PRESS Global Academy of Finance and Management ®

Latest GAFM® Accreditation, Press Releases, and Diplomatic Alliances

2025 News

• GAFM and AAFM graduate another 1,000 professionals in Asia, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Singapore.

• GAFM maintains India Government Recognition for Wealth/Finance Certification and Accreditation SEBI NISM

• GAFM Maintains China Government Recognition - Beijing and Shanghai Governments Recognize GAFM Management Credentials. GAFM/AAFM was previously recognized by the SETC many years ago.

• GAFM IBS and AAPM renew accreditations, earning ISO 29993, ISO 21001, and ISO 9001 through 2028 with SIS Sanction (IAS-accredited Europe).

• CEO Hon. George Mentz honored with awards and commission as Honorary Colonel by a Commonwealth Governor for extraordinary service, a KOFO warrior award from the Akan King in Africa, and a Datuk Seri title from the Sultan of Kampar with government sanction.

• GAFM renews trademarks for CWM Chartered Wealth Manager®, ChFM Chartered Financial Manager®, and CRA Chartered Risk Analyst®.

• GAFM Africa graduates an additional 500 professionals in Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Djibouti, Egypt, and Nigeria.

• GAFM Chartered Economist continues as a leading global economics credential.

2024 News

• GAFM recognized by the International Accreditation Organization for Standards (IOAS).

• ISO 29993 accreditation affirmed through IAOS, strengthening competitive value of IBS/GAFM/AAPM programs.

• China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Talent Exchange Center recognizes GAFM/AAPM/IBS certifications for Management and Project Management.

• IBS/GAFM/AAPM registered with international accreditation organizations in Europe.

• GAFM becomes an organizational and committee member with ASTM, serving on accreditation and certification committees.

• ACBSP–GAFM certification standards agreement reaffirmed.

Chinese Government Recognitions – 2024
Starting December 2023, GAFM/AAPM/IBS students who have obtained a GAFM/AAPM/IBS Certification are eligible for the China Management Certification and Project Management Certification issued by the Talent Exchange Center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China. This type of governmental recognition is a first for any certification body that also holds ISO 29993 and ISO 21001.

2023 – ISO 29993 Certification Achieved by GAFM
The IBS/GAFM achieves additional certifications and licenses from Europe.

2023 – IBS/GAFM/AAPM International Accreditation Registration EU
https://www.iafcertsearch.org/certified-entity/8abeb6a4-ce99-550c-8e6f-d191b4f5597e

GAFM is now an organizational and committee member of ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).
George Mentz and the GAFM and AAPM serve on several board committees including: the Accreditation and Certification Committee, Committee for Certification Bodies, Committee for Personal Credentialing, and the Accreditation Body Committee.

2023 – SIS Certification Recognition EU (SIS is IAS Accredited)

2023 – European Accreditation and ISO Certifications – International Accreditation Citation

The U.S. Department of Education registers and publishes 20 GAFM/AAPM Certifications on their websites with transparent standards.

ACBSP Accreditation Standards Articulation Agreement – Certification Standards Memorandum of Understanding

2023 – GAFM and QAHE enter a mutual accreditation agreement.
Chairman K. C. Lam, Chairman of QAHE, is added to the IBS/GAFM Global Advisory Board (International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary and Higher Education). FGAFM Fellow of the Global Academy of Finance & Management (Global Advisory Board).

ECLBS Accreditation Standards for Business Certification – Dr. George Mentz is added to the Global Board of Advisors for the European Council for Leading Business Schools (ECLBS).

GAFM becomes the first certifying body to achieve ISO 29993, ISO 21001, and ISO 9001 Certifications along with signing CHEA and ACBSP Standards accords and agreements.

International Accreditation Body Organization IA0 accredits GAFM, IBS, and AAPM.

GAFM CEO visits the Guernsey Courts and meets with Seigneurs and the Governor.

GAFM Advisory Board Meeting in Prague, Czech Republic – April 2022.

ChFM Chartered Financial Manager® is added to the FINRA education website along with its requirements.

2022 – Re-Accredited by ESQ in Europe.

2021 – The EU Trademark of CWM Chartered Certified Wealth Manager® renewed in the EU and UK until the year 2032. Classes 16, 35, 41.
CWM CHARTERED CERTIFIED WEALTH MANAGER®
EU: https://euipo.europa.eu/eSearch/#details/trademarks/010772176
UK: https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00910772176

2022 – New focused distribution in Arabia in the following nations: Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen, Jordan, Palestinian Territories, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Kurdistan, Sudan, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Turkey.

2022 – Commissioner Mentz approved new programs in China, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Programs paused in Russia.

President of the United States orders that credentials and skills shall be emphasized more than degrees. The Global Academy has been offering skills certifications for over 20 years.

GAFM achieves ESQ Accreditation in Europe along with becoming the first certification body in the world to achieve ISO 21001 Certification.

2021 – The AAPM (American Academy of Project Management) and the PCI Pillars of Indonesian Training Education LSP P31 agree to a mutual recognition agreement in issuing professional certifications in recognition of the AIPHE Association of Indonesian Private Higher Education.

GAFM has closed part of its LA operations due to Hurricane Ida. The NOLA IIPA business has been formally closed and declared defunct.

GAFM, AAFM, and AAPM China/Asia operations shut down by governments for 2021. All costs will be absorbed by the GAFM/AAPM leadership.

GAFM, AAFM, and AAPM Dubai operations shut down by governments. All losses due to casualty will be absorbed by the leadership and company.

GAFM partners with the University of Hong Kong and offers courses with EdX and Open edX.
GAFM is the creator of the MOOC-to-CERT philosophy, including the Certified FinTech Professional program.

2019 – GAFM enters an alliance with SIET (Singapore Institute of Engineering Technologists).
2019 – GAFM and ACBSP maintain a certification standards agreement since 2004.
GAFM completes alliance with MENA One Training operating in Bahrain, Iran, Georgia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.

2019 – New offices in Bangladesh (population 160 million).
2019 – New accord with Les Ingénieurs Professionnels de France – ACCORDS USA GAFM/AAPM/CUFCE and SNIPF.

2018 – GAFM forms alliance with OPPM (One Page Project Manager). Dr. Clark Campbell and Mick Campbell become preferred providers of project management courses.

GAFM opens new distribution in Germany, Turkey, UAE, and West Africa.

2016 – GAFM becomes a Charter Member Signatory to the CHEA Quality Standards Alliance.

2016 – GAFM forms alliance with SPE Society of Professional Engineers UK. GAFM members may apply directly for affiliated membership. Qualified members may apply for Member or Fellow of SPE.

July 2016 – GAFM is re-accredited by the TÜV accreditation agency in Europe.
GAFM earns ISO 9001 Quality Certification and ISO 29990 Training Certification.

GAFM signs alliance with the National Business Accreditation Agency USA (ACBSP.org). Graduates of ACBSP-accredited business schools may directly apply for certification.

2016 – New courses offered in Hong Kong; Beijing; Dubai, UAE; Accra, Ghana; Istanbul, Turkey; Maputo, Mozambique; Kuwait City; Hong Kong; Muscat, Oman; Doha, Qatar; Baku, Azerbaijan; Chicago; New York; Washington, D.C.; Almaty, Kazakhstan; San Diego; San Francisco; Miami; Houston, and more.

The GAFM and CHEA International Quality Group sign a Memorandum of Affiliation to partner with quality assurance organizations worldwide.

Africa/Ghana Government Recognition – GAFM certifications are registered with the Government of Ghana, Ministry of Education (under Legislative Instrument L.I. 2195, 2012 of CTVET). Recognized at Crown University College, attracting development partners including the African Development Bank and World Bank.

European Accreditation by TÜV Technischer Überwachungs-Verein Österreich.

GAFM and AAPM approved by Indonesian Government Credentialing Authority through a joint accreditation memorandum.

Bahamas Government – GAFM approved by the Government Ministry of Education of the Bahamas for executive certification training.

India Government – NISM and SIBE recognize GAFM financial and wealth designations.

GAFM enters a global distribution agreement with Thomson Reuters and Pearson Education. Exams available at thousands of testing centers globally.

GAFM® International Board of Standards is a member of:
ACBSP, AACSB, ICE, NOCA, ANSI, ISBE, NBEA, UN Civil Society, AABFS Arabia, IIFM India, and more.

Nov 2015 – UAE Government jointly confers the CWM Chartered Wealth Manager Certification with GAFM.
Ihlal International becomes an Approved Training Provider.

GAFM recognized by the Ministry of Education, Taiwan Government (Republic of China).

GAFM included in the ISO 29990 Certified Companies Charter Member Register.

June 2015 – Business programs licensed and approved by the Government of Saudi Arabia (TVTC).

Indonesia Government – Credentialing Authority recognizes GAFM Credentials (250 million population).

May 2015 – Board of Standards accredited by TÜV Technischer Überwachungs-Verein Österreich.

GAFM & University of Islam form academic alliance (UII is the oldest Islamic university in East Asia).

Board of Standards becomes ISO 9001 Certified for Quality.

GAFM and Board of Standards become the first US-based certification body to achieve ISO 29990 Training Accreditation.

May 2015 – Global Academy maintains reciprocity with the PBA Professional Business Accountants' Society of Canada.

April 2015 – IBS GAFM passes TUV Austria accreditation audit for ISO 29990:2010 and ISO 9001:2008.

GAFM becomes a member of the CHEA Quality Group.

April 2015 – New Global Advisor Dr. Anupam Mehta joins the Advisory Board.

March 2015 – AFA Accredited Financial Analyst and CRA Certified Risk Analyst become U.S.-registered designations. Programs referenced by Columbia University professors.

Feb 2015 – New Professors Awards announced at Italian offices.

Jan 2015 – GAFM approves South American School of Mines and Management for certification distribution.

Jan 2015 – IBS GAFM Board becomes a recognized candidate with TÜV Austria.

Jan 2015 – GAFM recognizes Opal Conferencing of New York for CE credits.

Jan 2015 – GAFM maintains memberships in ANSI, ACBSP, and Institute for Credential Excellence.

Jan 2015 – Legal buyout of AAFM certifications by GAFM International Board of Standards. GAFM now owns all certifications and IP. FINRA and the U.S. Government rebrand AAFM certifications under GAFM.

Jan 2015 – FINRA lists AFA Accredited Financial Analyst® and AMA Accredited Management Accountant® on the education guide.

Thomson Reuters collaboration with GAFM begins.

Jan 2015 – GAFM and AAPM alliance expands MPM and CIPM trademarks. Programs distributed in 40 countries.

Jan 2015 – New programs in Washington D.C., Dubai, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, San Francisco, Peru, Mexico, Bahamas, Beijing, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, London, Rome, and more.

Dec 2014 – Istanbul programs completed; graduates receive HR Certification.

Dec 2014 – UAE government partners with GAFM on wealth management and analyst certifications.

Nov 2014 – Chairman George Mentz appointed to the Higher School of Economics Advisory Council in Russia.

Aug 2014 – GAFM and EU offices cooperate with ISO Standards EU.

Aug 2014 – GAFM signs global agreement with Thomson Reuters.

July 2014 – GAFM Advisory Council approves Thomson Reuters as a global training provider.

July 2014 – Bangkok University approved as GAFM Chapter.

June 2014 – GAFM launches new certification training in Ghana, Dubai, Istanbul, Kuwait, Almaty, Maputo, and Saudi Arabia.

April 2014 – Accredited exam programs launched for AFA, AMC, AFA, and ChE.

March 2014 – New University chapters established in Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing, Guangzhou, Taiwan, Chongqing, UAE, KSA, MENA, USA, Kazakhstan, and Hong Kong.

2014 – New global advisory council members added.

GAFM becomes official syndicator of various certification programs.

January 2014 – GAFM works with Pearson Education for global exam distribution.

January 2014 – India Government recognizes select designations for investment advising.

January 2014 – UAE government uses AFA Accredited Financial Analyst credential as a model for certification.

January 2014 – South Africa Government Skills Council reviews GAFM certifications.

January 2014 – New chapters formed at Abu Dhabi University, UBT College Saudi Arabia, Pfeiffer University, Tanzania Business School, PBC School of Finance (Tsinghua University), Universidad de Santander, Monterrey Tech Virtual University, MISR University Egypt, Bangkok University, and Arab Institute for Accountants and Legal.

December 2013 – Royal Society of Fellows recognizes AFA Accredited Financial Analyst program.

July 2013 – Consulting with Securities and Commodities Authority, UAE.

June 2013 – Select programs approved by Supreme Council of Egypt.

May 2013 – GAFM launches new programs in Asia and Africa.

Feb 2013 – Several GAFM credentials featured by U.S. Department of Labor.

Jan 2013 – GAFM discloses AFA and AMA standards to FINRA.

Jan 2013 – Advisory Board Meetings in San Diego.

2012 – Academy recognizes the best accredited finance and accounting degrees worldwide.

Nov 2012 – GAFM consults with U.S. Federal Government for the 5th year.

July 2012 – GAFM agrees to consult with the United Nations on Public Finance and Trade Programs.

Latest GAFM® Press Releases and Diplomatic Alliances

Jan 2012 – GAFM consulting with the World Bank for outreach and NGO participation.

Jan 2012 – GAFM cooperates with UAE Securities Authority for educational standards.

Dec 2011 – GAFM consults again with U.S. Department of Labor.

Dec 2011 – Academy members work with UNITAR on Anti-Money Laundering Training.

Nov 2011 – Academy builds alliances in Asia, Latin America, and Brazil.

Sept 2011 – California Labor Department includes GAFM in its labor guide.

U.S. Government Certification Guide includes GAFM certifications.

Sept 2011 – Arab League’s Arab Academy continues to promote GAFM certification.

August 2011 – MFP® Master Financial Planner® becomes a federally recognized trademark.

See GAFM designations in Investor’s Business Daily Finance Dictionary at investors.com.

April 2011 – New graduates from Bolivia, Chile, USA, Taiwan, Korea, China, Africa, and MENA.

April 2011 – GAFM recognized by Global Certifications Council and Certification Intelligence.

April 2011 – GAFM listed as top 2 organizations for U.S. finance certification by CertificationsWeb.

April 2011 – GAFM included in ACFE list of top certifications.

April 2011 – GAFM and the Economist Association featured in AfricaNews.com.

March 2011 – Founder Prof. George Mentz named to the “Dream Team of Wealth Management."

Jan 2011 – New Handbook and Annual Report published.

Jan 2011 – Academy included in All Financial Advisors Authoritative Guide.

Jan 2011 – Academy included in the E-How Money Guide.

Jan 2011 – GAFM establishes Global American Academy of Business and Management (Trademarked in Colorado).

Jan 2011 – Academy recognized by School of Banking and Financial Management in Egypt.

Dec 2010 – GAFM Fellow T.J. Turner appointed to IRS Commission Committee.

Dec 2010 – New South African Alliance with IITF International Institute for Tax and Finance.

Dec 2010 – GAFM International Board included in Department of Labor, Investopedia, California DOL, ICE, and U.S. Congressional testimony references.

Nov 2010 – GAFM offers programs internationally and the first to offer certification with a U.S.-accredited law school.

Oct 2010 – Executive Board Meetings held in New York and London.

Oct 2010 – GAFM recognized by Wall Street Journal; certifications featured in WSJ reference guide.

Oct 2010 – Benzinga features GAFM certification programs.

Sept 2010 – GAFM designations featured in Wall Street Journal.

August 2010 – CEO Prof. Mentz added to AdvisorFX Panel of Experts.

July 2010 – Academy Board Meetings in London.

July 2010 – South Asia expansions.

July 2010 – CWM® accreditation in Singapore with FBC.

June 2010 – Conference sponsorship in China and Latin America.

May 2010 – GAFM featured in 2010 Forbes and Investopedia Dictionary.

March 2010 – University of Atlanta becomes GAFM chapter.

Feb 2010 – AAFM Board works with US Government on financial innovation.

Feb 2010 – GAFM alliance with Aristotle University and Aristotle Law School.

Jan 2010 – AAFM alliance with GIFM Global Institute of Finance and Management.

Jan 2010 – AAFM works with Pan Asia Companies, UK Training, International Tax Institute, Securities and Commerce Institute, and OET India.

Dec 2009 – AAFM forms alliance with Egyptian Finance Institute.

Dec 2009 – AAFM cooperates with China Government on certifications.

Nov 2009 – New Law School Certification Schedule released.

Nov 2009 – CEO Prof. Dr. Mentz joins the International Association of Qualified Financial Planners Advisory Board.

Oct 1, 2009 – AAFM becomes first to achieve 100% transparency and listing with NBEA, ISBE, AACSB, ACBSP, RSOF, ANSI, AABFS, IIFM, UNESCO, DOE, DOL, IBA, IMA, AFMLA, and NOCA.

Sept 2009 – AAFM USA Global Board celebrates 10 years as a chartered board.

Sept 2009 – New offices in Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Brazil.

August 2009 – AAFM co-hosts China Finance Forum.

August 2009 – AAFM signs alliance with Arab Academy of Banking and Financial Sciences.

August 2009 – AAFM sponsors three law school scholarships.

August 2009 – AAFM sponsors Best Paper Award for Latin America Conference.

New offices in South Africa with TRM and ITI Global.

AAFM sponsors IX IFC International Finance Conference, Buenos Aires.

AAFM forms alliance with WMSCC Wealth Management Standards Council of China.

AAFM Asia becomes new membership management arm.

AABFS becomes new Middle East representative for secure certification.

Indian Presidential Advisors recognize AAFM with positive recommendation.

Alert – Former Dubai subchapter loses recognition.
Unauthorized certificates from Dubai or Africa are invalid.
Hacker emails from aafm.ORG or theiafm.org are fraudulent.

AAFM enters cross-recognition with Egyptian Finance Association.

AAFM recognized by Indian Finance Institute and Indian Business Academy.

Only the U.S. Board at www.aafm.us can issue authentic certifications.

AAFM establishes Chartered Certified Economists Board of Standards – 500 new members.

AAFM forms partnerships in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Asia.

AAFM articulation with Jones International MBA program.

January 29, 2009 – University of California Silicon Valley awarded chapter membership.

AAFM selected by Dubai Financial Market (DFM) for training programs.

AAFM Asia and India expand training via global channels.

July 2010 – Economics Certifying Board celebrates a decade of service.

January 2009 – Management credentials featured in Forbes, Business Wire, Reuters, EuroInvestor, Yahoo Finance, Morningstar, Digital50, Ad Hoc News, Earth Times, Germany News, University of California News, ArabianBusiness.com, Express Computers (India), and more.

January 2008 – Expansion of approved programs in Asia, Latin America, and Middle East.

April 2007 – Committee Meetings in New York.

February 2007 – New degree programs approved.

January 2006 – Advisory meetings in Asia to establish global standards.

December 2004 – Global Advisory Board meets in Europe.

2000 – IBS GBM forms alliance with Graduate Leadership Institute.

1998 – Board of standards for certification established.

1997 – The Academy chartered; designation standards established.

1996 – The Financial Analyst and Tax credentials created and founded.