Our History and Philosophy

Fitz Ritson and Associates evolved from a group of professionals analyzing the post FINSAC phenomena in Jamaica, highlighting the need for professionals in the financial sector to attain formal professional training in technical areas of finance and business management.

Karen Fitz Ritson receiving the accreditation certificate from the UCJ

Karen Fitz Ritson, financial analyst with a solid background and reputation in fund and portfolio management, coupled with her training hundreds of students in the Jamaica Securities Course offered through the Jamaica Institute of Management (JIM) with the encouragement of good friend and confidant Errol Greene formed the Company in 2001 and by October 2001 taught the first cohort of 28 students in Portfolio Management in collaboration with the JIM. This was well received by financial services industry.

In 2002 Fitz Ritson and Associates engaged in a certification contract with the University of Technology, Jamaica to certify the Portfolio Management Programme and future programmes the institute would be providing.

It also became evident by 2002 that the training techniques employed were translated into portable skills whereby students were gaining upward mobility in their respective organizations or job opportunities in the financial sector, therefore the philosophy “Training with Relevancy for those with the Desire to Succeed” was conceived, and this has been the mantra and guiding light of the organization.

In 2003 Fitz Ritson and Associates launched its second programme Financial Management with the emphasis of translating numbers into formidable business strategies. By 2004 this programmes was redefined and emerged as Strategic Financial Management strengthening the strategic component of this programme. Of note thirty percent (30%) of that cohort obtained upward mobility in their organization defining our philosophy of “Training with Relevancy for those with the Desire to Succeed”.

2005 was another ground breaking year as the Portfolio Management and Strategic Management Programmes were also being delivered online which attracted clientele mainly from Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. By the fourth quarter of that year the Portfolio and Risk Management Programme was launched and the ABC series. These are non certification programmes for individuals who want to self actualize at their own pace.

In 2006 Fitz Ritson and Associates achieved a greater milestone by trail blazing the accreditation of professional/short courses through the University Council of Jamaica. The first of its kind throughout the Caribbean region!

By the fourth quarter of 2006, Fitz Ritson and Associates offered a new programme Introductory Financial Analysis which was well received and is viewed to be another flagship programme as it has attracted a diverse group of professionals who desire to hone their analytical skills for personal and professional advancement.

The Fitz Ritson and Associates is very proud of their achievements to date and has built a team comprising of a cadre of professionals that brings to the table a diverse knowledge base and experience, coupled with high energy, passion and commitment with a warm spirit to foster the desired teaching objectives of the Institute. Our students feel this sense of camaraderie in the organization as former student Johnathan Smith proudly “dubbed” and renamed all students as “Ritsonites” distinguishing themselves from the pact, based on the techniques and knowledge base acquired and the standards of excellence that they are taught to maintain.

Fitz Ritson and Associates has developed the reputation of producing candidates equipped with the knowledge base and aptitude to meet global challenges. Fitz Ritson and Associates is recognized as the institution of choice in Jamaica as we continue to raise the bar in professional training.