Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA^® )

Accredited by CFA Institute, USA, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA^® ) programme is a globally recognised standard for measuring the competence and integrity of Financial Analysts. First awarded in 1963, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA^® ) charter has become the international gold standard of professional credentials within the global investment community. Investors recognise the CFA^® designation as the definitive standard for competence and integrity in the fields of portfolio management and investment analysis. It assures investors - clients and employers - that the charter holder has mastered a rigorous curriculum to the highest ethical standards in the profession. The programme covers 10 general topic areas ranging from Equity and Fixed-Income analysis to Portfolio Management and Corporate Finance.

The CFA^® Examinations

• The CFA^® programme requires you to pass 3 levels of examinations, i.e. Level I, II and III.
• Each level demands a minimum of 250 hours of study, and depending on individual circumstances, may be substantially more.
• Level I examination is held twice a year, in June and December.
• Level II and III examinations are held once a year, in June.
• Each examination includes morning and afternoon sessions. Level I examination comprises of multiple choice questions and the Level II examination comprises of "mini-case" questions. Level III examination would require you to attempt essay questions in the morning session and "mini-case" questions in the afternoon session.

Why CFA^®

• CFA^® is the charter that commands recognition and respect in Investment and Finance industry.
• Upon getting yourself CFA^® certified, you will be part of a global network comprising of 82,000 charter holders worldwide since its launch in 1963 in the USA.
• The CFA^® charter gives you wide exposure to the Investment and Finance industry. A CFA^® charter holder stands to gain from the next wave of global financial reforms, including the emerging financial centres like Shanghai (China), Vietnam and the Middle East.

CFA^® Charter Requirement

To join the programme, you must:

• Have a U.S. bachelor's degree (or equivalent) or be in the final year of a bachelor's degree programme at the time of registration, or have four years of qualified, professional work experience; or a combination of work and college experience that adds up to at least four years.
• Meet the professional conduct admission criteria.
• Be prepared to take the examinations in English.

Pursuing The CFA^® Charter

To gain the CFA^® Charter, you would be required to:

• Enroll into the CFA^® Programme.
• Pass all 3 levels of examinations (Level I, II and III).
• Become a regular member of CFA Institute, USA.
• Obtain your Charter.
• Maintain your Charter status.

Who Should Pursue The CFA^® Charter?

• Investment Advisors
• Brokers
• Financial Controller, Consultants and Analysts
• Fund Managers
• Fund Administrators
• Accountants
• Compliance Officers
• Bankers
• Insurance Professionals
• Corporate Financial Advisors

Topics To Be Covered In CFA^® Programme

• Ethics & Professional Conduct
• Quantitative Methods
• Economics
• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Corporate Finance
• Equity Investments
• Fixed Income Investments
• Derivatives