CFA Society Bahrain Launches Eighth Qodwa Mentorship Round

Round 8 of its "Qodwa" mentorship program. Image Courtesy: CFA Society Bahrain
Photo: CFA Society Bahrain via Zawya

CFA Society Bahrain launched the eighth round of its Qodwa mentorship program on 13 October 2026. The initiative connects 33 mentors with 33 mentees to facilitate career growth within the financial sector. This specific pairing of 33 mentors and 33 mentees ensures that each participant receives focused, individual guidance tailored to their specific career trajectory and professional needs.

Mr. Yousif Musayeb, President of CFA Society Bahrain, stated, "The launch of the eighth round of Qodwa reflects the Society’s commitment to offering practical pathways for learning and professional development. It grants young talent the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of specialists, CFA charterholders, and seasoned professionals in the financial sector. Throughout its previous editions, the program has demonstrated the vital role of mentorship in helping participants define their goals, hone their skills, and build professional relationships that support their careers, whether they are pursuing the CFA designation, transitioning to new job opportunities, or acquiring additional skills."

Program Structure and Partnership

Participants engage in the mentorship program over an eight-month duration. The schedule commenced on 5 October 2026 and concludes in May 2027. This structured eight-month timeline is designed to provide sufficient time for mentors and mentees to build a full professional relationship, allowing for consistent progress and regular check-ins throughout the tenure of the cycle.

CFA Society Bahrain operates this initiative in strategic partnership with Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain (KFH). This collaboration is a cornerstone of the program’s ability to reach and support a wide array of financial professionals. Regarding this collaboration, Mr. Yousif Musayeb, President of CFA Society Bahrain, stated, "We take pride in continuing this journey through our strategic partnership with KFH Group, reflecting our shared belief in the importance of investing in human capital, nurturing talent, and preparing a generation capable of contributing to the development of the Kingdom’s financial sector."

History and International Expansion

Since its initial launch in 2018, the Qodwa program has connected more than 200 mentors and mentees. This total figure represents a significant milestone for the organization in its efforts to foster professional development. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between experienced professionals and those entering the financial industry through structured guidance and knowledge sharing.

The program model moved beyond the Kingdom of Bahrain following its domestic inception. CFA Society Bahrain introduced the mentorship framework to Saudi Arabia in 2019. Subsequently, the organization expanded the program reach to Ukraine in 2020. These international additions marked the first instances of the mentorship initiative operating outside its base in Manama. Throughout these years, the program has maintained its focus on professional development across different regions, ensuring that the core values of the Qodwa mentorship model are applied consistently as it reaches new markets and diverse professional communities.