The CFA Society of Orange County (CFAOC) was established in 1983 by several practitioners working and living in Orange County. Most of the original members were affiliated with professional investment organizations in the greater Los Angeles area but were seeking a forum for investment ideas a little closer to home. In 1997 CFAOC was admitted to CFA Institute as an "Associated Group" with the Los Angeles Society of Financial Analysts (LASFA), which in turn, is a charter member society of CFA Institute. In 2000 CFAOC received its independence from LASFA and became a full society of CFA Institute. Establishment of the group heralds the presence and growing importance of a financial and investment community in the Orange County area.

Mission statement

The mission of the Society is threefold:

1) Provide a forum for investment professionals to meet, exchange ideas, and establish cohesion within the Orange County investment community;

2) Stay current on developments within the investment community and expand professional knowledge through high-quality presentations on industry-related subjects;

3) Foster, promote and recognize professionalism and ethical conduct within the Orange County investment community, and heighten public awareness of this professionalism.

Benefits of Membership

Luncheon program

Luncheon meetings are normally held on the third Wednesday of each month at The Center Club at the Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa. The luncheon program is open to society members, their guests and the financial press. The cost for luncheons is $10 for members with reservations or $20 at the door. Non-members and guests are $25. In addition, we offer an $80 pre-paid lunch program, which allows members to attend all luncheons.

Lunch presentation topics

Corporate Presentations: feature formal presentations by senior executives of publicly traded companies. The speakers make formal presentations describing their company's current operations and outlook and business climate. Adequate time is scheduled for a question and answer session, allowing members to explore pertinent issues related to both the company and its industry.

Topical/educational presentations: are given by experts in their field on topics that are of current interest to our members. Past presentations have focused on topics such as fixed income security selection and creating synthetic portfolios using derivatives. A balance of topical and corporate presentations is provided throughout the year.