Acadient Announces Formation of Boston Institute of Finance

New Unit to Expand Already Large Presence in Online Financial Education

BOSTON, June 29 2004/PRNewswire/

Acadient, a leading developer and distributor of online learning for the higher education and financial services industries, today announced the formation of the Boston Institute of Finance (BIF), a new division of Acadient that provides interactive learning solutions, test preparation, and certification programs for professionals in the financial services industry.

"Acadient developed the Boston Institute of Finance to provide a comprehensive financial services education program that solely focuses on the diverse educational and training needs of the financial services industry and individuals interested in professional financial education," said Ronald C. Pruett, Jr., chief executive officer of Acadient, who also will serve as the CEO of the Boston Institute of Finance. "We expect the name Boston Institute of Finance to be synonymous with financial education, since together with our industry partners, we will offer the most comprehensive financial content available globally."

BIF possesses the largest digital repository of training in the industry and manages the certification and training programs of thousands of corporate and individual learners in the US and abroad. BIF partners with prominent industry and academic institutions working with their experts to provide a wide range of educational content in finance, economics, regulatory, advisory and financial sales.

BIF partners are selected because they offer the best worldwide knowledge sources and industry subject matter expertise. Partners include: Boston University, Center for Fiduciary Studies, Keir Educational Resources, Lightbulb Press, National Investment Company Service Association (NICSA), Pearson Education, and The National Underwriter Company.

In addition to its other highly esteemed partners, BIF learners have access to online content from Boston-based Willett Institute of Finance, one of the country's oldest and most prestigious training organizations for the securities industry, which Acadient recently acquired.

BIF who is managed by a group of seasoned financial services professionals, collegiate instructors and technology professionals understand the need to provide information in a way that engages global learners and enhances learning. A recent deal with Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) brings talent in instructional design, expert graphics and programming, among other areas.

"Boston Institute of Finance's specific financial focus allows us to provide solutions that are crafted to meet the industry's need for more skilled, confident and productive employees and make it interesting for the learner along the way," said Pruett.