What is the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Credential?
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on Wednesday, July 24, 2019
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The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential has become the most respected investment designation in the world. Earning the CFA charter demonstrates mastery of the skills needed for investment analysis in today’s fast-evolving global financial industry. There are currently 154,000 CFA charterholders working in over 165 countries around the world.
To earn a CFA charter, candidates must complete the CFA Program, hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and accumulate 48 months of approved investment work experience. Annually, members must pledge to adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
The CFA Program is a graduate-level curriculum that covers concepts and skills to bridge the gap of academic theory with current industry practice. It is organized into three levels, each culminating in a six-hour exam which candidates report dedicating in excess of 300 hours of study to prepare for each exam. The three exams cover topics including quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance, equity investments, fixed income, and derivatives to provide a strong foundation of advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills. Over the past 10 years, the average pass rates are 41%, 44%, and 52%, for the Level I, Level II, and Level III exams, respectively.
In addition, the CFA Program focuses on ethical and professional standards that serve as the benchmark for investment professionals around the globe. The Code of Ethics maintains that charterholders must place the interests of clients above personal interests and act with integrity, competence, and respect.
What does the CFA charter mean to you? The CFA charter can help assure clients that assets are managed at a high ethical standard by a knowledgeable professional. Along with two CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals, First Point Wealth Management provides you respected advisors to provide sound investment expertise for your difficult financial decisions.