New Partnership with the National Finance Association Creates Additional Learning Opportunities for ICEF Students

Through its new partnership with the National Finance Association (NFA), ICEF HSE is strengthening its ability to deliver education that combines academic excellence with the practical needs of today's financial industry and employers. As part of this collaboration, both bachelor’s and master's students at ICEF HSE will receive enhanced preparation for the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA-Russia) qualification examination. The knowledge required to successfully pass the examination is integrated into ICEF's core curriculum and the elective course Practical Finance, which has been specifically designed to support exam preparation. This approach equips graduates not only with a strong theoretical foundation but also with practical financial analysis skills, a solid understanding of professional ethics, and critical thinking abilities—competencies that are highly valued by employers across the financial and investment sectors.

National Finance Association (NFA)

Key Features of the Certified Financial Analyst Preparation Course

• Practice-oriented learning. Students will have access to a comprehensive database of sample examination questions developed by the National Finance Association, enabling them to master both the subject matter and the structure of the qualification exam.
• Development of professional competencies. The course focuses on the knowledge areas that are essential for success in the Certified Financial Analyst examination, further enhancing the employability of ICEF graduates.
• Close integration with industry. The partnership includes joint masterclasses and research seminars led by experienced financial market professionals, providing students with direct exposure to current industry practices and real-world case studies.

The Certified Financial Analyst preparation course will be available to both current ICEF students and alumni.

About the National Finance Association

National Finance Association (NFA) is a leading professional association which brings together more than 55 Russian financial market participants. It was established in 1996 by the major participants of the Russian financial market under the patronage of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation and the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.
Together with the Association of Financial Analysts (AFA), NFA has developed the national Certified Financial Analyst (CFA-Russia) certification programme, which forms part of the industry's professional competency assessment framework.

About the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA-Russia) Qualification

The Certified Financial Analyst (CFA-Russia) qualification is the Russian equivalent of internationally recognized professional certifications in financial analysis and has already gained recognition among the country's leading financial institutions. The programme has been specifically designed for the Russian market, with the examination reflecting local financial terminology, regulation, and market practices.

The Certification Council includes representatives from the Bank of Russia, Sber, VTB, and Gazprombank, ensuring that the examination remains closely aligned with employers' expectations. The qualification is taken into account during recruitment by these institutions, making it an important competitive advantage for professionals seeking long-term careers in finance.