for exams available at thousands of testing centers worldwide; Thomson Reuters approved as global certification training provider by GAFM Advisory Council in July 2014
• Bangkok UniversityminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 July 2014Bangkok University - The International College approved as GAFM Chapter
• Concordia University WorldwideminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 March 2014Concordia University Worldwide approved as GAFM Chapter
• Pearson EducationmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2014Global exam distribution partnership through Pearson testing centers worldwide
• India Government - NISM and SIBEmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2014India Government NISM and SIBE recognizes GAFM Financial and Wealth designations; India Government recognizes select designations for investment advising
• Government of Ghana, Ministry of EducationmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2012GAFM certifications registered with Government of Ghana Ministry of Education under Legislative Instrument L.I. 2195, 2012; attracts development partners including African Development Banks and World Bank
• World BankmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012GAFM consulting with World Bank for greater outreach and NGO participation
• UNITAR (United Nations Training)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2011GAFM cooperates with UNITAR on Anti Money Laundering Training; consultative status with United Nations on Public Finance and Trade Programmes
• Arab Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences (AABFS)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2009Diplomatic cross-recognition alliance with Arab League's Arab Academy; joint certification programs in 17 Arab countries; Prof. Mentz co-chairs the Arab Academy Certification Board
• WMSCC Wealth Management Standards Council of ChinamajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2009AAFM forms alliance with Wealth Management Standards Council of China; AAFM Board members appointed as new members to the board

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves20 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Others

• edX (2U): Online learning platform partner used by GAFM to deliver its MOOC-to-CERT philosophy and Certified FinTech Professional program. Strategic channel partner and enabling technology provider rather than a direct competitor.

Direct peers

• CFA Institute: Global professional organization that confers the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Most directly comparable peer offering finance/investment professional certifications with global employer recognition across the same finance professional segment GAFM targets.
• GARP (Global Association of Risk Professionals): Risk-focused professional association offering FRM and ERP certifications to risk managers and financial professionals. Directly comparable peer targeting GAFM's Chartered Risk Analyst (CRA) and risk/compliance professional segment.
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants): Global professional accounting body offering the ACCA qualification to finance and accounting professionals worldwide. Comparable international credentialing model with similar chartered designation positioning and global exam delivery infrastructure.
• CAIA Association: Professional association conferring the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation. Comparable niche finance credentialing body serving investment and wealth management professionals, similar to GAFM's CWM Chartered Wealth Manager positioning.
• Project Management Institute (PMI): The leading global project management certification body (PMP, CAPM). Direct competitor to GAFM's AAPM subsidiary offering Chartered Project Manager (ChPM) and Master Project Manager (MPM) certifications to the same project management professional segment.
• IMA (Institute of Management Accountants): US-based professional association offering the CMA Certified Management Accountant and CSCA designations. Direct competitor to GAFM's AMA Accredited Management Accountant credential in the management accounting space, with FINRA-listed comparable designations.
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants): Global professional body for management accountants offering the CGMA and CIMA qualifications. Comparable international management accounting credentialing body serving similar finance professional audiences in overlapping geographies.
• AICPA & CIMA: Joint body offering the CPA and CGMA designations globally. Comparable professional accounting and management credentialing organization with established US Department of Education recognition, directly competing with GAFM's accounting and management designations.
• CISI (Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment): UK-based professional body offering securities, wealth, and investment certifications. Comparable chartered credentialing model targeting similar wealth management and financial services professionals, especially in UK and Middle East markets where GAFM also operates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/GAFM-Global-Academy-of-Finance-Management-100064653973768

Compliance22 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Global Academy of Financial and Management