CFA Career Paths
Explore roles across buy-side, sell-side, and corporate finance. Learn how the CFA credential maps to equity research, portfolio management, risk, investment banking, and wealth management.
Equity Research
Sell-side & buy-side
Portfolio Analysis
Asset & wealth mgmt
Risk Management
Market & credit risk
Investment Banking
Valuation & deals
Why CFA for Careers
How the charter strengthens hiring prospects and progression
Trusted by global finance
Valued in asset management, investment banking, and consulting.
Buy-side and sell-side mobility
Transition from research to portfolio roles with stronger credibility.
Deeper analytical edge
Advanced valuation, ethics, and portfolio construction skills.
Global network & recognition
Large alumni community and cross-border mobility in major hubs.
Jobs & Demand Snapshot
Global hubs and sectors where CFA talent is sought
Top Global Hubs
High-demand Sectors
Roles & Sectors
Common career paths for CFA candidates and charterholders
Equity Research Analyst
Coverage, modeling, recommendations
Portfolio/Investment Analyst
Allocation, risk, performance
Risk Analyst
Market/credit analytics
Investment Banking Analyst
Valuation, M&A, capital markets
Wealth/Relationship Manager
Client advisory, portfolio design
Corporate Finance (FP&A/Treasury)
Budgeting, IR, liquidity
Salary & Career Growth
Indicative global ranges vary by market, firm, and performance
| Level | Typical Roles | Salary (USD) | Career Trajectory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (Analyst) | Equity/Investment Analyst, Risk Analyst | USD 55k–85k | 2–3 yrs to Senior Analyst |
| Mid (Senior Analyst) | Senior Equity/Credit Analyst | USD 85k–140k | Path to Associate PM/AVP |
| Advanced (Associate PM) | Associate Portfolio Manager, Strategy | USD 120k–200k | Path to PM/VP |
| Lead (Portfolio Manager) | PM, Lead Analyst | USD 180k–350k+ | Path to Director/CIO |
Ranges are illustrative and depend on location (e.g., London, New York, Singapore), asset class, and firm type. Bonuses vary widely based on performance.
Training & Placement Support
From exam strategy to breaking into investment roles
Exam Mentorship
Level-wise study plans, mocks, and review sessions
Career Coaching
Resume, LinkedIn, case prep for research & IB
Job Support
Referrals across asset management, banks, and boutiques
“The structured mentorship and mock reviews helped me move from a support analyst role to buy-side research. The CFA-aligned prep made a clear difference.”
— Analyst, Asset Management (Singapore)
Ready to plan your CFA career path?
Get role-mapped guidance and level-wise prep to target research, PM, risk, IB, or wealth.
Common Questions About CFA Career Paths
Concise insights for candidates and early-career professionals
Is CFA essential for investment roles?
Not always mandatory, but widely preferred—especially for research, portfolio, and risk roles. It signals advanced investment competence and ethics.
Which roles are realistic after Level I/II?
Level I/II helps for analyst internships, junior research, risk, and corporate finance support roles—progression improves as you advance levels and gain experience.
Buy-side vs sell-side—where does CFA help more?
Both. On the sell-side, it supports rigorous research; on the buy-side, it strengthens allocation, risk, and performance attribution capabilities.
How competitive is the market?
Highly competitive in hubs. Strong internships, modeling skills, and networking alongside CFA improve outcomes.
Can I move from corporate finance into investments?
Yes—many transition via research or risk roles, leveraging CFA’s valuation and markets coverage with targeted project portfolios.
Note: Roles, compensation, and progression depend on your location, prior experience, internships, and firm type (asset manager, bank, boutique, or alternative investments).