"Not a Fad" CFA Institute to Introduce Cryptocurrency Courses to Fulfil Demand

The world-renowned Chartered Financial Analyst Institute is adding blockchain and cryptocurrency curriculum to Level I and Level II of its three-phase examination.

Candidates are expected to study cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology for a minimum of 300recorded hours before the CFA exam in 2019.

Interestingly, the previously obscure domain of cryptocurrencies is swiftly getting intertwined with traditional finance markets as global lawmakers and security regulators move to enhance the cryptocurrency sector and introduce strict, yet optimal, regulations.

Study material on cryptocurrencies and blockchain will appear alongside other in-demand fintech subjects such as big data, algo-trading, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Notably, a section of subjects will intersect cryptocurrencies and "Professional ethics," a mandatory CFA module, which observers believe is much-needed for the sector.

A lack of regulations has led enterprising people to launch their cryptocurrency projects, offering tokens in turn of promises of changing the world.

Many projects ultimately end up as "Deadcoins," with reports suggesting as much as 78% of all cryptocurrencies are fraudulent.

Strict academics in this regard helps subrogate the malicious intent and provides credibility to the broader cryptocurrency sector.

While the CFA's move to add cryptocurrency subjects may surprise some, recent developments concretize the institute's decision.

Wall Street veterans are turning towards cryptocurrency startups, including several naysayers-turned-believers, and established billionaires have announced their investment interests in the volatile asset class.