Bio

Dr. Chris Hughen, CFA is Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Denver and directs the Marsico Investment Center in the Reiman School of Finance. Chris holds a Ph.D. in finance from the University of Missouri and regularly teaches courses in equity analysis and portfolio management.

Professor Hughen has published peer-reviewed research articles in leading finance journals such as The Journal of Portfolio Management, The Journal of Financial Research, and Financial Management. His research has won awards from the CFP Board of Examiners, Academy of Financial Services, and the Daniels College of Business. He has served as a reviewer for numerous academic journals, including the Financial Analysts Journal, Journal of Business Ethics, and International Review of Financial Analysis.

In 2021, he received the Innovative Teaching Award from the Daniels College of Business for his work developing experiential learning opportunities for students.

Education

• Ph.D. in Finance, University of Missouri
• M.A. in Finance and Banking, University of Alabama

Certifications

In addition to his academic qualifications, Dr. Hughen has earned several prestigious professional certifications in the field of finance and investment management:

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

  The CFA designation is a globally recognized professional credential offered by the CFA Institute to investment and financial professionals. Earning the CFA charter involves passing three rigorous levels of exams that cover a broad range of topics, including ethics, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance, equity investments, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, portfolio management, and wealth planning. The CFA program is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various roles within the investment industry, such as portfolio management, research analysis, and advisory services. The CFA charter is highly respected worldwide and signifies a strong commitment to ethical standards and professional excellence in the field of finance.

  Professor Hughen is an active member of the CFA Society Colorado and has served as a volunteer to the CFA Society for over ten years. He has held several leadership positions, including President of the CFA Society Toledo.

  The finance programs at the University of Denver are recognized in the CFA Institute’s University Affiliation Program. Our curriculum covers over 70% of the topics in the CFA Program. If you are a finance student at DU and are interested in pursuing the CFA designation, I can offer guidance on preparing for the exams and applying for scholarships.

• Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM)

  The CIPM is a specialized designation offered by the CFA Institute that focuses on the rigorous evaluation and communication of investment results. The CIPM program provides advanced expertise in performance attribution, risk assessment, and manager selection, with a heavy emphasis on the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®). Earning this certificate demonstrates a commitment to transparency, ethical reporting, and the technical mastery required to provide actionable insights into portfolio performance. It is widely recognized as the industry standard for professionals dedicated to ensuring that investment figures are both accurate and globally comparable.

• Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA)

  The FSA credential is offered by the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation (IFRS) and is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate sustainability factors into financial analysis and decision-making. The FSA program covers key concepts related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, as well as their impact on corporate performance and risk management. Earning the FSA credential demonstrates a commitment to understanding how sustainability considerations can influence long-term value creation for businesses and investors. It is increasingly recognized as an important qualification for finance professionals seeking to incorporate ESG principles into their work.

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