Sophie Macon 
Planning your asset management career for 2026 and beyond? Understanding where the industry is heading matters more than where it’s been. Global assets under management are projected to reach $160 trillion by 2028, growing at 7% annually. But this growth masks major shifts: alternatives will capture 57% of revenues, AI is eliminating routine analyst work, …
ESG investing continues growing despite recent market volatility. Investors and companies increasingly demand professionals with sustainable finance knowledge, creating career opportunities for those with ESG credentials. CFA Sustainable Investing Certificate (formerly Certificate in ESG Investing) offers a practical, affordable way to add ESG expertise to your skillset. Developed by CFA UK in 2019 and now …
Finance offers some of the highest-paying careers available, but compensation comes with trade-offs that many candidates don’t fully consider until they’re years into demanding roles. The sector is incredibly varied — from stable accounting positions with reasonable hours to intense investment banking roles paying $150,000+ in year one but demanding 80-hour weeks. Understanding which finance …
CFA Level 2 fails more candidates than Level 1. The pass rate is 39% versus Level 1’s 43%, but the bigger issue is the format change—vignettes instead of standalone questions. Most candidates fail because they use the same study approach that worked for Level 1. Reading materials once, doing practice questions, showing up on exam …
Wealth management offers something rare in finance: seven-figure earning potential without investment banking hours. Senior wealth managers at top firms earn $500K to $5M+ annually, working 50-60 hour weeks instead of the 80-100 hours typical in investment banking. The catch? It takes 8-15 years to reach that level, and your income depends entirely on building …
I made a critical mistake during my Level 3 exam—three whole constructed-response questions left with just 15 minutes remaining. What I did next salvaged a pass, and it’s a lesson every Level 3 candidate should know before exam day. CFA Level 3 is different from Levels 1 and 2. Half the exam is essay format …
CFA Level 1 requires 300 study hours minimum. Exam: – 180 multiple-choice questions, 1.5 minutes each. 43% pass rate.– Ten topics tested, Ethics weighs most (15-20%). – Computer-based, offered 4x yearly. – Cost: $1,140-$1,490. – Optimal prep: 5-6 months. – Month 1-4: Study materials. Final 2 months: Practice exams only (6+ full mocks essential). Key …
Financial modeling uses Excel (primarily) to build mathematical representations of company performance for valuation, forecasting, and decision-making. Core model types: 3-statement, DCF, LBO, M&A, merger models. Key careers: Investment banking ($85K-$150K analyst), private equity ($100K-$180K associate), corporate FP&A ($70K-$120K), equity research ($80K-$130K). Top courses: Training the Street ($500 for 10-course bundle), CFI’s FMVA ($497, use …
Video interviews are now standard for finance roles—Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan use AI-powered systems like HireVue to screen candidates. Key tips: (1) Test equipment 30 minutes early. (2) Look at camera, not screen, for eye contact. (3) Professional attire (full suit, even off-camera). (4) Plain background, good lighting. (5) Eliminate distractions (pets, noise, notifications). …
CFP careers split into two main tracks: (1) Client Relationship Manager (business development focus, commission-based, higher earning potential) or (2) Financial Planning Specialist (analytical focus, salary-based, more stable). Career progression: Analyst ($60K-$70K) → Associate Advisor ($70K-$80K) → Service Advisor ($80K-$122K) → Lead Advisor ($127K-$213K) → Principal/Partner ($170K-$346K). Specializations include retirement planning, estate planning, wealth management, …