STATE OF THE SOCIETY
A 2024 Year-in-Review at CFA Society New York, and a Look Ahead to 2025
A Resilient Year for Markets and Professionals
2024 marked the first time since 1997–98 that the S&P 500 enjoyed back-to-back gains exceeding 20%. The year’s economic landscape was bolstered by heady growth in the Tech sector driven by Artificial Intelligence, a Federal Reserve that reduced interest rates, and ended with a pivotal Presidential election. The election reminds us that the only “constant” that we can predict with confidence is a state of constant change.
The lingering effects of inflation and earlier rate hikes remained a headwind for many professionals, particularly in financial services. And the rise of generative A.I. presents both opportunities and uncertainties, reshaping the way our members, their firms, and the broader industry operate.
In this dynamic environment, CFA Society New York proved to be a steadfast partner for its members. Through the dedication of our staff and volunteer leaders, we delivered world-class educational content and facilitated invaluable networking opportunities, ensuring our members stayed informed and connected amid uncertainty.
Membership and Society Achievements in 2024
Membership retention reached 87.1%. As of January 1, 2025, our active membership stands at 10,439, including 742 new members, bolstered by a significant increase in candidate memberships, which grew by over 140% compared to 2023. This growth reflects our tailored approach to engaging members at every career stage, with new opportunities for CFA Charterholders, candidates, and students.
We also invested heavily in outreach to early-career professionals, supported in part by CFA Institute and Kaplan Schweser, introducing innovative programming and career-building events. These efforts have further strengthened our community and positioned the Society for sustained growth.
As of January 2025, the Society has over $11 million in unrestricted funds, a solid foundation that positions us for continued growth and success. These positive financial trends, along with our strong membership base, are vital in ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the organization. With these resources, we are well-equipped to support new initiatives that enhance the value we provide to our members. Our ongoing commitment to developing and offering high-quality programs ensures that we meet the evolving needs of our members at all stages of their careers.
Events and Programming Highlights
In 2024, attendance at events and programming continued to improve, buoyed by the return to in-person gatherings, exciting new content, relevant topics, dynamic speakers and the reopening of our renovated event space. By September, registrations consistently exceeded 100 attendees for many events. Notable highlights included the return of Charterholder Recognition Night, Kaplan’s 3-day Exam Reviews, and the well-attended Python conferences.
The inaugural Eastern Subregional Conference for CFA Societies in the Northeast received high praise, while our flagship Asset Owner Series and the Generative AI event series drew strong interest. The Annual Celebration at Ascent Lounge featured Steven Meier, CFA, Chief Investment Officer and Deputy Comptroller of NYC Pensions Retirement, as the honoree. The evening attracted over 300 attendees and offered unparalleled networking opportunities.
Expanding Global Reach
As a leader among CFA Institute’s local societies, CFA Society New York remains dedicated to amplifying its global presence as a premier global financial center. Our website continues to be a hub for video content, event archives, podcasts, and curated video clips, extending our reach to audiences worldwide.
In collaboration with CFA Institute and sister societies, we have fostered the exchange of insights and ideas tailored to the financial investment community, furthering our reputation as a hub for thought leadership on a global scale.
A Look Ahead to 2025
As we enter 2025, our commitment to empowering financial professionals remains unwavering. We will expand educational programming to address challenges and opportunities presented by generative A.I. and other disruptive technologies, equipping members to leverage innovation effectively.
Enhancing member engagement is a top priority, with plans to increase collaboration across our 10,000+ members and volunteer interest groups. Initiatives will include mentorship programs, targeted career development resources, and events tailored for members at various career stages.
Sustainability and quantitative finance will remain central themes, with programming designed to explore the intersection of finance and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Additionally, we aim to expand our membership base by reaching underrepresented groups through scholarships, partnerships, and inclusive outreach efforts.
By building on the successes of 2024 and embracing emerging opportunities, CFA Society New York is poised to strengthen its legacy of excellence in education, networking, and professional growth. Together, we will navigate the evolving global landscape and continue to empower financial professionals to thrive.

David Allen, CFA
Chair of the Board of Directors
CFA Society New York

Arun Manansingh
Chief Executive Officer
CFA Society New York