The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment

What The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment does

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) is a UK-headquartered professional body and registered educational charity operating under a Royal Charter, formed in 1992 by London Stock Exchange practitioners to serve the securities, investment, wealth management, and financial planning professions. It delivers professional qualifications across RQF Levels 2 through 7 — including the Investment Operations Certificate, Investment Advice Diploma, Diploma in Capital Markets, Chartered Wealth Manager Qualification, and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification — and operates the MyCISI member portal and a newer CISI Learning Platform with intelligent CPD recommendations. The institute also administers the IntegrityMatters ethics programme (60,000+ completions), issues Statements of Professional Standing, and runs the Chartered Firm and Accredited Financial Planning Firm accreditation programmes for organisations.

CISI monetises through five streams: annual membership subscriptions (Associate, Member, Chartered grades), one-time qualification and exam fees (£70–£1,089), CPD events and conferences (e.g., Financial Planning Conference, CISI Awards), learning materials and publications, and corporate services covering Chartered Firm accreditation and Corporate Supporter partnerships. It distributes through five regional offices (London HQ, Colombo operations hub, Dubai covering the Gulf, Mumbai covering South Asia, and Manila covering Southeast Asia and Greater China), a global Accredited Training Provider network, and university partnerships spanning the UK, China, France, Cyprus, Malaysia, Poland, and Sri Lanka.

The institute serves a 54,000+ member base across 100+ countries, administers 40,000+ exams annually in 80 countries, and holds formal partnerships with regulators and capital markets authorities including the FCA, UAE SCA, QFMA, Kuwait CMA, CMA Rwanda, CMSA Tanzania, Botswana Stock Exchange, and CIBN Nigeria. It is governed by a Board of Trustees with executive leadership under CEO Tracy Vegro and Chairman Michael Cole-Fontayn, following the 2022 leadership transition after Simon Culhane's 18-year tenure. The FINSIA integration in November 2025 added 5,000 Australasian members, extending reach into Oceania.

Name

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment

Legal name

Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment

Website

https://cisi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment is a UK Royal Charter professional body and educational charity that delivers financial services qualifications (RQF Levels 2-7), continuing professional development, and chartered accreditation to 54,000+ members across 100+ countries, serving individual professionals, financial firms, and regulators globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Qualifications and Financial Services Membership

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Educational Services (611), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Financial Services & Insurance (FINRA, CFP, IAR, Insurance CE) (EDAAALAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Finance, Accounting & Risk (CFA/CPA/FRM) Certifications (EDAAANAD), Accounting & Finance Certification Prep (CPA, CMA, CFA, FRM) (EDANAIAD), Continuing Education (CE/CPD) & Provider Accreditation Bodies (EDADACAF), Professional Certification & Training Content Publishing (Exam Prep, CE/CPD) (MPAJACAL)

Keywords

• Professional qualifications
• Securities and investment
• Financial services membership
• Wealth management certification
• Continuing professional development

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership fees at various grades (Associate, Member, Chartered) providing professional standing, network access, CPD resources, and member benefits.
2. Qualification and Exam Fees: Fees for professional assessments across multiple levels (Foundation through Professional), including workbooks, revision materials, and certification. Exam fees range from £70 to £690 depending on qualification level.
3. CPD Events and Conferences: Continuing Professional Development events, annual conferences (Financial Planning Conference), awards ceremonies, and networking events generate revenue through delegate fees.
4. Learning Materials and Publications: Sale of workbooks, study materials, and revision express products required for exam preparation.
5. Corporate Services: Chartered Firm accreditation, corporate supporter partnerships, and organizational training programs for financial services firms.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CISI is a UK Royal Charter educational charity that provides professional qualifications from Level 2 through Level 7 across securities, investment, wealth management, financial planning, compliance, capital markets, corporate finance, and Islamic finance. It sells individual memberships, globally recognized certifications such as the Statement of Professional Standing (SPS) and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, accredited corporate statuses (Chartered Firm and Accredited Financial Planning Firm), ethics training (IntegrityMatters), and continuing professional development (CPD) resources delivered through digital platforms.

Product overview

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) offers a comprehensive portfolio of professional qualifications, membership services, and continuing professional development (CPD) resources for securities, investment, wealth management, and financial planning professionals. The core offering includes the MyCISI member portal providing unified access to membership management, CPD tracking, and exam records, alongside the new CISI Learning Platform featuring intelligent personalized recommendations. Professional qualifications span from Level 2 (pre-employment/foundation) through Level 7 (chartered/executive level), covering areas including investment operations, wealth management, financial planning, compliance, capital markets, corporate finance, Islamic finance, and ethical AI. Key certifications include the Certified Financial Planner (CFPTM), Chartered Wealth Manager Qualification, Certificate in Ethical AI, and various specialist certificates in climate risk, sustainable finance, and combating financial crime. The institute also operates member networking groups, annual conferences and awards, financial literacy charitable initiatives through the Future Foundation, and the IntegrityMatters ethics testing program. With over 54,000 members across 100+ countries and 40,000+ exams annually in 80 countries, CISI serves both individual professionals and corporate organizations through its Chartered Firm and Accredited Financial Planning Firm programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IntegrityMatters: An ethics test and e-learning programme that helps shape financial services' ethical backbone, reaching over 60,000 completions.
• MyCISI
• Chartered Firm
• Chartered Wealth Manager Qualification
• Future Foundation
• CISI Financial Planning Week
• CISI Learning Platform

Products and services

• CISI Professional Membership Annual individual membership providing Chartered designations (Chartered MCSI, Chartered FCSI, Chartered Wealth Manager), access to the MyCISI portal, professional forums, member directory, mobile app, branch networks, and member benefits such as insurance and financial rewards. Aimed at individual financial services professionals worldwide.
• Statement of Professional Standing (SPS) UK regulatory certification demonstrating that an adviser has attained a Level 4 qualification, completed the appropriate CISI qualification, adheres to the Statement of Professional Standing, and holds current CPD. Required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for retail investment advisers in the UK.
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Certification Global CFP certification developed by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB), administered in the UK by CISI. Provides globally recognized financial planning credentials for retail financial advisers and planners.
• Chartered Wealth Manager Qualification Level 7 postgraduate qualification awarded by CISI for experienced wealth management professionals; combined with at least five years of relevant experience and Charterholder status, grants the Chartered Wealth Manager designation. Aimed at senior wealth managers and private bankers.
• Certificate in Ethical Artificial Intelligence Standalone qualification enabling financial services professionals to understand the ethical, regulatory, and operational implications of AI in finance. Aimed at CISI members and the wider financial services workforce addressing responsible AI adoption.
• Investment Operations Certificate (IOC) Level 3 qualification covering trade lifecycle, asset servicing, settlements, corporate actions, and regulation. Aimed at new entrants and operations staff in capital markets and securities firms.
• Investment Advice Diploma Level 4 qualification covering investment analysis, portfolio construction, taxation, and regulation. Aimed at investment advisers, wealth managers, and paraplanners working with retail and professional clients.
• Certificate in Advanced Financial Planning Level 6 advanced certificate in financial planning building on the Investment Advice Diploma; covers holistic financial planning, taxation, trusts, retirement, and estate planning. Aimed at experienced financial planners seeking Chartered status.
• Chartered Firm Accreditation Corporate accreditation recognizing financial services firms that demonstrate commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and development of qualified staff. Aimed at financial services companies seeking external validation and a quality marker for clients.
• Accredited Financial Planning Firm Corporate accreditation for financial planning firms demonstrating standards in financial advice delivery. Aimed at retail financial planning firms seeking consumer-facing credibility.
• IntegrityMatters Ethics Programme Online ethics assessment testing ethical decision-making and financial services ethics knowledge; used by firms as part of onboarding, screening, and CPD. Aimed at firms and individuals seeking objective evidence of ethical competence.
• CISI Financial Planning Conference Annual paid CPD and networking conference for financial planners and advisers. Aimed at CISI members and financial planning professionals seeking structured CPD hours.
• Diploma in Capital Markets Level 6 qualification covering capital markets instruments, operations, regulation, and risk. Aimed at mid-career professionals in capital markets and investment banking support functions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 54,000 members worldwide
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

49 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FINSIA (Financial Services Institute of Australasia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025FINSIA (Financial Services Institute of Australasia) integrated into CISI global community, bringing 5,000 Australasian members. FINSIA has a 135+ year heritage. This partnership extends CISI's presence in the Australasian region and combines professional standards.
• HKSI Institute (Hong Kong Securities Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 July 2025CISI and HKSI Institute collaborated to advance ethical AI skills in Hong Kong's financial services. Partnership includes bespoke eCourse on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism.
• Financial Services Learning AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 July 2025New CISI financial services learning alliance aimed at boosting growth in the UK economy for the next generation.
• IEG CampusminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 June 2025New CISI and IEG Campus partnership heralds learning and career boost for Malaysian and ASEAN business and finance students.
• CMA Rwanda (Capital Markets Authority Rwanda)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2025CISI and CMA Rwanda relaunched strategic partnership to strengthen capital market standards in Rwanda. Partnership focuses on internationally recognized CPD and professional development for Rwandan financial services professionals.
• Kenya Bankers Association (KBA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2025Kenya Bankers Association KBA and CISI partner to strengthen Credit Risk Management in Kenya through professional development programs.
• QInvestcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 March 2025QInvest is the first Qatari financial services firm to mandate CISI membership for all staff. Represents a flagship corporate partnership demonstrating industry leadership in professional standards.
• IPI (Institute of Portfolio Management)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 March 2025CISI and IPI partner to offer a range of lifelong learning resources to asset management professionals.
• SurpasscoreTechnology or Integration · 5 March 2025CISI selected Surpass as its global partner for digital assessment. Partnership enables digital-first examination delivery worldwide.
• The Law SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 January 2025CISI and The Law Society collaborated to enhance solicitors' ethical AI skills. Partnership provides continuing professional development for legal professionals.
• CFA Society of the UKcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2024Chartered Body Alliance welcomes new member the CFA Society of the UK, strengthening the professional standards alliance.
• CISI Future FoundationcoreOthers · 31 October 2024CISI Future Foundation provides grants to UK financial literacy charities including £145,000 to two charities and nearly £250,000 to three charities. £952,600 grant across 14 charities in 2025.
• IBFIM Malaysia (Islamic Banking and Finance Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 October 2024Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia and CISI collaborate to enhance lifelong learning with globally recognised CPD and membership.
• Global Capacity Building CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 September 2024CISI joined Global Capacity Building Coalition supporting launch of new digital platform for finance climate action strategies.
• FINSIAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 September 2024FINSIA and CISI worked together to enhance Australasian financial services sector's ethical AI skills before the full integration.
• ZCAS University LusakaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 23 July 2024ZCAS University Lusaka achieves CISI accreditation to enhance skills for Zambian capital markets professionals.
• IFoA (Institute and Faculty of Actuaries)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 July 2024CISI and IFoA united to boost actuaries' ethical AI skills. Partnership provides professional development resources for actuarial professionals.
• ACI FMA (Financial Markets Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2024CISI and ACI FMA partnership renewal enhanced efforts to improve the culture of financial markets. Long-standing partnership for professional standards in treasury and financial markets.
• Innovate FinanceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2024UK's global fintech community received integrity and ethics skills boost through Innovate Finance and CISI Certificate in Ethical AI partnership.
• CAIA AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2024Regulator recognised qualifications and learning opportunities for CAIA's 13,000+ members through CISI strategic partnership. Focus on alternative investments professional development.
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 June 2024ACCA and CISI joined forces to enhance accountants' ethical AI skills. Partnership leverages both organizations' expertise in professional development.
• APU Malaysia (Asia Pacific University)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 May 2024APU Malaysia unlocking opportunities for finance graduates with CISI membership and professional development pathways.
• EIMF (European Institute of Management and Finance)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 April 2024CISI and EIMF set new benchmark in the investment fund sector with launch of the Cyprus Fund Administration Professional Assessment Certificate.
• EvertreenminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 April 2024CISI and Evertreen partnered to plant trees and build a sustainable future. Environmental sustainability partnership aligned with ESG commitments.
• Julius BaercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 April 2024Julius Baer achieved CISI Chartered Firm status, demonstrating commitment to professional standards in wealth management. Global private banking group recognizing professional development importance.
• Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 March 2024Qatar Financial Centre signed MOU with CISI to build talent within the finance profession. Partnership supports professional development and market integrity in Qatar's financial centre.
• CMSA Tanzania (Capital Markets and Securities Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2024CISI and Tanzania's Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA) collaborate to introduce internationally recognised CPD for Tanzanian capital markets professionals.
• GAIN (Girls in Analysis Network)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 February 2024CISI sponsors GAIN to improve financial sector gender diversity and develop talent pipeline of entry-level female and non-binary students.
• ASEAN Bankers AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 January 2024Bankers from 10 ASEAN nations received new CISI professional learning to help raise standards and enhance market integrity across the Southeast Asian region.
• Certificate in Ethical AIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 November 2023CISI launched ethical AI learning programme to help AI in financial services put transparency first. Leading-edge qualification addressing emerging technology ethics.
• ECMA (Ethiopian Capital Markets Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 October 2023Ethiopia boosts capital market in London landmark partnership signing with CISI and ECMA. Partnership supports market development in Ethiopia.
• WIFR (Women in Finance Rwanda)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 July 2023New CISI/WIFR partnership announced to promote capacity building for women in the Rwandan financial sector.
• Botswana Stock ExchangecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 June 2023New Botswana Stock Exchange and CISI collaboration heralds boost for Botswana capital markets through professional development and standards.
• Securities and Exchange Commission of PakistancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 March 2023Landmark agreement signed to boost Pakistan's capital market through professional development and standards alignment.
• Fitch LearningcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 December 2022CISI and Fitch Learning launched schools and colleges programme to improve student socio economic diversity in financial services.
• SCA UAE (Securities and Commodities Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 November 2021The SCA and the CISI collaborate to enhance the qualifications regime in UAE Capital Market sector.
• Mauritius Financial Services CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 July 2021Mauritius became first African country to launch CISI professional AML/CFT digital learning solution, supporting market training, transparency, and integrity.
• HKSI InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2021HKSI Institute teams up with CISI to offer bespoke eCourse on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism.
• QFMA Qatar (Qatar Financial Markets Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 February 2021Qatar became first Middle East country to launch a joint CISI and QFMA professional anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism digital learning solution.
• Seychelles FSA (Financial Services Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 August 2020Seychelles FSA and CISI announced new commitment to raise financial services professional standards in the Seychelles.
• ASEA (African Securities Exchanges Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2020Renewed ASEA-CISI partnership boosts professionalism across African capital markets through common certification standards.
• Tanzania Institute of BankerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2020New CISI deal with Tanzania Institute of Bankers to enhance global professional standards in Tanzania.
• Bucharest University of Economic StudiesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 May 2020CISI collaborates with elite business school in Romania to enhance ethics and integrity in financial services and corporate governance markets.
• Philippines Anti-Money Laundering CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2020Philippine e-learning training and assessment in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing fully accredited by the Philippines' Anti-Money Laundering Council.
• Gibraltar Financial Services CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 March 2020Gibraltar risk and compliance professionals join with CISI to raise professional standards in global financial markets.
• Chartered Institute of Bankers of NigeriacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 January 2020Access confirmed for over 132,000 Nigerian bankers to CISI's global professional development programme following accreditation.
• IAPM Nigeria (Institute of Arms and Portfolio Managers)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2019IAPM and CISI new partnership positions Nigerian portfolio managers for global capital market competitiveness.
• ICIFA Kenya (Institute of Chartered Investment Professionals)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 August 2019Kenyan capital markets receive new boost with ICIFA and CISI joint membership deal for investment professionals.
• CIS Nigeria (Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers Nigeria)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2019Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers Nigeria agrees financial services membership, qualifications and learning deal with CISI.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• GARP (Global Association of Risk Professionals): Global professional body offering the FRM (Financial Risk Manager) credential with 200,000+ certified members worldwide. Directly comparable to CISI's risk and compliance qualifications, serving the same institutional risk-professional segment.
• CFA Institute: Global professional body awarding the CFA charter, the dominant credential for investment professionals. Directly competes with CISI's investment management and wealth management qualifications, and both serve the same financial-services professional segment worldwide.
• CAIA Association: Global professional body for alternative investments with 13,000+ members and a CAIA charter. CISI has a strategic partnership with CAIA, indicating direct overlap in the investment-professional credentialing market.
• HKSI Institute (Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute): Hong Kong-based professional body for securities professionals; CISI has a strategic co-development partnership with HKSI on AML/CFT e-courses. Comparable in mission and product portfolio, focused on a regional financial centre market.
• FPSB (Financial Planning Standards Board): Global standards body for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification. CISI is a CFP affiliate and awards CFPTM through FPSB; the two are direct peers in the financial planning professional credentials market.
• ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales): Premier UK chartered accountancy body with 200,000+ members; partners with CISI on the Diploma in Corporate Finance. Competes for high-end corporate finance and professional qualification spend in the same UK professional market.
• Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB): UK-based professional body for bankers offering chartered status and qualifications. Targets overlapping membership (banking and financial services professionals) and competes directly for UK institutional and individual memberships.
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants): Global professional accounting body with 200,000+ members and a strong presence in the same financial-services segment CISI serves. Competes for cross-disciplinary professional development spend and has a formal partnership with CISI on Ethical AI, illustrating the overlap.

Emerging players

• Coursera: Online learning platform offering accredited finance and professional certificates from universities and firms. Increasingly overlaps with CISI's CPD and certificate business, particularly for early-career finance professionals seeking flexible, lower-cost credentials.

Broad incumbents

• IFoA (Institute and Faculty of Actuaries): UK chartered body for actuaries with broader remit but overlapping ethics-AI CPD collaboration with CISI. Serves an adjacent but distinct professional segment with comparable membership-driven governance.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/cisi
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/cisitv?feature=watch
• Facebookfacebook.com/thecisi
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chartered-institute-for-securities-&-investment?trk=top_nav_home
• Instagraminstagram.com/the_cisi

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment