Navigating Change in Markets and the Profession

The past two years have reinforced a defining reality for financial markets and investment professionals alike: change is constant. Following the historic back-to-back gains of the S&P 500 in 2023 and 2024 an occurrence not seen since the late 1990s, 2025 unfolded against a backdrop of moderating inflation, evolving monetary policy expectations, continued advances in artificial intelligence, and the aftermath of a pivotal U.S. presidential election cycle.

While market performance remained resilient, the operating environment for investment professionals was anything but static. The lingering effects of prior interest-rate tightening heightened geopolitical uncertainty, and rapid technological transformation particularly the rise of generative AI continued to reshape how investment decisions are made, how firms operate, and how professionals define long-term career success.

Against this backdrop, CFA Society New York remained firmly aligned with CFA Institute’s mission to lead the investment profession globally by promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence. Through the commitment of our staff and volunteer leaders, the Society delivered timely, relevant programming and convened forums that fostered informed dialogue, professional judgment, and meaningful connection supporting members as they navigate a rapidly evolving profession.

Membership and Society Highlights in 2025

CFA Society New York closed 2025 with a strong and stable membership base. Retention remained robust at approximately 87.5%, underscoring the value members continue to place on the Society’s programming, professional community, and global affiliation with CFA Institute. As of year-end, active membership exceeded 10,659, including an influx of new members driven largely by continued growth among CFA Candidates, students, and other early-career professionals.

Candidate membership growth builds on the momentum established in 2024, reflecting our focus on engaging members early in their path to the CFA Charter. Expanded outreach to students and early-career professionals, supported in part by partners such as CFA Institute and Kaplan Schweser, introduced new audiences to the Society through exam support and skills-based learning opportunities. Our Student Member class experienced rapid expansion in 2025, reaching a milestone of 130 members. This growth reflects a successful outreach to a diverse cohort of high-caliber talent from New York’s premier colleges and universities in collaboration with our 5 new student ambassadors.

In parallel, we continued our work to rebuild and reimagine Volunteer Interest Groups, with the goal of deepening member engagement, strengthening connections across the Society, and fostering communities where long-term professional relationships can develop. These communities play a vital role in connecting members around shared interests, advancing professional knowledge, and fostering a culture of service and leadership within the Society.

From a financial perspective, the Society remains on solid footing. Entering 2026, CFA Society New York holds more than $12 million in unrestricted reserves, providing both stability and flexibility. This strong balance sheet positions the Society to invest thoughtfully in new initiatives, technology, and programming while maintaining long-term sustainability and fiduciary discipline.

Events and Programming: Momentum Continues

Throughout 2025, engagement across events and educational programming continued to strengthen. In-person attendance rebounded meaningfully, complemented by high-quality virtual and hybrid offerings that expanded access and reach. Across more than 100 distinct programs, many events consistently attracted over 100 registrants, reflecting strong demand for relevant, practitioner-focused content.

Program highlights included:

• The continued success of the Charterholder Celebration Recognition Event, reinforcing the community of the CFA designation and often onboarding new members to the society.
• Kaplan Schweser exam review programs, supporting candidates at critical stages of their CFA journey, including joint events such as the
  CFA Exam Level I Insider Secrets program.
• Expanded Mentorship Opportunities that broaden the Society’s mentorship offerings to support candidates and members across multiple career stages, including the Women’s Mentorship Program, CFA Level II Mentorship, and the introduction of a new CFA Level I Mentorship initiative.
• Well-attended Python and quantitative finance conferences, responding to growing demand for technical and data-driven skills.
• Ongoing strength in flagship offerings such as the Asset Owner Series and Generative AI programming, which attracted broad interest across
  disciplines.
• A special collaboration with the CFA Institute Research and Policy Center, convening leading industry voices to examine Jeremy Siegel’s seminal work, Stocks for the Long Run.
• Continued Coffee Chat and Lunch & Learn series, providing informal, accessible networking and educational opportunities-free to members.

The Society’s Annual Celebration, hosted at Ascent Lounge, brought together more than 200 members and guests. Honoring Tom Keene, CFA,
Managing Editor for Bloomberg Television and Radio, the event demonstrated the Society’s ability to convene senior leaders and deliver marquee experiences that combine thought leadership with meaningful networking.

Strengthening Our Global Voice

As one of the largest and most influential CFA societies globally, CFA Society New York continues to extend its reach beyond New York City. Our expanding digital footprint including event archives, podcasts, and curated video content serves a global audience and reinforces New York’s role as a leading center of investment thought leadership.

Collaboration with CFA Institute and sister societies worldwide remains a priority, enabling the exchange of insights and best practices across markets and regions. These partnerships enhance the value delivered to members while amplifying the Society’s voice on issues shaping the global investment profession.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Priorities and Opportunities

As we look toward 2026, CFA Society New York enters the year with momentum, clarity of purpose, and a strong foundation. Our focus will center on several key priorities:

• Future-Ready Education: Expanding programming on generative AI, data analytics, and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on practical application and ethical considerations.
• Deeper Member Engagement: Strengthening collaboration across our 10,000+ members through enhanced volunteer pathways, mentorship initiatives, student ambassador program and career-stage-specific programming.
• Professional Relevance and Trust: Continuing to reinforce the CFA Charter and Code of Ethics as cornerstones of professionalism in an increasingly complex and fast-moving industry.
• Sustainability and Long-Term Value Creation: Advancing thoughtful programming at the intersection of sustainability, quantitative finance, and risk management, aligned with evolving fiduciary expectations.
• Inclusive Growth: Expanding access through scholarships, partnerships, and outreach initiatives designed to broaden participation and strengthen the future talent pipeline.

Looking ahead, planning is already underway for the Society’s 2026 Annual Celebration, to be held on October 27 at The Plaza. Envisioned as a
flagship convening reflecting the Society’s scale, influence, and ambition, the evening will honor Thomas Lee as the recipient of the Irving Kahn Lifetime Achievement Award.

Moving Forward—Together

By building on the progress of 2025 and remaining adaptive to the forces shaping markets and the profession, CFA Society New York is well positioned for continued impact in 2026 and beyond. With the continued support of our members, volunteers, partners, and staff, we will advance excellence in investment knowledge, ethical leadership, and professional community ensuring CFA Society New York remains an indispensable resource for financial professionals
in New York and around the world.