Institute of Business & Finance

Acronym
IBF
Entity Type
Industry
Location
Founding Date
1988

The Institute of Business & Finance is a provider of professional training and certification programs for financial services professionals. IBF aims to make financial training content more accessible, easier to grasp, and more intuitive. One of their notable certifications is the Certified Fund Specialist® (CFS®), introduced in 1988, which focuses on mutual fund investment strategies. IBF has since expanded its offerings to include various programs covering topics such as annuities, retirement income, and alternative investments. Today, more than 16,000 members of the financial services industry, including several dozen Fortune 500 companies, have participated in the IBF programs. 

ABOUT IBF

  • The Institute of Business & Finance is founded by a small group of registered representatives and financial planners. 

  • IBF offers courses designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of advisors and other financial professionals.

  • Their courses are developed by industry experts and are tailored for financial advisors seeking to enhance their expertise and better serve their clients.

  • To date, over 16,000 professionals have participated in their training programs.


IBF DESIGNATIONS

  • Certified Fund Specialist® (CFS®). 

IBF's flagship designation. It is the fourth oldest designation in the financial services industry and the oldest mutual fund designation in the country.

  •  Certified Annuity Specialist (CAS™). 

The only fixed-rate and variable annuity designation designed to capitalize on opportunities overlooked by less knowledgeable financial advisors.

  • Master of Science in Financial Services. 

The capstone of IBF's offerings. Each course dives deep into topics that are essential to top-tier professional advising.