We work closely with industry and professional associations to ensure the currency and relevance of our programs to the finance profession. HKUST is an academic partner of the Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) Institute and the Professional Risk Manager's International Association (PRMIA).The MSc in Finance program is Program Partner of CFA. The curricula and course scheduling of both programs are sequenced to support students who wish to take the CFA examinations. The CFA Institute offers scholarships to HKUST students to defray the cost of taking the CFA exams.

HKUST Business School and the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association, a not-for-profit organization recognized globally as the leader in alternative investment education, had announced an academic partnership in January 2015. Under the partnership, students in the HKUST’s Business School will have access to the CAIA Association's curriculum and events, and be eligible to apply for scholarships to earn the CAIA Charter. The partnership comes on the back of CAIA’s rapid growth in Asia Pacific markets and HKUST’s stellar ascent since its inception in 1991.

The CAIA Charter program is a rigorous, self-directed education for finance professionals seeking deep knowledge and expertise in alternative investing including hedge funds, private equity, structured products, commodities, and real assets. The CAIA designation, which is granted upon successfully passing Level I and Level II exams and meeting membership requirements, is valued by top employers and recognized globally as the highest standard of achievement in alternative investment education. Currently, there are nearly 500 CAIA charter holders in Hong Kong.

We are delighted to announce our academic partnership with the Global Association of Risk Professional (GARP), a globally recognized association of risk managers. GARP offers two certifications recognized by risk professionals worldwide: Financial Risk Manager (FRM®) and Energy Risk Professional (ERP®). The association is dedicated to preparing professionals and organizations to make better informed risk decisions and to create the culture of risk awareness by educating the next generation of risk practitioners. Through its educational programs, in-person and online events, and worldwide chapters, GARP promotes best practices in risk management and supports professional and career development for risk managers.

The curriculum of the HKUST MSc in Finance program provides a solid theoretical as well as practical foundation to prepare students to pursue the FRM designation and to assume strategic roles within the global risk management profession.