"This qualification is designed by corporate finance practitioners for corporate finance practitioners, and as such will play an important role in raising standards. There is no doubt that it will be much sought after not only by students and trainees who want a respected set of initials after their name to crown their achievements, but also by employers who will miss out in the war for talent if they do not offer to prospective employees the opportunity of earning this qualification."

Chris Ward
Chairman of the Corporate Finance Faculty
Head of Corporate Finance Advisory, Deloitte

"It would have been wonderful to have had access to this qualification when I started out on my Corporate Finance career.

It will also play an invaluable role and provide a clear path for those finance professionals who are moving from an operational finance role into one in which they are dealing with transactions.

Whitbread sees a clear place for practitioners with such experience in our business and advising us. This is particularly relevant as new funding models become more prevalent in our industry.

I can see a benefit at each of the three stages of the Corporate Finance qualification from the viewpoint of both the individuals who undertake the training and companies that employ them."

Sophie Warner
Director of Mergers & Acquisitions
Whitbread Group PLC

"I do believe international clients generally regard the corporate finance profession in the UK as having the highest standards of integrity. We applaud this initiative and qualification which should enhance even further this excellent reputation."

Rupert Faure Walker
Managing Director
HSBC Bank plc

"The new CF qualification will help both new and established corporate finance practitioners to understand the regulatory framework within which they will operate and the standards they will need to apply ."

Richard Murley
Director General
The Takeover Panel

"I am delighted to give my full support to the new Corporate Finance qualification. Motivated and ambitious young executives are an essential asset in the private equity business and a qualification that will provide them with practical and relevant skills is a great development for the industry as a whole."

Jon Moulton
Managing Partner
Alchemy Partners, private equity advisory business

"This qualification is a great step for those practising or wanting to practise corporate finance. Gaining the experience that comes from attending the courses, and receiving the Corporate Finance qualification, will come to represent the standard of excellence that will not only benefit the individual but the industry as a whole."

Howard Leigh
Managing Director
Cavendish Corporate Finance

"I am delighted that the ICAEW and its partners have identified both a need and an opportunity in developing this new Corporate Finance qualification. The emphasis on drawing on practitioners' experience to develop skills which have a practical application will have increasing resonance in today's market."

Stephen Timms MP
Financial Secretary
HM Treasury

"The skills of corporate finance are crucial to the economy through the role it plays in the investment chain and is a significant contributor to London's success as a financial centre. Professional standards - of proficiency and conduct - are therefore important in ensuring companies get the right advice and in continuing to attract global business to London. The FSA supports developments which contribute to recognising and raising professional standards, such as the new Corporate Finance qualification."

Hector Sants
Managing Director Wholesale and Institutional Markets
Financial Services Authority