The association is looking to expand its presence within the region to improve the levels of education amongst investment managers.

CFA Institute, the global association of investment management professionals, will open a new office in the Middle East in 2018.

CFA Institute will work in close partnership with Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre, to establish its new presence within the region, CFA said in a statement.

The office opening will be marked by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, between CFA Institute and ADGM, in Abu Dhabi in October 2017. This MoU will look to improve education within the region.

“By establishing a permanent presence in Abu Dhabi, the opening of this new office signifies our commitment to the Middle East and North Africa," said ​Gary Baker, managing director for CFA Institute in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "We are excited at the prospect of partnering with our local member societies that already achieve fantastic results for CFA Program candidates, members, and charterholders across the MENA region. By supporting local societies, we can intensify our efforts to build market integrity, enhance market transparency, and embed professionalism and excellence in the regional investment management industry.”

Last month, this publication reported on the CFA Institute's third-level exams, where Mainland China led the way for the number of financial professionals sitting the exams, ahead of the US.