The world's largest global organization for investment professionals has put its stamp of approval on finance degrees earned at Cal Poly Pomona's College of Business Administration.

Wei Yu, chair of the CBA's Finance, Real Estate and Law department, recently received notification that the finance emphasis was accepted into the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program (CFA UAP) following a lengthy application process.

"After two rounds of review, I am thrilled the finance program has been officially approved to the CFA UAP," Yu said. "Acceptance is a prestigious recognition our curriculum closely aligns with the professional practices and needs of the finance industry."

Cal Poly Pomona becomes only the sixth university in Southern California to earn the CFA distinction. In addition to perks like being included in the organization's list of approved institutions, CFA Institute is providing scholarships to seven CPP students.

Curriculum must include at least 70 percent of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) and place emphasis on the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The FRL department has increased involvement with CFA Institute in recent years. In late 2017, students received the honor of managing a real investment portfolio for the Orange County chapter following a third-place finish where they oversaw a live portfolio.

Finance joins the contract management option as the department's second to be recognized by the largest professional organization in its respective field. The FRL department now has access to all three levels of the CFA Program eBook curriculum, access to sample exams for each level of the CFA Program exams and a complimentary online subscription to the Financial Analysts Journal.

"I would like to thank all FRL faculty for the dedication to academic program and student success," Yu said. "We would also like to extend our deepest appreciation to the College of Business and University for continued support to the FRL department."