Access Emerges Nigeria’s Largest Employer of CFA Candidates

Access Holdings has emerged as Nigeria’s largest employer of CFA candidates, with 82 professionals pursuing the globally recognised qualification. The ranking highlights the group’s growing investment in financial talent and professional development.

Access is Nigeria’s largest employer of CFA candidates, with 82 professionals pursuing the CFA qualification, according to a June 2026 ranking by CFA Society Nigeria. Access also ranked second among employers of CFA charterholders.

Access Holdings has emerged as Nigeria’s largest employer of CFA candidates, according to a new ranking published by CFA Society Nigeria.

The recognition highlights the group’s growing role in developing investment and finance professionals in Nigeria and across Africa.

The ranking was published as part of CFA Society Nigeria’s “Where Nigeria’s Finance Professionals Work” series in a national daily.

According to the ranking, Access employs 82 CFA candidates, more than twice the number recorded by the next-ranked institution.

The group also ranked second among employers of CFA charterholders, further highlighting its ability to attract experienced professionals while developing future finance leaders.

The ranking was compiled by CFA Society Nigeria using data from its Salesforce Membership Database as of June 2026.

Why the CFA Ranking Matters

The recognition goes beyond the number of employees pursuing professional qualifications.

The CFA Charter is widely regarded as one of the world’s most rigorous qualifications in investment management.

It covers areas such as ethics, financial analysis, portfolio management and professional standards.

As financial markets become more connected, institutions are placing greater emphasis on professional expertise, strong governance and ethical leadership.

For Access, the latest ranking reflects an ongoing focus on developing professional skills across its businesses.

The group operates across banking, pensions, payments, insurance brokerage and consumer lending, with operations spanning 25 countries across Africa, Europe and Asia, according to the statement.

Access said it continues to invest in structured learning, professional certification and leadership development as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Access Links Recognition to Professional Excellence

Industry observers have increasingly identified professional development as an important factor in the competitiveness of financial institutions.

Companies with strong technical expertise and ethical leadership are better positioned to manage risks, innovate responsibly and build confidence among customers, investors and regulators.

The recognition also supports Access Holdings’ ambition to become “the world’s most respected African financial services group.”

While the financial scale remains an important measure of growth, the development of professionals who meet international standards is also becoming a key indicator of institutional strength.

Access’s large pipeline of CFA candidates therefore represents more than an internal achievement. It also contributes to strengthening professional standards within Nigeria’s financial sector.

Access Holdings CEO Reacts

Commenting on the recognition, Innocent C. Ike, Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, said the ranking reflects the company’s culture of continuous learning and professional excellence.

Ike said the group was proud that many of its employees were pursuing one of the most demanding professional qualifications in global finance.

He added that the development reflects a culture built around rigour, integrity and continuous learning.

CFA Society Nigeria Explains Ranking

CFA Society Nigeria, which is part of the global CFA Institute network, said the ranking recognises organisations that invest in professionals committed to rigour, integrity and global best practices.

The society said such investment in talent development is increasingly important to strengthening Nigeria’s financial sector and supporting Africa’s long-term economic ambitions.