The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation is an internationally respected professional designation, currently administered by the CFA Institute. Chartered Financial Analysts are often featured in the Wall Street Journal, or on CNBC as specialists in the investment industry. Many CFA charterholders work for Wall Street firms in New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto, Baltimore, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, and other financial centers worldwide. Many CFA charterholders are also MBAs who work for brokerage firms, investment banks, mutual funds, and portfolio management firms.

The charter is awarded to professionals in the financial analysis sector, who have completed a comprehensive course of study including three sequential exams. Additionally, charterholders must have worked for a minimum of three years in a decision-making capacity in the investment profession. They must also comply with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, and register for membership in a local professional society.

The CFA charter is a mark of achievement as well as dedication to the continuing pursuit of knowledge, experience, and ethical principles which is a factor for making charterholders competitive in any market. The charter opens doors to greater job possibilities and career advancement its memebers. Moreover, the charter signifies a commitment to helping clients reach their investment goals. Charterholders increase the world's standard of living by promoting greater understanding of global capital markets for their clients and the larger investing public.