Investment Business
Investment Business creates commercial fluency so professionals can see the whole investment firm. Connecting clients, operations and performance to create real impact.
Who is Investment Business for?
The CFA UK Level 3 Award in Investment Business is for professionals across the investment ecosystem whether working for an investment business or with one. Whether you're new to the industry, looking to pivot, or aiming to deepen your understanding, Investment Business will help you understand the value chain of an investment organisation from client strategy to operations and commercial performance. It helps individuals develop their strategic and commercial awareness, enabling the fluency to contribute to decisions and drive value.
The qualification is relevant for those in a broad range of roles within an investment business such as marketing, sales, compliance, operations, and technology; as well as those working in the broader investment ecosystem, such as regulators, consultants, service providers and those working in pensions and insurance.
For firms, it’s a way to build smarter, more connected teams. By equipping staff with a shared language and broader perspective, organisations can strengthen collaboration, accelerate decision-making, and unlock untapped potential across the business.
Why Choose Investment Business?
The Investment Business Award offers a clear view of how investment firms create value – connecting strategy, clients, operations, and performance. It helps you contribute with confidence, think more strategically, and stand out in a competitive industry.
For firms, it’s a smart investment in talent. The qualification builds commercially fluent teams that collaborate better, make faster decisions, and adapt to change. In a market shaped by AI, data, and sustainability, this kind of fluency isn’t just useful – it’s essential.
By developing this capability, organisations strengthen retention, enhance their reputation, and gain a competitive edge through teams that deliver real business impact – through the first qualification of its kind in the UK.
How does it relate to other qualifications?
The Investment Business Award is a foundational qualification designed to equip professionals with broader commercial and strategic fluency. It provides a direct supporting pathway to CFA UK’s Investment Management Certificate (IMC).
Those completing both the Investment Business Award and the IMC will be awarded the Extended Certificate in Investment Management (Investment Business).
Investment Business Award Overview
The CFA UK Award in Investment Business is a Level 3 qualification that builds commercial awareness across the investment profession. It helps individuals understand how firms create value—linking strategy, clients, operations, and performance—while supporting organisations in developing agile, strategically minded teams.
Investment Business Award Overview
Overview
Qualification Title
CFA UK Level 3 Award in Investment Business: Strategy, Clients and Commercial Performance
Entry Criteria
No entry requirements.
Exam Registration and Online Learning Materials
£450
Official Training Manual (Hard Copy)
£100
Syllabus
Syllabus Version 1, tested from 01/07/2026 to 30/06/2027
Number of Questions
55
Time Allowed for Exam
1 hour and 15 minutes
Total Qualification Time
91 hours
Pass Mark
Between 60 and 75%
Investment Business Award Specification
This test specification outlines the structure, content, and assessment approach for the qualification. It provides essential information for candidates, including entry requirements, study expectations, exam format, and performance criteria. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to broaden your strategic understanding, this guide will help you navigate what to expect and how to prepare.
Essential Information
Want to know more about the Investment Business? Explore all the essential information you’ll need to take the exams and transform your career.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Ready to go beyond your desk and see the bigger picture? Whether you're an individual looking to elevate your career or a firm seeking to build smarter, more connected teams, the Investment Business Award is your next step. Register your interest today to be kept up to date, or to become part of the pilot.
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