The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) recognises top performers in the financial industry

Dubai, UAE, February 21, 2017:  The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), the largest and most widely respected professional body for those who work in the securities and investment industry globally, recently recognised top performers across a range of qualifications, helping to raise the standard of professionalism in the UAE’s financial services industry. 

The Awards were presented to the five successful candidates by Simon Culhane Chartered FCSI, CEO of the CISI and Matthew Cowan Chartered MCSI, Regional Director of the CISI Middle East. The exam categories that received the most attention from candidates last year were wealth management and Islamic finance, signifying the importance of these areas for financial services professionals and consumers alike in the UAE. 

Award winner, Swati Shanker of Takaud Pensions and Savings (DIFC) Limited, has worked in the finance industry for over 14 years. She achieved the International Certificate in Advanced Wealth Management Award. She said, “I wanted to gain an advanced qualification to proactively meet the anticipated growing standards and needs of the industry I work for, and I chose the CISI as it is a globally recognised and respected body.”

Since moving to the UAE three and a half years ago as a financial advisor, Patrick O’Neill, Head of Islamic Wealth at Holborn Assets, felt the need to gain a better understanding of Islamic Finance. Following his achievement of the Fundamentals of Islamic Banking and Finance Award, he stated “I found the CISI Islamic Finance Qualification incredibly insightful. Since taking the course, I have found a passion for training and teaching people about Islamic Finance, and I have recently launched my own training course.

“This CISI qualification lead me to an unexpected but fulfilling career path, and now provides a benchmark for the courses I teach my students,” he added. 

Last year CISI’s qualifications attracted over 40,000 exam entries each year, delivered across 80 countries. In the UAE alone, a total of 5,000 exams were taken by financial industry professionals between 2015 and 2016 marking a 19 per cent increase year-on-year. The CISI has seen an increasing demand for qualifications and membership in the Middle East region, as more professionals recognise the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Since May 2015, there has been a 47% increase in members in the Middle East overall, and a 58% increase in the UAE alone.

Simon Culhane, CISI CEO said: “Taking these exams is an important step in raising the level of professionalism in the country. At the CISI, we define professionalism as the combination of knowledge, skills and behaviour, with integrity at its centre. 

“The demand for wealth management in the Middle East region is growing at a rapid pace. Therefore, there is an increase in the need for knowledge and professionalism in the industry. We would like to congratulate all the achievers in each category and recognise their excellent work and dedication to securing an internationally recognised qualification. We welcome them to our growing global community of professionals across 116 countries. We would also like to thank the firms and all stakeholders who have supported these candidates to enable them to achieve the highest levels of professional competence.”

The following candidates were awarded for their achievements:
Ahmed Awad, ADCB: International Certificate in Wealth and Investment Management
Jade Correa, Emirates Airline: Fundamentals of Financial Services 
Patrick Oneil, Holborn Assets: Fundamentals of Islamic Banking & Finance – Holborn Assets
Swati Shanker, Takaud: International Certificate in Advanced Wealth Management - Takaud
Joseph Teasdale: Global Operations Management