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Would you like to find out what the CFA course is all about? Learn everything you need to know about Zell Education's CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) program! You'll find everything you need to know about the exam details and pattern as well as its incredible scope in 2025 here.

CFA certification opens doors to high-paying jobs like Portfolio Manager, Investment Banker, and Financial Analyst in the world of finance. Learn about the level-wise exam structure, preparation tips, and how this program can help you rise to the top of your field.

Get started with Zell Education and explore the world of CFAs. We can help you make an informed decision and build a rewarding career in finance!

The Global and Indian Demand for CFA 2024

If you're a finance or accounting graduate, you have great potential to become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). This credential can significantly enhance your career prospects. CFAs are in demand not just in India, but globally, working in various financial roles.

In this blog, we'll explore the demand for CFAs in 2024.

Top multinational accounting firms highly value CFAs. Without a CFA, it's challenging for companies to maintain healthy and structured finances.

You can earn your CFA by enrolling in the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute. However, you need to be a graduate to join this prestigious program, which offers post-graduate certification. The CFA designation is highly respected in the financial markets, more so than many other financial qualifications.

Read on to get a clearer picture of the global and Indian demand for Chartered Financial Analysts.

Demand for CFA in India

As financial markets in India continue to grow, the demand for CFA professionals is rapidly increasing. The CFA credential is highly respected and opens up numerous career opportunities across various industries. India ranks as the third largest market for Chartered Financial Analysts.

CFA professionals are essential for navigating the ever-changing financial sector. The CFA program in India is structured into three levels, each offering job prospects that align with your expertise. As you gain professional experience and skills, your earning potential as a CFA in India also rises.

If you've passed Level 1 of the CFA course, you can expect an annual salary of around Rs. 3 to 4.5 lakhs. Those who clear Level 2 can earn about Rs. 6 lakhs per year. Finally, completing Level 3 can lead to an annual salary of approximately 10 lakhs.

Demand for CFA Abroad

Although the demand for CFAs is high in India, students who complete their CFA and want to work abroad will find numerous job opportunities with attractive offers. The international market for CFAs is competitive, with many people having similar skills vying for the same positions.

However, working as a CFA abroad often comes with higher salaries compared to India. This role is highly rewarding for those with the right skills and the ability to perform under pressure. Top financial sectors where CFAs can find jobs include investment banking, private equity, portfolio management, and asset management.

Some of the positions you might work in as a CFA are financial analyst, research analyst, investment banker, and similar roles. In these jobs, you'll analyze financial data, make investment decisions that prioritize the company's interests, and manage portfolios with expert guidance and client interaction.

Top Job Opportunities for CFA in India

Investment banker

Being an investment banker is the most sought-after career path in India for CFAs. Every organization greatly values the role investment bankers play. An organization would find it challenging to make wise and profitable investment decisions without the assistance of an investment banker. In order to grow the company or raise money, these investment bankers are in charge of interacting with clients and fostering relationships. The average annual salary for an investment banker in India is Rs. 12.96.

Portfolio manager

Another common position that CFAs might see themselves in well-known financial firms is that of portfolio manager. In this role, your responsibility is to oversee a company's or an individual's finances by assisting with their development or strategically allocating them. The company manages all fund categories, including closed funds, venture capital funds, hedge funds, and mutual funds. All you really need is a thorough understanding of the financial markets and strong research abilities. In India, a portfolio manager can anticipate earning Rs. 12.36 lakhs annually. 

Private bankers

Private bankers are supposed to work exclusively for one well-known person or client. On the other hand, wealth management, banking, investing, tax preparation, and other associated financial services. In contrast to the work of investment bankers, managing the money of a single high-net-worth client would be your primary responsibility in private banking. The annual salary of a private banker could reach up to Rs. 16 lakhs. 

Market research analyst

A popular job role offered by leading financial sector companies is that of market research analyst. You would be responsible for gathering and analyzing financial data regarding the ongoing fluctuations in the financial market in this role. You would have to deliver the reports to your clients after they were created.

In addition, it would be incumbent upon you to offer market assessments and counsel concerning the present state of the financial industry. In order to function smoothly in a financial industry that is changing quickly, both private and public equity firms are known for employing CFAs. You might not have full-time responsibilities in this role, but you could also work as a consultant and freelancer. A market research analyst may anticipate earning Rs. 4.50 lakhs a year in compensation.

Top Job Opportunities for CFA Abroad

Risk management

Risk managers have a huge role to play in every organization that helps them avoid financial risks. In this job, the required candidate has to analyze, manage, and devise plans to help the organization function without financial burdens. To excel in this role, you need to have adequate negotiation and diplomacy skills. Meanwhile, your numerical skills should be advanced alongside quantitative and analytical abilities. Being a risk manager, you will be directly responsible for keeping the finances of your organization healthy and smoothly functioning. 

Equity analyst

The majority of people who invest daily don’t have enough knowledge of financial markets. For them, getting an investment recommendation from CFA would be a huge advantage. The chartered financial analyst has a huge responsibility when working as an equity analyst. The people who possess excellent communication skills, research skills, forecasting abilities, and critical thinking abilities. They would be able to easily succeed in an equity analyst role while earning mammoth salaries. 

Opportunities for Indians with a CFA Qualification in International Markets

Indians who have made the decision to finish their CFA and hunt for employment abroad. They may have a number of job opportunities waiting for them where the necessary knowledge and skills could fit your needs. Due to the growing demand for CFA positions worldwide, many applicants have received generous offers. For example, the United States of America, a global financial powerhouse, offers over 2661 positions for CFA candidates. Even though Germany is a small nation, it offers roughly 923 jobs, which is twice as many as other larger countries. The global financial markets would assist you in obtaining employment in a number of industries: 

Technology

Accounting and finance

Asset Management

Investment banking

Operations

Private equity and Venture capital

Consulting

Corporate banking

Conclusion

Hopefully, after reading this article, you now have a better understanding of the need for chartered financial analysts in India and around the world in 2024. Selecting a CFA as a professional career path would be extremely beneficial for establishing a prosperous career. While assisting various organizations in avoiding potential financial difficulties, you could gain knowledge about the financial markets. Using the expert knowledge of CFA, each of those jobs can be simply sorted by raising capital and making prudent investments. In addition, compared to other international markets where job positions are more lucrative, the salary of a CFA in India is very competitive. 

FAQ

Can an Indian CFA work abroad?

Yes, a CFA from India can easily find employment overseas in a variety of finance roles that suit their background and abilities. Being chosen by reputable multinational financial corporations is not too difficult because CFA certification is recognized globally. 

What is the salary of a CFA in foreign countries?

In foreign markets, those with CFA designations could make between $50,000 and $100,000. Your compensation package may increase even more if you have several years of professional experience and expertise. Additionally, you were able to work and study concurrently during CFA. 

Which country pays CFA most?

The nation most known for offering CFAs the highest compensation, which can exceed $70,000 annually, is Singapore. India is likewise not far from offering CFA attractive compensation packages, ranging from Rs. 20 lakhs to Rs. 35 lakhs. 

Can CFA earn in crores?

CFA Course Syllabus