Who We Are

About CFA Institute

CFA Institute is the global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. The organization is a champion of ethical behavior in investment markets and a respected source of knowledge in the global financial community. Our aim is to create an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economics grow. Our network of more than 160 societies helps carry out our global mission in local markets.

Learn more about CFA Institute and its mission

CFA Society Ireland

CFA Society Ireland currently has over 750​ members. There are two membership categories available - Regular and Local.  Annually we typically have over 500 candidates in the CFA Program, many of whom join the membership. Membership of the society is open to any individual in the finance sector. Enrolment in, and completion of, the CFA exam program is not a requirement of membership, and we actively encourage Irish investment professionals to join the society.  

The society is formally a company limited by guarantee, managed by its Council which operates as a board.

The objectives of the Society are:

  • To achieve, foster and maintain high standards of professional ability and practice in investment analysis, portfolio management and related disciplines in Ireland,
  • To encourage the creation and interchange of ideas and information among those engaged in these activities,
  • To advance public understanding of their functions and techniques and the operation of security and other investment markets,
  • To support and promote the interests of the investment community,
  • To encourage and assist the study of investment analysis and any other subjects of interest to the profession.

Leadership

Active leadership ensures our society's vitality. Through its board of directors and committee chairs, we advance the society's mission and keep pace with evolving membership expectations and needs.

We would encourage any member who is interested in participating in the development of the society to contact the society office and volunteer for a role at either board or sub-committee level.

Board of Directors 2024/2025

Marie Gaffney, CFA (President)

Noel Friel, CFA 

Niall McDonnell, CFA (Secretary) 

Rebekah Brady, CFA 

Eoin Diffley, CFA (Treasurer)

Olwyn Alexander, CFA

Francis Carter, CFA

Joe Kavanagh, CFA

Joseph Harrigan, CFA

Caitriona MacGuinness, CFA

Mary MacNamara, CFA

Thomas Plunkett, CFA

Stephen O'Donoghue, CFA

Staff

Emma Richardson, Development Officer 

Former Presidents

1986  Gavin Caldwell

1988  Frank Shanley

1990  John Corrigan

1992  Frank O'Brien

1994  Harry White

1996 Diarmuid Bradley

1998  Ronan Smith

2000  Donal O'Mahony

2002  Mark Merrigan

2004  Joe Kavanagh

2009  Oliver McClure

2012  Ronan McCabe

2014  Caitriona MacGuinness

2016  Francis Carter

2018  Noel Friel

2020  Niall McDonnell

Marie Gaffney, CFA

President, CFA Society Ireland