How Important is being a CFA Charterholder in the Current Job Market?

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation remains as one of the most respected and globally recognised credentials in the finance industry. It continues to hold significant weight, particularly within investment management sector. Nevertheless, the employment landscape in 2025 has become increasingly competitive and less predictable compared to previous hiring cycles. In this context, the CFA charter is increasingly viewed as a foundational qualification - essential, yet no longer a unique differentiator on its own.

Is the CFA Charter still worth it in today’s job market?

Many leading financial institutions, including global banks and asset managers, have scaled back external hiring, opting instead to promote from within and consolidating roles, rather than expanding headcount. Consequently, employers are placing greater emphasis on demonstratable experience, commercial acumen, and adaptability, rather than relying solely on academic or professional qualifications.

Despite this shift, the CFA Charter remains highly relevant, particularly for individuals seeking to transition into finance from non-traditional backgrounds. It offers a credible and rigorous alternative to an MBA and is increasingly leveraged by individuals such as engineers entering venture capital or accountants moving into equity research.

Importantly, the CFA Institute has taken proactive steps to modernise its curriculum in response to the evolving demands of the industry. Recent updates have introduced content on data science, artificial intelligence, ESG investing, alternative asset classes, and financial technologies such as blockchain. These enhancements ensure that charterholders are equipped with the technical expertise and analytical capabilities required to thrive in today’s financial environment.

Taking the next step: Changing roles

Today’s constrained job market has meant that even charterholders are facing firms hiring fewer candidates, and organisations are exercising greater selectivity when they do. Many are choosing to fill open positions with internal talent, particularly in mid-senior level and leadership roles.

Strategic career moves therefore are becoming the primary route to advancement. Experienced professionals are increasingly stepping into new roles that offer faster access to clients, greater influence over investment decision-making, and more direct alignment between performance and pay.

These opportunities are typically found at:

• Mutli-strategy hedge funds and boutiques investment firms
• Private equity, credit, real estate or infrastructure firms
• Multi-family offices and outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) providers
• ESG and transition finance teams within asset managers

In these environments, the CFA designation remains valued. However, it is a candidate’s ability to deliver meaningful impact from the outset that ultimately determines their success in securing and excelling in these roles.

What employers expect from Chartered Financial Analysts

Hiring activity across roles

Hiring activity in 2025 varies significantly by role type. While recruitment has slowed in some areas, others continue to actively seek CFA-qualified professionals. Key roles of interest include:

• Buy Side Analyst (Public Markets):
  Firms are looking for sector specialists, and the CFA designation is often a prerequisite. However, hands-on experience in fundamental analysis is critical. Technical skills alone won’t secure the role without a proven research track record.
• Portfolio Management:
  Hiring is stable, with consistent demand for portfolio managers who can demonstrate strong performance. Recent market volatility has created clear winners and losers, leading to internal promotions for high-performing analysts. Most portfolio managers hold a CFA, MBA or ACA. External roles are competitive and infrequent.
• ESG Integration:
  This is a growing area and ESG integration is no longer a niche function—it’s now part of mainstream investment processes. The CFA’s ESG content is increasingly relevant, and many roles now list the ESG certificate as a preferred or required qualification.
• Product Specialist or Investment Writer:
  Demand is increasing and firms are actively hiring professionals who combine technical credibility with strong communication skills. CFA charterholders who can explain complex investment strategies in client-facing settings are in high demand.
• Private Markets (Equity, Credit, Real Estate and Infrastructure):
  Hiring activity continues to grow, but practical experience is prioritised, particularly in deal structuring, modelling or asset-level analysis. The CFA adds credibility and is often required, especially for candidates transitioning from public markets.
• Family Offices or Boutique Managers:
  These firms remain active and selective. The CFA is well regarded, especially when paired with broad investment exposure and operational versatility. Professionals who can contribute across portfolio management, reporting and operational functions are especially valued in these leaner teams.

The most active areas are those that combine investment knowledge with execution, communication and adaptability. Candidates who can demonstrate impact in these types of hybrid roles are progressing more quickly than those pursuing traditional or narrowly defined job titles.

Salary trends for mid to senior level charterholders

While base salary growth has moderated in 2025, experienced investment professionals with the CFA designation continue to command competitive compensation packages, especially in roles where performance, client influence, or commercial delivery are central. Bonus structures remain highly variable and are closely tied to AUM growth, individual performance, or fund performance.

Firms offering carried interest, profit-sharing or performance-based equity are becoming increasingly attractive to CFA charterholders seeking higher long-term upside, particularly in private capital and alternative investments.

Looking for more information on compensation guidance. Download our Global Investment management salary guide today.

How to position yourself for a move

If you're considering a career move, focus on aligning your profile with what hiring managers are actively seeking.

Build a CV that highlights measurable investment or commercial outcomes. Avoid relying solely on credentials to speak for themselves. In interviews, lead with examples that demonstrate decision-making, performance attribution, client retention and internal leadership.

Technical breadth is also increasingly important. Proficiency in Python, SQL or Power BI can significantly strengthen your candidacy, particularly for roles in investment analysis and reporting. Communication skills remain critical, especially for positions involving external stakeholders.

Remain open to opportunities beyond traditional institutions. Smaller platforms, specialist managers and hybrid structures often offer broader responsibilities and faster progression. These firms are also more likely to hire based on demonstrated performance potential, rather than pedigree alone.

Explore new roles with Selby Jennings

In 2025, the CFA charter continues to hold value, but employers are increasingly hiring based on demonstrated impact rather than credentials alone. If you are not seeing the progression or visibility you expect in your current role, it may be time to consider a strategic move.

Selby Jennings partners with leading investment firms that are actively hiring experienced CFA charterholders across asset management, private markets, ESG and client-facing investment roles. These firms are looking for professionals who can deliver results from day one and who are ready to take on broader mandates.

If you're thinking about your next career move, register your CV today or explore our current roles to see where your experience fits. Our consultants can help you identify the right opportunities, refine your positioning, and move forward with confidence.

Looking to hire?

Selby Jennings specialises in investment management recruitment across the buy side, including private equity, private credit, ESG and family offices. We work with a network of high-performing CFA charterholders and senior investment professionals ready to step into roles that demand technical credibility and commercial impact. Whether you're building a new team or replacing key talent, we’ll help you secure candidates who deliver from day one. Get in touch to start a conversation about your hiring needs.