Summary
- Investment management professionals in 91 countries sat for one of three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam, which the author referenced as the “Mount Everest of Finance.”
- The Chartered Financial Analyst designation requires passing three levels of exams (the first level is offered twice per year, while the second and third levels are offered once per year). In addition to passing all three levels (each exam is six hours), candidates must meet career qualifications (four years or more in finance).
- Pass rates for each level of the exam typically ranges between 30%-50%. Recommended self-study time ranges from 250-300+ hours per level. Curriculum covers micro-/macroeconomics, ethics, equity analysis, fixed income analysis, financial statement analysis, quantitative analytics, portfolio management, option pricing/strategy, among others.
- Lisa Plaxco states that, “It is the global gold standard for competency and integrity through the investment management industry, both for professionals and their clients.”
- Ethics are heavily tested. CFA charterholders are required to adhere to a strict code of ethics, or risk having their charters revoked.
Our Take
- At Entasis Asset Management we remember the first weekend of June all too well. All three founders (Bob Batchelor, C.J. Batchelor and Mike Peters) are CFA charterholders.
- We are passionate about investing and have a high level of respect for the CFA Institute’s focus on ethics.
- One of our core beliefs is that everyone should have access to an experienced investment professional and high quality asset management. Our account minimums, fees and portfolios reflect this conviction.
- Your wealth wasn’t created overnight. You’ve worked hard. You’ve saved. Understand the experience and credentials of your financial advisor.