Hello,Normaly, are investment banks paying the fees and the studying material for the CFA? My boss seems reluctant to pay the fees and i thought it was quite standard in the industry to pay for this. Thanks in advance for your answers.G.

Used to, stopped last year as not considered sufficiently relevant.

It is actually rather interesting; not so much what, if any certification is deemed worthy; but rather if you get reimbursed for continuous education or not. Personally, I'd boycott the CFA on principle, as it is a life time subscription, if I'm going to join a club I rather it be some stuffy old gentlemen's club founded in the 1800-rds where I might get blackballed even; then some newfangled US org. that seems to want to bleed me for cash for the rest of my life.On the whole I suspect most of us, would prefer to just have a pile of dough to spend on books that look interesting, or lectures (or something completely different) according to our own preferences.

I know that in some countries, it s deductible from your income tax. So depending on your tax bracket (should not be too low), government sponsors you a bit.

i wish they'd invent a high level more prestigious qualification that only 10% of the smartest people can pass. That way, it would really be worth something to say you hold that designation.

QuoteOriginally posted by: KackToodlesi wish they'd invent a high level more prestigious qualification that only 10% of the smartest people can pass. That way, it would really be worth something to say you hold that designation. Nobel Prize

QuoteOriginally posted by: KackToodlesi wish they'd invent a high level more prestigious qualification that only 10% of the smartest people can pass. That way, it would really be worth something to say you hold that designation. I guess after 5 years from enrolment only 18% have cleared all three levels of CFA.Actury can satisfy your precondition of 10%.

any company should. it's peanuts for a company

QuoteOriginally posted by: lexingtonQuoteOriginally posted by: KackToodlesi wish they'd invent a high level more prestigious qualification that only 10% of the smartest people can pass. Nobel PrizeReally? So a large fraction of them are not 'awarded' on political grounds?

QuoteOriginally posted by: C3I2 if I'm going to join a club I rather it be some stuffy old gentlemen's club founded in the 1800-rds where I might get blackballed even;.in the good old days, you had to be sponsored by current charterholders in order to even sit the exams

QuoteOriginally posted by: C3I2Personally, I'd boycott the CFA on principle, as it is a life time subscriptionHow about just passing the exams and then declining to extend your membership beyond that point? Surely you would not be a charterholder, but still it would prove (to others and yourself) that you did your homework and learnt the materials. Wouldn't that be well regarded? How bad is in the eyes of the financial community the penalty for quitting after passing the exams? Ok, that's too many eyes and too subjective a question, but I would be interested in hearing some opinions.I am not against the permanent commitment that the CFA Institute promotes, if you fully agree with their principles and policies, and you are willing to support them. But I think it makes sense to give proper recognition to those who qualify, and the merit should not be dependent on a lifelong cash flow. How can you be sure anyway that you will be still a happy supporter in 10 years, when the organization might be then run by different people in possibly different ways and facing a totally unforeseen scenario. You should be able to keep some kind of certification if you decide to stop funding them. A higher designation could be still reserved for the active supporters, with a fancier title and additional benefits.

I think it depends on your exact job. Our fund paid for my CFA exam but was reluctant to pay for someone who works in the marketing department.

One of my friends works in the middle office at a BB IB in London, and the firm is sponsoring his CFA.

What's the difference between a financial analyst & quantitative analyst???

QuoteOriginally posted by: akhilsinghal1989What's the difference between a financial analyst & quantitative analyst???========================= I wish there were better titles. But first a 'financial analyst' usually means someone who can analyze the financial statements and other factors that effect the soundness and profit of a firm---a decent accounting background is needed. More confusing is 'quantitative financial analyst.' I don't know if they mean it is a Quant position or the person is involved with 'black box' or high frequency or other such where they use, but not develop or even understand, the mathematics or theory---i.e. trading without Quant knowledge.