Last year, the CFA Instituted added 6,427 new charter members to its ranks.

Canada now has 746 new members, following only the U.S., where 2,610 people earned the designation.

More than 98,000 candidates worldwide enrolled to sit for the June 2007 CFA exams; another 55,000 enrolled for the Level I examination in December 2007.

“The new charterholders we recognize today have achieved a significant professional accomplishment that will pay dividends throughout their careers,” said Robert Johnson, CFA, deputy CEO of CFA Institute. “Earning the CFA charter indicates to employers, clients, and colleagues dedication to one’s profession and a commitment to contribute positively to the investment industry by upholding high ethical standards and putting the interests of investors first.”

Interest in the CFA designation has been particularly strong since 1990. The number of candidates has increased at a compound annual rate more than 16%. In fiscal 2007, nearly 60% of CFA candidates were from outside North America.
The number of CFA charterholders has now topped more than 80,000 people in 127 countries.

Results from the December exam will be available online January 23 at 9:00 a.m. EST.