A chartered financial analyst is a professional designation given to any financial analyst who has completed the required coursework and examinations. This status can be applied for while completing a degree program, after completing the program, or after obtaining a minimum of four years of experience in a qualified work position. Obtaining certification as a chartered financial analyst necessitates a significant amount of effort and dedication, which contributes to the CFA designation’s high value.
Chartered financial analysts must agree to follow a comprehensive code of ethics that goes above and beyond the usual and standard legal requirements, as well as pass a rigorous examination. The applicant will be subjected to three separate examinations before being granted accreditation. Before moving on to the next exam in the series, each previous exam must be completed successfully.
This process is overseen the CFA Institute of the United States, which sets the standards for applicant qualifications and the structure of the examinations. While the Institute was founded to serve only domestic accounting professionals, it has since grown to include a number of international members. The CFA Institute is not the only organization that offers chartered financial analyst certification. The ICFAI, based in India, also offers a program with similar requirements and standards.
CFAs are knowledgeable in a wide range of economic topics. A chartered financial analyst is not uncommon to specialize in high-level professions like corporate investment management, investment banking, or private consulting for investors who require specialized attention in the management of their investment portfolio. The prestige that comes with a chartered financial analyst designation can open a lot of doors for career options and choices, as well as help build a reputation in a short amount of time.