Canadian Securities Institute


The Canadian Securities Institute is a Canadian organization that offers licensing courses, advanced certifications, continuing education and custom training for financial services professionals in Canada and internationally.
CSI provides licensing and testing to meet the regulatory requirements to work within the Canadian financial services industry. It is endorsed by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, and Canadian Securities Administrators.
CSI is based in Toronto and Montreal and owned by Moody's Analytics. The credentials offered by the institute are recognized by several foreign securities regulators, including those in the U.S., France, U.K., Singapore and Hong Kong.

Courses, programs and certificates

The Canadian Securities Institute offers 100 courses, 11 certificate programs, specialized designations, as well as continuing education programs for Canadian financial professionals, primarily in the area of financial advice.
The Canadian Securities Course is widely viewed by Canada's financial services sector as the de facto entry requirement for many careers of its paths. First offered in 1964, it has remained an exclusive part of the proficiency requirement to be registered as an investment advisor with an IIROC member firm. The CSC is recognized as a requirement for mutual fund representatives and exempt market dealer representatives. CSI also provides a simplified version for motivated investors who wish to increase their financial literacy/knowledge but do not plan a career as stockbrokers.
CSI offers programs and courses through a variety of formats including distance and in class, to make them as accessible as possible. Some courses are available through Ontario community colleges. The PFP may be applied to an MBA at Dalhousie University.

Specialist certificates

The 11 specialist certificates offered by the Canadian Securities Institute are intended to provide specialized knowledge in a specific aspect of financial/investment management. Some are stand-alone; some provide interim qualifications for pursuing a designation. They are:
The Canadian Securities Institute offers these specialized designations and distinctions:

PFP – Personal Financial Planner

Comprehensive financial advice designation prevalent in financial institutions. It is recognized across Canada except Quebec and is accredited under ISO 17024*.

CIM – Chartered Investment Manager

Designation enabling investment professionals to meet regulatory requirements for providing discretionary portfolio management services in Canada.

CSWP – Chartered Strategic Wealth Professional

Designation for investment advisors, financial advisors, financial planners and life insurance specialists, working within a securities firm, bank, or a financial planning organization who provide financial counsel to affluent clients.

Fellow of Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI)

This is the highest credential and honour bestowed by the Canadian Securities Institute. At the end of 2012, the Fellow of CSI was held in good standing by 3,469 financial services professionals. A maximum of two individuals per year may be awarded an honorary FCSI.

MTI – Estate and Trust Professional

For advanced estate and trust professionals, working in trust companies and law or accounting firms with some high level wealth management specialists, e.g., trust/tax officers, senior trust officers, estate planners and trust administrators. The MTI designation was introduced in 1976. In its 2012 Advisors' Report Card, Investment Executive found that 12.3% of financial advisors overall held the CIM, 10.3% held the PFP and 10.2% were recognized as Fellows of the Canadian Securities Institute.

International education activities

Besides providing financial education within Canada, CSI partners with organizations worldwide to provide financial proficiency training in China, Europe, the Middle East, Central America and the Caribbean. CSI designations are recognized by regulatory authorities, financial organizations and associations in Canada and internationally. CSI operates 150 exam centres worldwide.
Between 2005 and 2010, CSI had trained more than 1,000 financial professionals in China. It opened its first office in China – in Shanghai – in 2009.

History

CSI was established as the "Canadian Securities Institute" in 1970 by Canadian financial self-regulatory organizations and changed its name in 2002 after incorporating as a for-profit entity under the name CSI Global Education Inc. It is more commonly known as the Canadian Securities Institute.
The Canadian Securities Institute and its PFP designation received ISO 17024 accreditation from the ANSI simultaneously on June 28, 2012.
ISO 17024 establishes standards for "personal certifications" – i.e., professional designations. ISO 17024 accreditation signifies that CSI and the PFP program meet the requirements to be a credentialing organization.

Partner and industry relationships

The Canadian Securities Institute has established partnerships and/or industry relationships with a variety of organizations: