What Is the CFA Charter – and Why it Matters for Your Investments
Blog post
08/06/25At THOR Wealth Management, you may have noticed that several members of our team have “CFA” after their names. It’s not just alphabet soup — those three letters represent a commitment to deep expertise, high ethical standards, and long-term discipline in investment management. But what exactly is the CFA charter, and why should it matter to you?
Let’s walk through what the CFA is, what it takes to earn it, and how it benefits you as a client.
What Is the CFA Charter?
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is issued by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. It’s recognized worldwide as a benchmark for investment knowledge, ethics, and professionalism.
“The CFA designation is the gold standard among investment analysis credentials.”
– The Wall Street Journal
Unlike many certifications that focus on a narrow area, the CFA Program covers the full spectrum of investment decision-making — from equity analysis and portfolio management to ethics and behavioral finance.
What Does It Take to Earn the CFA?
The journey to earning the CFA charter is long and challenging — by design. To become a CFA charterholder, a candidate must:
- Pass three levels of exams, each requiring an average of 300+ hours of study.
- Cover topics including: financial reporting, valuation, economics, ethics, derivatives, fixed income, alternative investments, and portfolio construction.
- Accumulate at least 4,000 hours of relevant professional experience in investment decision-making roles.
- Pledge to follow a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, reviewed annually.
And it’s not just the depth — it’s the difficulty:
Approximate Pass Rates (Recent Years):
- Level I: ~35–45%
- Level II: ~40–50%
- Level III: ~45–55%
“The CFA exams are notoriously difficult… only about one in five candidates make it from start to finish.”
– Bloomberg
Historically, the exams were offered only once per year, which extended the timeline. While the CFA Institute now offers multiple testing windows each year, the intensity of the program remains unchanged. Because of this, the CFA charter is sometimes referred to as the financial industry’s equivalent of a doctorate — not in length, but in depth and rigor.
Why It Matters for Clients
So why does any of this matter to you? Because at its core, the CFA Program is about putting clients first. The entire curriculum is built around disciplined investing, prudent risk management, and acting ethically — even when no one is watching.
By working with professionals who hold the CFA charter:
- You’re getting advice grounded in data, valuation, and fundamentals — not speculation or hype.
- Your portfolio is built and managed with long-term discipline, not short-term trends.
- You’re trusting a fiduciary who is trained to put your interests first, always.
“Completing the CFA Program is a commitment to professional excellence and ethical responsibility.”
– CFA Institute
The CFA at THOR Wealth
We’re proud to say that three members of our team hold the CFA charter, which is rare for a firm of our size. Another team member recently passed Level II and is now preparing for Level III, continuing our culture of professional development and high standards.
We don’t share this to impress — we share it to reassure you: the people managing your investments have put in the time, the effort, and the commitment required to reach the highest level of professional excellence in our industry. And we continue to hold ourselves to that standard every day.
Closing Thoughts
In a world of hot takes, flashy headlines, and ever-changing markets, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters. The CFA charter is one way to stay grounded — in long-term thinking, ethical practice, and investment excellence. If you’re curious to learn more about the CFA or how it impacts our investment philosophy at THOR, we’d love to talk.
If you have questions and would like to talk with us further, please call us at 513-271-6777. For more THOR reading, click here to go to the Blogs and Market Updates section on our website. Follow us on social media: