Institute of Business & Finance Information

In 1988, the Institute of Business & Finance (IBF) launched its first certification program, Certified Fund Specialist® (CFS®). IBF was founded by a small group of registered representatives and financial planners. These practitioners were disenchanted with the materials, politics and direction of the other schools offering designations to the financial services community, so they decided to provide better mutual fund education. Today, more than 13,000 members of the financial services industry, including several dozen Fortune 500 companies, have taken one or more IBF programs. The flagship designation, CFS®, is the fourth oldest designation in the financial services industry and the oldest mutual fund designation in the country. IBF also offers the Certified Annuity Specialist (CAS™) designation. The Certified Annuity Specialist™ designation is the only fixed-rate and variable annuity designation. Today, IBF personnel are dedicated to continually making the content of our mutual fund training better, serving the needs of several thousand students and graduates, as well as increasing the awareness of IBF designations to brokers, insurance agents, accountants, financial planners, investment advisors, bankers and the general public. When you earn one or more IBF designations, you will gain both theoretical and practical knowledge that can be conveyed to your clients, boosting your credibility and professionalism. As a student, you will have the flexibility to study whenever you like. The expert faculty and staff at IBF are ready to help you earn your certification today.