KEDGE Banking & Finance student awarded a CFA scholarship
A dedicated and high-achieving student, Milan Kum Achuo joined the MSc Banking & Finance in Bordeaux in 2024 after building solid professional experience in Cameroon. His strong academic background, commitment to excellence and early engagement with the CFA pathway have positioned him as one of the programme’s standout profiles. His selection for a CFA scholarship reflects both his potential and his determination to advance in the field of finance.
A programme recognised by the CFA Institute
Since 2024, the Master in Banking & Finance at KEDGE has been officially accredited by the CFA Institute, a major milestone reflecting years of work led by Pierre Gruson, who launched the programme in 2020 and has continuously strengthened its academic quality and alignment with professional standards.
Each year, three scholarships of €1,000 are awarded to the most deserving students, with priority given to those who have already passed one level of the CFA examination.
What is the CFA programme and why is it important?
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is widely regarded as the gold standard in the investment management profession. Awarded by the CFA Institute, it certifies a high level of expertise in areas such as portfolio management, ethics, financial analysis, and risk management.
The CFA qualification consists of three rigorous exam levels that require several hundred hours of preparation each. Passing all levels is a significant achievement, recognised globally by financial institutions, investment firms, and regulatory bodies.
To obtain the full CFA Charter, candidates must also complete 36 months of relevant professional experience, demonstrating their ability to apply advanced financial concepts in real-world settings.
KEDGE’s CFA accreditation ensures that the programme’s curriculum is closely aligned with these global standards, offering students an exceptional academic foundation and strong career advantages in finance.
Meet Milan Kum Achuo
Academic and professional background
Milan holds a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance from the University of Buea, Cameroon, completed in 2021. Before joining KEDGE, he gained solid professional experience:
- Transactions Advisory Intern – Mazars, Douala (June–November 2022)
Supported due diligence processes in mid-sized M&A operations in the energy and manufacturing sectors. - Assistant Corporate Relationships Manager / Credit Analyst – United Bank for Africa, Douala (January 2023–March 2024)
Managed a portfolio of more than 20 SME and large corporate clients, contributing to credit analysis and client relationship management.
Current activities
Since completing the first year of his master’s programme in August, Milan has been co-managing his family’s financial resources with his brother, also a KEDGE student. Together, they are developing and testing investment strategies.
He also provides research services for investors with a focus on African startups, gaining exposure to innovative and high-growth markets.
Career objectives after KEDGE
Milan plans to pursue a PhD in Finance after obtaining his Master’s degree. His journey through the CFA programme has deepened his interest in portfolio optimisation, risk management, and research. This has strengthened his ambition to engage in both academic and applied financial research.
CFA achievement
Milan successfully passed all three CFA exam levels on the first attempt:
- Level I – 2021
- Level II – 2022
- Level III – October 2025
After completing Level II, he postponed Level III due to the limited opportunities to apply advanced investment concepts in Cameroon’s underdeveloped capital markets. Thanks to KEDGE, he was able to sit the Level III exam in 2025.
Milan plans to apply for the full CFA Charter once he reaches 36 months of qualifying work experience.
Motivation and reflection on the CFA programme
Milan was inspired early on by teachers who described the CFA designation as the benchmark qualification in investment management — often compared to an Ivy League–level standard, but far more accessible financially.
Driven by intellectual curiosity, he approached the CFA curriculum as an opportunity to learn from top-tier material. He believes that “every finance major should go through the CFA curriculum, even if they do not intend to sit the exams,” given its academic depth and practical relevance.
Commitment to Excellence
Preparing for Level III required around five months of intensive study, during which Milan exceeded the usual 300 recommended hours. He chose to study directly from the official CFA curriculum without relying on external providers, valuing the clarity and depth of the CFA Institute’s materials.
Promoting excellence in finance education
Thanks to KEDGE’s participation in the CFA programme, three scholarships of €1,000 are awarded each year. This support enables the most deserving students, particularly those who have already passed a CFA level to advance in their CFA journey under optimal conditions.
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