MAM
KPMG and Imarticus add up skills with global finance prep programme
MUMBAI: When it comes to finance careers, passing the exam is only half the equation. The other half is applying knowledge where it counts and that’s exactly the balance KPMG in India and Imarticus Learning want to strike with their industry-first Global Accounting and Finance Certification Preparation Programme.
The collaboration, unveiled this week, is designed for aspirants chasing the world’s toughest credentials CFA, US CPA, US CMA, ACCA, and FRM. Imarticus, already India’s first authorised prep provider for all five, will now add KPMG’s global expertise to the mix. The goal? To upskill 25,000 learners by FY28, a fivefold leap from the current 5,000.
What sets this initiative apart from conventional cram-and-pass coaching is its emphasis on applied learning. Learners will access a curated collection of 23 case studies developed by KPMG in India, delivered via live online sessions across the five certification tracks. Beyond that, the programme bakes in mentorship, mock exams, career-focused exposure, and even internship opportunities for top performers, the top three from every ACCA batch and the best candidate from each of the other four courses.
For candidates facing syllabi that are notoriously dense with CFA alone spanning ten topic areas, from quantitative methods to ethics this blend of theory and practice could make the difference between rote memorisation and real readiness.
Imarticus Learning founder & CEO Nikhil Barshikar framed it as India’s first true industry-academia partnership in certification prep: “We’re bringing learners an unmatched blend of academic depth and practical business insights. The goal isn’t just to help them pass exams, but to build the confidence and clarity to excel in global finance roles.”
From KPMG’s side, the focus is equally clear. KPMG in India partner and finance advisory Gaurav Vohra, noted that the sector demands more than textbook smarts: “The finance and accounting industry is evolving rapidly, demanding professionals who can apply insights in real-world scenarios. This collaboration empowers professionals to do just that.”
With global finance certifications commanding prestige and pass rates often hovering below 50 per cent, the need for structured, real-world prep has never been greater. By combining KPMG’s expertise with Imarticus’ reach, the programme positions itself not just as an exam pipeline, but as a launchpad for globally mobile, industry-ready finance talent.
MAM
G-Shock launches GA-2100CM series with camouflage design
New sand and grey variants priced at Rs 10,995 each in India.
MUMBAI: Time just got a little more tactical and a lot more stylish. G-Shock has unveiled the GA-2100CM series, a fresh update to its popular GA-2100 line, bringing a camouflage twist to one of its most recognisable silhouettes. For the first time in the 2100 series, the watches feature G-Shock’s original camouflage pattern, subtly embedding the brand’s signature ‘G’ motif into the design. The move signals a shift towards more design-led storytelling, blending rugged functionality with fashion-forward detailing.
The new series introduces two colour variants sand (GA-2100CM-5A) and grey (GA-2100CM-8A) extending the model’s appeal across both streetwear and outdoor-inspired aesthetics. Built around the brand’s signature octagonal bezel and hybrid analogue-digital display, the watches retain a clean, modern look while adding layered visual depth.
Under the hood, the GA-2100CM continues to lean on performance. It features the Carbon Core Guard structure for durability, while maintaining a slim, lightweight profile suited for everyday wear. Functional elements include world time across 31 time zones, a 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, LED light and 200-metre water resistance.
In line with evolving material choices, select components use bio-based resin, pointing to a gradual shift towards more sustainable design without compromising on toughness.
Priced at Rs 10,995, the GA-2100CM series is available across Casio India stores and online platforms.
As watch brands continue to balance utility with identity, G-Shock’s latest drop makes its intent clear, durability may be the legacy, but design is the new frontier.
