CFA Institute has named Paul Smith, CFA, currently managing director, APAC and global head, Institutional Partnerships at CFA Institute, as its new president and CEO, effective immediately. Smith’s appointment comes after an extensive global search to lead the organization of more 127,000 investment professionals in 147 countries, most of whom are CFA charterholders.
Smith has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the asset management industry, including over 18 years in Asia. He joined Bank of Bermuda in Hong Kong as Asia head of securities services in 1996. After HSBC’s acquisition of the bank in 2004, he served as global head of securities services and global head of alternative funds administration based in New York, where he was responsible for the delivery of services to 2,000 investment funds with over US$250 billion of assets. Before joining CFA Institute in October 2012, Smith was chairman and CEO of Asia Alternative Asset Partners.
With extensive management and business experience at global organizations, Smith will continue to support CFA Institute efforts to champion for ethical behavior in investment markets as a respected source of knowledge in the global financial community.
“It’s a critical moment for both investors and the professionals who serve them. In his time with CFA Institute, Paul has demonstrated the bold vision and strong leadership we need to advance the profession and shape a more trustworthy financial industry,” said Aaron Low, CFA, chair of the CFA Institute Board of Governors. “Paul has made a significant contribution to the investment industry, and CFA Institute is well-positioned for continued growth and leadership under his direction.”
The selection comes as CFA Institute continues to broaden its global reach, with a stronger presence planned for both China and India, continued growth of its recently launched Claritas Investment Certificate program, an Annual Conference in April in Frankfurt, Germany, and the second annual Putting Investors First Month in May – a global series of events to unite financial professionals throughout the world in a commitment to place investor interests above all others.
“Above all, CFA Institute was searching for a solid understanding of the value of our education programs, and how the CFA charter, our codes and standards, and advocacy efforts contribute to the advancement of our mission,” said Smith. “Having served CFA Institute from within I am fully aware of its rich history and contribution to the global investment profession, and I look forward to leading the organization in pursuit of our end goal, to advance the investment profession for the ultimate benefit of society.”
Smith is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales and an Executive Committee member of the Alternative Investment Association, Hong Kong. He holds a Masters degree in History from Oxford University, and is a CFA charterholder.
Smith succeeds the leadership of Dwight D. Churchill, CFA, who was named interim president and CEO in June of last year following the tenure of former president and CEO John Rogers, CFA.