If you're considering studying for the CFA qualification, you're probably wondering where it could take your career.

The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) qualification is recognised by employers around the world and can help prepare you for careers in portfolio management, equity research, wealth management, investment banking, risk management, corporate finance, and credit analysis. While no qualification can guarantee you a particular job or salary, the CFA demonstrates advanced investment knowledge, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to professional development, qualities that employers value across the investment industry.

Whether you're starting your career or looking to move into investment-focused roles, the CFA qualification can help you build the expertise needed to progress.

Why do employers value the CFA qualification?

The CFA qualification is respected across the global investment industry because it develops both technical expertise and professional judgement.

Globally recognised investment knowledge

The CFA curriculum covers portfolio management, corporate finance, financial statement analysis, economics, quantitative methods, ethics, and valuations of equity, fixed income, derivative and alternative investments.This breadth of knowledge prepares candidates for a wide range of investment and finance careers.

Commitment to professional development

Completing the CFA Program requires discipline, perseverance, and hundreds of hours of study. Employers recognise this commitment, particularly in candidates who are balancing professional responsibilities alongside their studies.

A strong grounding in ethics

Ethics sits at the heart of the CFA Program. Employers value professionals who can combine technical expertise with sound ethical judgement when making financial and investment decisions.

Portfolio manager

Portfolio managers build and manage investment portfolios on behalf of individuals, businesses, and institutional investors, aiming to achieve specific investment objectives while balancing risk and return.

The CFA qualification is particularly relevant for this career because it develops expertise in portfolio construction, asset allocation, investment analysis, and risk management. Many portfolio managers either hold the CFA charter or work towards it as they advance their careers.

Equity research analyst

Equity research analysts evaluate companies, industries, and financial markets to help investors make informed decisions about buying, holding, or selling investments.

The CFA qualification provides a strong foundation in financial statement analysis, company valuation, and investment research, making it highly relevant for professionals working in asset management, investment firms, and financial institutions.

Investment banking analyst

Investment banking analysts support major corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising. The role typically involves financial modelling, market research, and preparing analysis for clients.

While the CFA qualification isn't always a requirement for investment banking, it demonstrates strong analytical ability and a deep understanding of financial markets. It can be particularly valuable for candidates interested in capital markets or investment-focused roles.

Wealth manager or financial adviser

Wealth managers help individuals and families grow, protect, and manage their wealth by providing investment advice tailored to their financial goals.

The CFA qualification strengthens your understanding of investment products, portfolio management, and financial markets, helping you provide informed guidance to clients with increasingly complex investment needs.

Risk manager

Risk managers identify, assess, and manage financial risks that could affect an organisation's performance, investments, or regulatory compliance.

The CFA qualification develops knowledge of market risk, portfolio risk, financial instruments, and quantitative analysis, all of which are valuable skills for professionals working in risk management across banking and investment organisations.

Corporate finance or treasury professional

Corporate finance and treasury teams manage an organisation's funding, investments, cash flow, and long-term financial strategy.

Although other professional qualifications are also common in this area, the CFA qualification provides valuable insight into capital allocation, financial markets, and investment decision-making, making it particularly useful for roles with a strategic investment focus.

Credit analyst

Credit analysts assess the financial strength of organisations and individuals to determine their ability to meet financial obligations. Their analysis helps lenders and investors make informed lending and investment decisions.

The CFA qualification develops skills in financial statement analysis, credit risk, and fixed-income investments, making it well suited to professionals working in banking, lending, and credit research.

Hedge fund analyst

Hedge fund analysts research investment opportunities, analyse market trends, and support investment managers in developing trading and investment strategies.

These roles are highly competitive, but the CFA qualification can help demonstrate the advanced analytical and investment skills employers look for when recruiting into alternative investment firms.

Do you need all three CFA levels to get hired?

No. Many employers recruit candidates who have passed CFA Level I or Level II, particularly for entry-level investment and analyst roles.

Completing all three levels and becoming a CFA charterholder can strengthen your long-term career prospects, especially for more senior investment positions. However, employers also value practical experience, commercial awareness, communication skills, and a genuine interest in financial markets.

Rather than focusing on completing the qualification as quickly as possible, concentrate on building both your technical knowledge and your professional experience. Passing first time because you're fully prepared is often more valuable than rushing through the exams.

Is the CFA qualification right for your career?

The CFA qualification is particularly well suited to professionals who want to build careers in:

• Portfolio management
• Asset management
• Equity research
• Wealth management
• Investment banking
• Risk management
• Corporate finance
• Credit analysis

If you're aiming for a career focused on investments, financial markets, or portfolio management, the CFA qualification is one of the most widely recognised professional qualifications in the industry.

Start your CFA journey with Kaplan

Whether you're aiming for a career in investment management, equity research, wealth management, or another investment-focused role, Kaplan can help you prepare with confidence.

Our expert tutors, flexible study options, realistic study plans, and comprehensive learning materials are designed to support you through every level of the CFA Program. You'll develop the knowledge, practical understanding, and confidence needed to take the next step towards your chosen career.

Explore our CFA courses and find the study method that's right for you - and try CFA free for seven days and get access to the core learning materials, designed by Kaplan's expert tutors, for a feel of the qualification.