Institute of Business & Finance
Higher EducationCalifornia, United States11-50 Employees
The Institute of Business & Finance, based in San Diego, California, operates in the higher education sector with a focus on financial services training. Founded in 1988 by registered representatives and financial planners, IBF sought to offer a practical alternative to existing designation programs for mutual fund education. Its flagship designation, the Certified Fund Specialist (CFS), is among the oldest in the financial services industry and the oldest mutual fund designation in the United States; the organization also offers the Certified Annuity Specialist (CAS) designation. The programs have attracted more than 13,000 industry professionals, with participation from dozens of Fortune 500 companies. IBF emphasizes flexible study options for students and aims to continually refine its mutual fund training while expanding awareness among brokers, insurance agents, accountants, financial planners, investment advisors, bankers, and the general public. In February 2024, IBF announced the launch of a CIS designee.