Sophie Macon 
If I knew about financial planning as a potential career path years ago whilst at university, I probably would have chosen to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) instead of a short lived, unsustainable career in investment banking. Why? It’s because to me, a CFP career is highly flexible, combined with a good mix of …
[Updated for Nov 2024 results. Help our FRM MPS research by submitting your Part 1 and Part 2 results!] Not to be confused with pass rates, GARP does not release FRM minimum passing score information to candidates. We understand GARP’s reasons for doing this, as FRM candidates should aim to acquire the necessary knowledge as …
CFA and CAIA designations can appear very similar at first sight, especially since the introduction of the CFA Level 3 Specialized Pathways, as they both target investment and financial professionals. However, there are differences in global recognition, breadth and depth of topics studied, career focus and exam difficulty. They could even be a complementary set …
Feeling tired, hard to concentrate, or just simply sleepy when it comes to studying? You’re definitely not alone. We all have had those days where our brains feels numb and drained, only to remember that we still have more studying to do. Joy. So here are 14 tried-and-tested, practical yet sustainable ways on how to …
When it comes to building a successful career in financial planning, choosing the right certification can play a crucial role in shaping your future. The ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) and CFP (Certified Financial Planner) are two of the most respected credentials in the financial planning industry, each offering a distinct approach to financial planning. But …
Investing your time and energy in years of dedicated study and work experience is a typical route towards professional career success. In many finance careers, there is often a clear hierarchy leading to an ultimate management role with a highly lucrative salary. Learning how to get promoted at work is therefore crucial, but why do …
Note: this cheat sheet is updated for the latest 2025’s curriculum. Ah, I remember the days where I looked at the sheer volume of formulae and concepts in CFA Level 1 FSA (Financial Statement Analysis) in despair. And how I felt 5x worse when studying Level 2’s FSA section… Financial Statement Analysis is one of …
Note: this cheat sheet is updated for the latest 2025’s curriculum. Derivatives. Perhaps no single word has a greater ability to strike fear in the hearts of CFA candidates. The readings on this topic are replete with graphs, formulas, all of which seem indecipherable, and gratuitous references to Greek letters. However, it doesn’t need to …
The recent pandemic has brought ESG (environmental, social and governance) issues to the forefront of everyone’s minds. ESG matters. And investors and companies around the world are reacting fast to this current situation, pointing to a longer term demand for investment professionals with green finance and responsible investment knowledge. CFA Institute’s ESG Certificate may be a …
Financial planners help individuals to reach their long term financial goals. From planning for retirement, to offering the structure and strategy needed to enable clients to make the most of their finances, financial planners advise on a range of issues including tax, investments, budgets and inheritance. Combining expertise with a client-first approach, financial planners provide …