What is the full form of CFA

CFA: Chartered Financial Analyst

CFA stands for Chartered Financial Analyst. It is a globally-recognized professional designation offered by the CFA Institute, which is an international non-profit professional organization to evaluate and certifies the competence and integrity of financial analysts. It is one of the most sought-after career options for investment professionals and a highly renowned designation in finance; considered a gold standard in the field of investment analysis.

To become a CFA, the aspirants are required to clear all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst Exam: Level I, II, and III, conducted by CFA Institute. So, the CFA course is completed in three levels; Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, and the duration is around 1.5 years. After completing the course, the students are awarded the certificate of Chartered Financial Analyst. The three exams are conducted once a year in June, except for level I, as they can also be taken in December.

Eligibility for becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst:

• The students who want to pursue this course must have a Bachelor's degree or should be in the final year of their Bachelor's degree program.
• The candidate should have a relevant work experience for a minimum of 4 years.
• The candidate can have a combination of work experience and education, totalling four years.

CFA Job Profiles:

Globalization and industrialization have increased the demand for CFAs in India. A CFA has plenty of career options as he or she can work in various fields, such as:

• Risk Management
• Wealth Management
• Capital Markets
• Trading
• Investment banking M&A
• Asset Management
• Corporate Banking
• Quantitative analytics

Top CFA Colleges & Institutes in India:

• Indian Institute of Business Management and Studies (IIBMs), Mumbai
• Central India Institute of Management Studies (CIIMS Raipur), Chhattisgarh
• Mansukh Institute of Financial Markets (MIFM), New Delhi
• Narayan Institute, Gujarat
• FTMS Global Academy India Private Limited, Chennai
• Chartered Finance Analyst Institute (CFA Institute), Mumbai

Institute of CFA

CFA Institute was once known as the Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR). The CFA Institute assures that there exist investment professionals who meet a high degree of excellence through its examinations and certificates. A Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement and an Investment Foundations Program are now available from the CFA Institute.

The 20 board members that make up the CFA Institute's governing body are individually chosen for a three-year term. The corporate office of this company is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, and regional offices are also kept in Beijing, Mumbai, London, and Brussels. It is accepted as a standard of preference by 31,000 investment institutions.

The Certificate in ESG Investing, the Certificate in Investment Performance, and the Certificate in Investment Foundation are a number of the certificate programmes offered by the CFA Institute. However, its Chartered Financial Analyst Course is what makes it most well-known. More than 178,000 Chartered Financial Analysts, who have impacted over 162 markets (Nations) globally, have been produced by the CFA Institute.

Why Take a Course in CFA?

One of the most prominent commerce programmes is Chartered Financial Analyst. A CFA credential earns graduates nearly as much money and prestige as a CA or CS degree. Chartered Financial Analysts can work for a wide range of financial companies and are in high demand.

The benefits of taking the CFA course include the following:

A Global Credential: The CFA institute's certification is recognised in more than 165 nations worldwide. For investing professionals, the CFA institute's credentials are regarded as the gold standard.

Job Opportunities: The financial market offers vast opportunities for future investments, mobile wallets, and mutual funds will increase the number of jobs available in the finance industry. It is predicted that the investment market, and notably the investment banking sector, will grow from USD 102.84 billion in 2020 to USD 111.45 billion in 2022, reaching USD 137.97 billion in total by 2025. As a result, individuals who hold a CFA charter will have access to a variety of job options in the future.

Career Potential: CFA graduates are frequently hired in senior-level roles in the financial industry. According to the CFA Institute, the majority of Chartered Financial Analysts work for the leading financial institutions in the world, including JP Morgan Chase, UBS, RBC, Bank of America ML, HSBC, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, and others. As a result, joining this exclusive network of former employees at the premier companies stated above will not only help them have a great career but also provide them with enjoyment.

Possibility of joining a select alumni network: According to the CFA Institute, there are only 178,000 Chartered Financial Analysts in 162 nations. Therefore, being a part of such a select alumni network and working for prestigious firms will assist the candidates in having not only a successful career but also happiness. There are now more Chartered Financial Analysts in the world as a result of the CFA Course's success. The quantity of Chartered Financial Analysts has been growing by 7% annually.

Gain Financial Skills: The programme gives participants a chance to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the financial industry. Portfolio management, wealth planning, derivatives, corporate finance, and alternative investments are among the topics covered in the CFA curriculum, which aids students in developing a deeper understanding of the financial industry and its products.

Option for Entrepreneurship: After completing the CFA course, candidates may choose to launch their own consulting businesses using their diplomas and newly acquired skill sets. Given that 71% of Indians prefer to seek professional financial guidance, investment management is a solid business venture.