The value of the CFA designation
Your passport to professional success
Achieving your CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst®) charter can place you among the elite in the investment management profession. It's the most respected and valued credential in the global finance community and your passport to advancement within the investment management profession.
Career advancement
Virtually every major financial services firm, consultancy, bank, brokerage, and insurance company worldwide employs CFA charterholders. Their positions include equity and fixed-income analysts, investment bankers, portfolio and hedge fund managers, and investment advisors to name only a few. These firms know that the charter signifies not only subject area competence, but also a dedication to knowledge, professional competence, and high ethical standards.
The numbers tell the story
- 67 percent of respondents said that their organizations either require or encourage investment professionals to obtain the CFA designation.
- 88 percent reported that the charter expanded their career opportunities or chances for promotion.
- 11 percent serve as the CEO, board chair, principal, CIO, or CFO of their respective organizations.*
*From "2005 Investment Management Compensation Survey," Russell Reynolds Associates.
Improved compensation potential
CFA Institute's previously cited survey of more than 16,000 charterholders showed that worldwide the total pay gap between those with a charter and those without it is substantial regardless of experience.
- Charterholders in the United States earn 54 percent more than those without the designation.
- They out-earn those with an MBA alone by 18 percent.
- Median 2005 U.S. compensation was $170,000. For those with 10+ years of experience, it shot up to $240,000.
- Charterholders with 5+ years of experience reported median total U.S. compensation of $200,000.
- Canadian median 2005 compensation was roughly $100,762 (in U.S. Dollars) and almost $170,000 for those with 10+ years of experience.
To learn more about the compensation survey results, refer to CFA Institute Executive Summary: CFA Institute Investment Management Compensation Survey.
Professional networking opportunities
As a CFA candidate, you can join CFA Institute and local investment societies. These memberships offer a multitude of ongoing educational, professional development. and networking opportunities, as well as members-only access to CFA Institute's and local societies' job sites.
For more information, download The CFA Designation (PDF)
