About the GAFM® – Global Academy of Finance & Management
Global Accreditation & Recognitions
The GAFM International Board of Standards is recognized through: SIS Sanction with Accreditation from the IAS International Accreditation Service (US), ECLBS (Europe and Middle East education accreditation), QAHE (an international higher and professional education accreditor), MACCA (the European accreditation alliance for professional programs), and the AABFS, the Arab Academy for Banking & Financial Sciences, which recognizes external certifications.
GAFM® is the first U.S.-based certification body in business and finance to achieve:
- EU Certifications from ELCBS, QAHE, SIS, & MACCA
- Governmental Recognition in India
- Governmental Recognition in China
- Governmental Recognition in the UAE
- Governmental Recognition in Indonesia
- US Dept of Education Standards
- ISO 29993 – Learning Services Certification
- ISO 29990 – Learning Services Outside Formal Education
- ISO 21001 – Educational Organization Management Systems
- ISO 9001 - Quality Certification Framework
Accreditations
The GAFM is the 1st Body in the world to have a Wealth Management Certification Accredted by the Largest Democracy in the World.
- GAFM/AAFM is EU Accredited Standards - MACCA ECLBS QAHE
- IAS – International Accreditation Service recognizes the IAS Sanction of GAFM
- Government - Recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, GAO, EPA, Interior, DOD, DOE, FDA, FEMA, IRS, USAID, DHS, NIH, and other federal bodies.
- Government Recognized in India for Finanical Qualification
- Government of China for Management Certifications in Finance
- IOAS – International Organization for Accreditation Services ISO 29993
- Arab League Arab Academy Accreditation Recognition for 25 Nations AABFS
- UAE Government Recognition - Various AAFM, AAPM, and GAFM professional certifications are recognized and registered with the Government of UAE Dubai KHDA through affiliated local training institutes that have obtained official KHDA approval for those specific programs.
Accreditation Agency Alliance
GAFM® maintains an academic alliance with ACBSP and is a founding member of the CHEA International Quality Group initiative. We work with over 1,000 accredited business schools and approved providers across 100+ nations with our alliances with
Accreditation Agencies on Standards for Business Schools
GAFM® and the IBS International Board of Standards also hold recognition or accreditation from ECLBS, QAHE, IOAS, MACCA, and SIS Sanctioning (IAS Accredited), and have held past accreditations from TÜV and ESQ.
The GAFM® International Board of Standards is also:
- A member of the Academic Council for the United Nations System (ACUNS)
- Approved within the United Nations Civil Society network
- A member of the Credential Evaluation Association International
Academic Alliances & Department of Education Recognition
For more than twenty years, GAFM® IBS has supported major U.S. and international academic standards, including:
- ACBSP and AACSB business school accreditation principles
- CHEQ – Council for Higher Education Quality Accreditation standards
- Recognition of accredited degrees and examinations as certification pathways
GAFM® is a Charter Member of the Department of Education Recognized International Quality Group Memorandum of Affiliation.
GAFM® / IBS / AAPM certifications—built on accredited education, examinations, and professional competency— align directly with federal priorities emphasizing skills, experience, and professional certification.
Certification Eligibility Pathways
If you hold accredited degrees, diplomas, licenses, or government-recognized qualifications, you may already qualify for a GAFM® designation.
We offer certifications in:
- Finance & Financial Analysis
- Financial Planning & Wealth Management
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Risk Management
- Management Consulting
- Leadership & Strategy
- Marketing
- Economics
- And related fields
Our standards require:
- Accredited degrees or equivalent academic credentials
- Recognized or accredited examinations
- Documented professional experience or research
- Agreement to the GAFM® Code of Ethics
- Continuing education
All certifications adhere to governmental and related accredited program standards.
History & Founding
The GAFM® was founded in 1996 by executives, professors, and industry experts associated with the Graduate Leadership Society. Our mission has remained constant: to raise global standards in business education, ethics, assessment, and professional certification. Since inception, GAFM® was the first to promote double accredited graduate standards in business, law, finance, management, and leadership development.
Accreditations, Licenses & International Sanctions
The GAFM® / IBS International Board of Standards holds the following certifications and recognitions:
ISO Certifications
- ISO 29993 – Learning Services (IAOS Accredited)
- ISO 21001 – Educational Organization Certification (IAS Accredited)
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Certification (IAS Accredited)
Standards Council & Membership
The GAFM® Standards Council awards board certifications to professionals who complete:
- Accredited degree programs
- Recognized examinations
- Documented professional experience
- Government-recognized credentials
Candidates may apply for:
- Board Certification
- Chartered Status
- Fellow Status
Apply Now to join the Academy and Be Certified.
Media Recognition
GAFM® and its certifications have been featured in:
Barron’s, Financial Times, FOX, Wall Street Journal, NBC, CBS, ABC, Schwab, Goldman Sachs publications, Rolling Stone, Yahoo Finance, Investopedia, Daily Mirror, GlassDoor, Forbes, Indeed Editorial, Hindu Business, CIO.com, The Week, Morningstar, MSNBC, Investor Daily, El Norte Mexico, China Daily, Arab News, The Tribune, United Nations publications, U.S. Government communications, Nigerian Post and more.
Tandem Non-Profit Registration (USA)
The GAFM® Membership & Standards Council is registered as a U.S. non-profit under:
Association for Finance and Management – #20131359135
Note: All education, certification IP, and commercial credentialing operations remain separate from non-profit activities.
Association for Finance and Management – #20131359135
Note: All education, certification IP, and commercial credentialing operations remain separate from non-profit activities.
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