The Chartered Financial Analyst program, also known as the CFA, is a graduate level program for those interested in studying the business of investing. CFA qualification is known globally as a high standard of expertise within the financial industry.

Students planning on obtaining CFA qualification must pass three exams as part of the qualification procedure. A potential candidate must plan on studying for the exam on their own, as this is a self-study program. Once the decision is made to sign up for the Chartered Financial Analyst program one can begin to study for and subsequently pass each of the three exams, in order to qualify as a chartered member one must pass all three exams.

Each exam is sequential and the exam is also ranked by level. The material for each exam varies and exams are administrated at specific months during the year. The curriculum for the exam, as well as subsequent study materials, are determined by current CFA charter holders.

After you have passed all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst exam and certain ethical and professional standards have been verified one can then become a member of the CFA Institute and will be allowed to obtain charter status.

For the latest news from the institution see their web site CFA Institute.

There are several different professions in the finance industry that appeal to individuals with Chartered Financial Analyst qualification. Many investment banks, hedge funds, and private equity firms will hire CFA charter holders for various positions at their firms.

Any major corporation with a finance department typically seeks out higher level executives with Chartered Financial Analyst qualification to provide investing and financial technical skills to the business.

Many law firms also seek CFA analysts to support lawyers who deal with investment banks or business practice groups. Consulting firms also employ CFA executives to support clients and management projects within the financial industry.

Working in financial risk management is a specialty area of accounting and finance, and after earning a degree in one or both of these areas, those who wish to enter this sector of the field should attempt to gain experience through internships and entry level jobs, especially at firms where there is room for upward mobility. Many financial firms offer basic internships and training programs to junior members of their staff, and will select trainees based on their potential to move up in the ranks.

Entering financial risk management through an apprenticeship or junior position within a larger firm is excellent training as it allows an individual to learn the ropes of the field through a more experienced colleague. This mentoring support can pave the way toward even greater benefits as your mentor/colleague helps you network with their acquaintances, giving you the opportunity to build your own groups of trusted professional contacts.

While courses and school can begin to instruct in the theories behind financial risk management, until an individual has gone out in the field and had to make determinations around how their client’s money will be invested, risked, added to, or subtracted from, it is difficult for them to understand the subtle, human side of this line of work.

Financial risk managers work in any industry where there is enough money to warrant large investments, which need some kind of predictive plan in order for investments to be soundly made. The field offers room for expansion, although perhaps not as much as in years past, and offers high rewards.