30 Years of impact: Celebrating three decades of Leadership, Community and Professional Excellence
From a small group of founding members in 1996 to a national community of more than 3,500 investment professionals today, CFA Societies in Australia have spent three decades advancing ethics, education and professional excellence in the investment industry.
One brand. One voice. One community.
A Legacy built by members
The legacy video highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and determination that shaped CFA Societies in Australia.
From delivering CFA Program books by hand, to building professional communities chapter-by-chapter, our history is grounded in volunteer leadership and member contribution.
As one past leader reflected:
“It speaks to the heart of what the CFA society was born from.”
Our Story
What began in 1996 with the formation of CFA Society Sydney and just 36 members has grown into a national organisation representing investment professionals across Australia.
Built by volunteers, driven by purpose, and united by a commitment to professional excellence, CFA Society Australia has evolved alongside the investment industry itself.
Over the past 30 years, we have:
- Built a national member community
- Supported thousands of CFA Program candidates
- Advocated for ethics and integrity in financial markets
- Created forums for learning, debate and connection
- Helped shape the next generation of investment professionals
Today, CFA Society Australia represents:
- Over 3,500 members
- 231 new charterholders welcomed in FY25
- 113 member, candidate and university events annually
- 7,272 event registrations nationally
30 Years Timeline
1996: CFA Society Sydney formed
Founded with 36 members and five founding directors.
2001: CFA Society Melbourne formed
Established with seven founding directors.
Founding sponsorship drive
Ten firms contributed funding to support the Society’s first staffed office and member services.
2004: Staffed office established
Enhancing support for members and CFA Program candidates.
2009: Nouriel Roubini Event
More than 400 members and industry professionals attended a landmark event during the global financial crisis era.
2011: First Australian Investment Conference
Launching what would become CFA Society Australia’s flagship industry conference.
First CFA Institute Research Challenge Participation
Beginning Australia’s strong engagement in the global student competition.
2012: CFA Society Perth formed
Founded with seven founding directors.
2015: Oceania Conference
Bringing leaders from Melbourne, Sydney and Perth together to deepen collaboration.
2016: 20-Year Celebration
Celebrated with Geoffrey Robertson KC.
2018: First CEO appointment
Beginning a new phase of national growth and strategic alignment.
2023: Historic member vote
Members across Melbourne, Perth and Sydney voted YES to form CFA Society Australia.
2024: CFA Society Australia launched
One brand. One voice.
2025: Celebrating 30 years
Marking three decades of impact across Australia’s investment profession.
Celebrating Across Australia
To mark this milestone, members gathered across our four chapters for special 30-year celebration events recognising the people, partnerships and community that have shaped our journey.
NSW Chapter
Member social drinks, Sydney
Celebrating the Society’s origins and the strength of our national member community.
VIC Chapter
Member celebration, Melbourne
Reflecting on collaboration, leadership and the evolution of the investment profession.
WA Chapter
Member networking celebration, Perth
Honouring the volunteers and members who helped build the local chapter community.
QLD Chapter
Member social celebration, Brisbane
Bringing together members and candidates to celebrate connection, learning and future growth.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate the past 30 years, we also look ahead to the future of the investment profession in Australia.
Our mission remains clear:
To lead the investment profession in Australia with the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence for the ultimate benefit of society.
Join us at our milestone events
CFA Society Australia 30 Year Gala Dinner
Celebrate this landmark milestone with members, industry leaders, volunteers and partners from across Australia.
An evening recognising the people and moments that shaped CFA Society Australia over the past three decades — and the future ahead.
Learn More >
CFA Society Australia Investment Conference
Thursday, 29 October
Our flagship conference returns, bringing together local and global thought leaders to discuss the key themes shaping investment markets and the future of the profession.
Earlybird registrations open in July.
Sponsorship opportunities are now open >Thank You
Thank you to our members, volunteers, candidates, sponsors and industry partners who have contributed to 30 years of impact. Together, we continue to shape the future of the investment profession in Australia.