18 June 2026
As financial markets become increasingly data-driven, programming skills are no longer the exclusive domain of data scientists and software engineers. For investment professionals, the ability to manipulate large datasets, automate analyses and apply machine learning techniques is rapidly becoming a competitive advantage.
To support members in developing these capabilities, CFA Society Italy has renewed its partnership with POLIMI Graduate School of Management, offering an exclusive 15% discount on the Professional Certificate in Python for Finance.
The part-time online program, starting in September 2026, is designed for finance professionals with a basic understanding of corporate finance and asset management who wish to strengthen their technical skills and integrate programming into their day-to-day activities. Delivered over three months, the course combines academic rigor with practical applications relevant to modern financial markets.
The curriculum begins with the fundamentals of Python, including syntax, algorithms and object-oriented programming, before moving to the libraries most widely used in financial data analysis, such as NumPy and Pandas. Participants also learn how to retrieve financial data through APIs, visualize information using Matplotlib, and apply Python to financial modelling, Monte Carlo simulations and portfolio optimization.
A key feature of this year’s program is its emphasis on machine learning. Beyond introducing the core concepts, the course explores practical applications of machine learning algorithms in finance, enabling participants to understand how these techniques can support investment analysis, risk management and decision-making in real-world contexts.
The program reflects a broader transformation taking place across the financial industry. As datasets grow in size and complexity, and as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in investment processes, professionals are expected to complement traditional financial expertise with technical capabilities that improve efficiency, reproducibility and analytical depth. Python has emerged as one of the industry’s leading programming languages precisely because of its flexibility and extensive ecosystem of financial and data science libraries.
For members of CFA Society Italy, the Professional Certificate represents an opportunity to bridge the gap between finance and technology while earning skills that are increasingly sought after across asset management, banking and financial advisory. The exclusive 15% discount is available to all Society members as part of the ongoing collaboration between CFA Society Italy and POLIMI Graduate School of Management.
As the investment profession continues to evolve, technical proficiency is becoming an essential complement to financial expertise. Initiatives such as the Python for Finance Professional Certificate reflect CFA Society Italy’s commitment to supporting lifelong learning and equipping members with the tools needed to succeed in an increasingly digital and data-driven financial landscape.
