The number of qualified members of the institute of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) in Bahrain has increased by 80 per cent on the past five years, said a top official.

Central Bank of Bahrain Governor Rasheed Al Maraj last night welcomed 23 charter holders who had made the grade in the exams to the body, which now has 130 qualified members in the kingdom, during a ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel and Spa.

"Securing this qualification is a great achievement involving hard work and dedication," he said.

"The kingdom and the financial industry need the expertise of highly-qualified professionals, so the rewards will remain with you for the remaining part of your career," said Al Maraj.

"CFA Bahrain continues to enjoy a high level of growth in the number of charter holders and membership," said CFA Bahrain president Khalil Nooruddin.

"Such growth can only help Bahrain to enhance its chances as a prominent financial centre in the GCC region. Over the last 12 months the society has taken the lead in promoting leadership and discussion on a broad range of topical issues in what has been a demanding year for the financial industry and we have another exciting programme scheduled for 2012."

CFA Mena region managing director Nitin Mehta said professionals see a challenging year across the region.

"Despite this the enthusiasm and demand for educated and better-qualified professionals in the financial sector continues to flourish.

"We anticipate the demand for highly-qualified professionals, such as CFA charter holders, will continue to remain strong as we look to 2012." – TradeArabia News Service