Firms and professionals in the investment industry are stewards of capital – they help clients make investment decisions, invest their money, and provide services to enhance financial markets. The scope of these services can include trading, asset management – constructing and managing investment portfolios and funds – and regulation of these systems. Enrolling in the CFA Program and earning the CFA charter prepares and positions you for a variety of career paths in the investment industry.

Widely considered the apex for professional development in investment management, the CFA designation is valued by employers for roles and functions in every sector of the global finance industry, including portfolio management, analysis, private wealth, and consulting. But the CFA charter also equips professionals with the versatility to take their career paths in different directions.

CFA charterholders can be found in a variety of roles across the investment industry. Therefore, compensation can vary based on job function and region. Moreover, a significant amount of compensation in the investment industry takes the form of bonuses, so total compensation includes base salary, any bonuses, and long-term incentives.

Benchmarking the CFA Charter

An independent evaluation found the following levels of comparability for the CFA Charter:

* Comparable to Master’s degree standard
¹ In the context of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), RQF Level 7 (CFA Charter comparable level) has been referenced to EQF Level 7. RQF Levels 5 and 4 (comparable levels for CFA Level I and Certificate in ESG Investing, respectively) are both aligned at EQF Level 5.

The independent evaluation also found the following levels of comparability for the CFA Level I:

• Comparable to RQF Level 5 in the UK education system
• In the absence of a national qualification framework or directly comparable qualification in the USA education system, CFA Level I can be considered broadly comparable to completion of Year 3 of a 4-year US Bachelor degree.

Earning the CFA charter gives you the distinction of joining a prestigious group of elite investment professionals, an achievement that can open doors for career growth. CFA Institute supports members and candidates by providing a variety of career tools and resources, access to comprehensive career guides, analysis of future finance trends and help preparing, and even perspective for career switchers exploring new fields.

You don’t have to be a CFA charterholder—or even a candidate in the CFA Program—to become a member of CFA Institute. We offer two types of membership—regular and affiliate—to reflect the range of experiences investment professionals have. Membership to CFA Institute and a local society gives you access to career resources, networking opportunities, continuing education, and other benefits that support you beyond the curriculum and exams.