Accredited Funds Professional

A badge of excellence in the funds industry

The Accredited Funds Professional (AFP) is a prestigious "badge of excellence" in the funds industry demonstrating an ongoing commitment to developing knowledge and skills. The designation highlights to clients, colleagues and the wider industry a commitment to professionalism and career lifelong learning.

Become an Accredited Funds Professional to:

• Develop and demonstrate funds expertise

• Connect to a dynamic network of funds industry peers

• Benefit from an ongoing programme of learning, events and workshops

Who is it for?

Professionalism and career long learning at its core

Accredited Funds Professionals are committed to on-going development of knowledge and skills, in turn raising standards of professionalism across the funds industry.

If you have over 4 year’s experience in the industry or have completed a relevant industry qualification, the AFP is for you. 

What is the value of becoming an AFP?

• Access to the most relevant and up to date industry topics available online. CPD hours  

• Commitment to life long industry learning 

• Recognition of industry knowledge and standing 

Designates complete an annual requirement of 10 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) hours, these can be made up of attendance at industry events, Irish Funds Webinars/Industry Briefings, and any relevant internal training or industry events attended. Additionally, the IOB is committed to providing a suite of eCPD material for designates comprising eCPD webinars/interviews and podcasts. All of these are available on the online eCPD portal where AFPs record their annual hours. 

Some of the current online eCPD content that is available includes Crypto Currencies with Prof Lucey TCD, IOSCO and Asset Management an Update, Interview with Martin Moloney (IOSCO) and Mary O Dea (CEO IOB), Interview with Nathalie Kenway ESG , NFTS is it all Hype, Fund Distribution (Andrew Bates), Market Abuse Risks and regular Regulatory Updates.

How do I become an Accredited Funds Professional?

• New to funds with less than 4 years experience, enrol on and complete our NFQ Level 7 Professional Certificate in International Investment Fund Services, or;

• Current member of IOB and have successfully completed the Professional Certificate in International Investment Fund Services (or holders of the previously named Professional Certificate in Mutual Funds / Professional Certificate in Investment Fund Services) or have successfully completed the Professional Certificate for Designated Persons in a Fund Management Company - Complete the Accredited Funds Professional Designation Application Form, or;

• Previously a member of IOB and have successfully completed the Professional Certificate in International Investment Fund Services (or holders of the previously named Professional Certificate in Mutual Funds / Professional Certificate in Investment Fund Services) - Reactivate membership by contacting our Customer Service Team at 01 611 6500 and then complete the Accredited Funds Professional Designation Application Form, or;

• Current member of IOB and have at least four years’ minimum relevant work experience in the funds industry, whereby your employer shall provide confirmation of experience which meet the programme competencies as set out in the application form - Complete the Accredited Funds Professional Designation Application Form, or;

• Previously a member of IOB and have at least four years’ minimum relevant work experience in the funds industry, whereby your employer shall provide confirmation of experience which meet the programme competencies as set out in the application form - Reactivate membership by contacting our Customer Service Team at 01 611 6500 and then complete the Accredited Funds Professional Designation Application Form, or;

• New to IOB and have at least four years’ minimum relevant work experience in the funds industry, whereby your employer shall provide confirmation of experience which meet the programme competencies as set out in the application form - Become a member with IOB by joining online and then complete the Accredited Funds Professional Designation Application Form