Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The CFA Program includes the foundational knowledge that firms expect as well as the critical advanced investment analysis and portfolio management skills that are needed in investment management today. CFA update its curriculum regularly, so it reflects modern financial practices. CFA candidates can bring what they have learned through the CFA Program to real-world scenarios.

Additional opportunities

CFA curriculum is developed through an Education Advisory Committee that includes industry practitioners, security market regulators, university faculty, and policymakers. Involving financial thought leaders helps ensure that CFA provides the skills the industry wants. This approach, known as Program Practice Analysis process, plays a key role in establishing the CFA Program as the global gold standard of investment credentials.

CFA Institute researches and identifies trends that significantly affect the investment industry. These insights inform updates to CFA curriculum to reflect current practices and help charterholders succeed in a constantly changing profession.

Designed with your future in mind, the CFA Program provides a strong foundation in advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills. Ongoing input from industry experts ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and prepares charterholders to enter today’s market.

CFA charterholders occupy a range of investment decision-making roles, typically as a research analyst or portfolio manager. CFA charterholders go on to enjoy lifelong careers in asset and wealth management, investment banking, commercial banking, and consulting, alongside a diverse range of career paths in-and-outside the industry.

As a globally recognized credential in the investment management profession, earning the CFA charter demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge and commitment to thrive in today’s complex and evolving investment industry. The CFA designation is a mark of distinction, and investment firms know it represents a higher standard.