CFI’s Tim Vipond Talks Global Finance Education at Davos 2026
CFI’s CEO and Co-Founder Tim Vipond joined global leaders at the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss how online education is reshaping career opportunities for finance professionals around the world.
In this interview, Tim shares the story behind CFI’s mission to democratize the finance training that was once only available to those working at elite global banks. He reflects on his own experience starting out in investment banking and how it inspired him to build the practical, career-focused curriculum that CFI offers today.
The interview also explores CFI’s rapid global expansion, how employers are increasingly recognizing CFI credentials, and why Tim believes AI will create more opportunity, not less, for finance professionals in the years ahead.
Watch the full interview below to hear Tim’s insights on the future of finance careers and what it takes to stand out in a competitive field.
Produced by CBS News Brand Studio
Key Takeaways
Real Career Results
CFI’s programs are built to drive measurable career outcomes. As Tim shares, “75% of our learners say that within one month of completing the certification, they’ve had some sort of career advancement.” That means real promotions, new roles, and tangible progress, not just credentials on a resume.
Growing Global Reach
What started as a US-focused company has become a truly global platform with strong growth in the Middle East (including Saudi Arabia and the UAE), South Africa, and Singapore. Tim regularly travels to meet learners in these regions and hears firsthand how CFI’s training is helping them advance. See what professionals say about learning with CFI.
Employer Recognition
CFI credentials are showing up where it matters most: job postings. Employers are increasingly listing certifications like Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) as preferred or required qualifications. As Tim puts it, “People are hearing about us through their colleagues, through their classmates if they’re in university. That’s the best kind of endorsement you can get.”
A Bright Future for Finance Professionals
When asked about AI’s impact on finance careers, Tim offered an optimistic outlook. He drew an analogy to radiology, where AI was expected to replace professionals but instead expanded demand for their expertise. “Same thing in finance,” Tim explains. “As you can perform better, faster analysis, you can do more of it… You’re going to see this explosion of opportunity for finance professionals.”
Ready to become a world-class financial analyst?
The ever-growing market for financial analysts is always on the lookout for top-notch professionals. CFI’s Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) certification is for current and aspiring analysts who want to stand out in a competitive field. The program focuses on practical skills and exercises that mirror what you’ll be asked to do in interviews and on the job.
About CFI
Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) is the number one rated online provider of finance and banking training, certifications, and productivity tools. With the industry’s leading training library, CFI empowers professionals and teams with job-ready skills and practical resources to succeed in diverse roles within finance and banking. Established in 2016, CFI is trusted by over 2.8 million individuals and thousands of organizations worldwide.
