The Global Financial Analyst & Financial Planner Institute
Welcome to the GAFM® Global Academy of Finance & Management Standards & Accreditation Council. Our Certification Body establishes professional standards for credentialing, education, ethics, and accredited degree pathways that lead to internationally recognized board certifications. Through the International Board of Standards (IBS), we award professional designations in finance, accounting, risk, management consulting, economics, leadership, and related fields.
Global Accreditation & Recognition
GAFM® is the first U.S.-based certification body in business and finance to achieve:
- ISO 29990 – Learning Services Certification
- ISO 29993 – Learning Services Outside Formal Education
- ISO 21001 – Educational Organization Management Systems
We work with over 1,000 accredited business schools and approved providers across 100+ nations.
GAFM® and the IBS International Board of Standards also hold recognition or accreditation from ECLBS, QAHE, IOAS, MACCA, and SIS Sanctioning (IAS Accredited), along with past accreditations from TÜV and ESQ.
The GAFM® International Board of Standards is also:
- A member of the Academic Council for the United Nations System (ACUNS)
- Approved in the United Nations Civil Society network
- A member of the Credential Evaluation Association International
Academic Alliances & Ministry Recognition
For more than two decades, the GAFM® IBS has supported U.S. and international academic standards, including:
- ACBSP and AACSB business school standards
- CHE Council for Higher Education Quality Standards quality principles
- Recognition of accredited degrees and exams as certification pathways
GAFM® is a Charter Member of the US Dept of Education Recognized Inernational Quality Standards Memorandum of Affiliation.
U.S. Federal Executive Order 13932 – Skills Over Degrees
Under Executive Order 13932, the U.S. Government recognizes skills-based qualifications and accredited training as equivalents to degrees for federal hiring.
Thus, GAFM® / IBS / AAPM certifications—built on accredited education, exams, and professional competency— align with the federal emphasis on skills, experience, and certification.
Certification Eligibility Pathways
If you hold accredited degrees, diplomas, licenses, or government-recognized qualifications, you may already qualify for a GAFM® designation.
We offer certifications in:
- Finance & Financial Analysis
- Financial Planning & Wealth Management
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Risk Management
- Management Consulting
- Leadership & Strategy
- Marketing
- Economics
- And more
Our standards require:
- Accredited degrees or equivalent
- Accredited exams or assessments
- Documented experience, research, or publications
- Agreement to the GAFM® Code of Ethics
- Continuing education
All certifications adhere to ISO 17024, ISO 21001, and accredited program standards.
History & Founding
The GAFM® was founded in 1996 by executives, professors, and experts associated with the Graduate Leadership Society.
Our mission: To raise global standards in business education, ethics, assessment, and certification.
Since inception, the Academy has promoted accredited graduate standards in business, law, finance, management, and leadership.
Accreditations, Licenses & International Sanctions
The GAFM® / IBS International Board of Standards holds:
ISO Certifications
- ISO 29993 – Learning Services (IAOS Accredited)
- ISO 21001 – Educational Organization Certification (IAS Accredited)
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Certification (IAS Accredited)
Additional Accreditations
- IAOS – International Organization for Accreditation Services
- IAS – International Accreditation Service
Recognized by U.S. Department of Labor, GAO, EPA, Interior, DOD, DOE, FDA, FEMA, IRS, USAID, DHS, NIH, and others.
Accreditation Agency Alliance
GAFM® maintains an academic alliance with ACBSP and is a founding member of the CHEA International Quality Group initiative.
Standards Council and Membership
The GAFM® Standards Council awards board certifications to professionals who complete:
- Accredited degree programs
- Recognized exams
- Documented professional experience
- Government-recognized credentials
Candidates may apply for:
- Board Certification
- Chartered Status
- Fellow Status
Apply Now to join the Academy.
Media Recognition
GAFM® and its certifications have been featured in:
Barron’s, Financial Times, FOX, Wall Street Journal, NBC, CBS, ABC, Schwab, Goldman Sachs publications, Rolling Stone, Yahoo Finance, Investopedia, Daily Mirror, GlassDoor, Forbes, Indeed, Hindu Business, CIO.com, The Week, Morningstar, MSNBC, Investor Daily, El Norte Mexico, China Daily, Arab News, The Tribune, United Nations publications, U.S. Government communications, Nigerian Post and more.
Tandem Non-Profit Registration (USA)
The GAFM® Membership & Standards Council is registered as a U.S. non-profit organization under:
Association for Finance and Management – #20131359135 (USA)
Note: All education, certification IP, and commercial credentialing activities remain separate from non-profit operations.
Association for Finance and Management – #20131359135 (USA)
Note: All education, certification IP, and commercial credentialing activities remain separate from non-profit operations.
USA - Asia - Russia - India - EU - West Indies - China - Indonesia - Latin America - Arabia - Africa