The CFA designation is recognized by financial institutions across the world. CFA charterholders work in investment banking, asset management, equity research, consulting, wealth management, insurance, and financial advisory roles.
According to the CFA Institute, there are over 200,000 CFA charterholders worldwide, representing approximately 97% of CFA Institute members. Many of these professionals are employed by leading global financial institutions, consulting firms, investment managers, and multinational corporations.
The following companies employ 300 or more CFA charterholders worldwide, based on self-reported data published by CFA Institute. Individual records may change over time as members update their employment information.
|
Employer |
Number of CFA Charterholders |
2025 Rank |
Movement |
|
JPMorgan Chase |
2,582 |
1 |
Up |
|
RBC |
2,532 |
2 |
Down |
|
UBS |
2,159 |
3 |
Unchanged |
|
Bank of America |
1,680 |
4 |
Unchanged |
|
Morgan Stanley |
1,640 |
5 |
Unchanged |
|
TD Bank |
1,481 |
6 |
Unchanged |
|
HSBC |
1,424 |
7 |
Unchanged |
|
BlackRock |
1,365 |
8 |
Unchanged |
|
Citigroup |
1,365 |
9 |
Unchanged |
|
Goldman Sachs |
1,329 |
10 |
Up |
|
BMO Financial Group |
1,213 |
— |
— |
|
Fidelity Investments |
1,198 |
— |
— |
|
Ernst & Young |
1,188 |
— |
— |
|
PricewaterhouseCoopers |
1,115 |
— |
— |
|
CIBC World Markets |
1,071 |
— |
— |
|
Scotiabank |
1,028 |
— |
— |
|
Allianz |
1,011 |
— |
— |
|
Deloitte |
874 |
— |
— |
|
Wells Fargo |
850 |
— |
— |
|
KPMG |
823 |
— |
— |
|
Deutsche Bank |
759 |
— |
— |
|
BNP Paribas |
698 |
— |
— |
|
Marsh & McLennan |
692 |
— |
— |
|
State Street |
648 |
— |
— |
|
Barclays |
643 |
— |
— |
|
Manulife Financial |
626 |
— |
— |
|
S&P Global |
593 |
— |
— |
|
Prudential |
589 |
— |
— |
|
T. Rowe Price |
588 |
— |
— |
|
Invesco |
554 |
— |
— |
|
Vanguard |
553 |
— |
— |
|
Franklin Templeton |
550 |
— |
— |
|
Sun Life Financial |
515 |
— |
— |
|
Northern Trust |
511 |
— |
— |
|
Bank of China |
509 |
— |
— |
|
National Bank of Canada |
508 |
— |
— |
|
Wellington Management |
507 |
— |
— |
|
Standard Chartered |
474 |
— |
— |
|
Sumitomo |
472 |
— |
— |
|
Bank of New York Mellon |
464 |
— |
— |
|
Schroders |
457 |
— |
— |
|
Raymond James |
448 |
— |
— |
|
Bloomberg |
434 |
— |
— |
|
Banco Santander |
433 |
— |
— |
|
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial |
402 |
— |
— |
|
Morningstar |
393 |
— |
— |
|
Macquarie |
388 |
— |
— |
|
ICBC |
387 |
— |
— |
|
Ameriprise Financial |
385 |
— |
— |
|
Capital Group |
384 |
— |
— |
|
World Bank |
384 |
— |
— |
|
Nomura |
381 |
— |
— |
|
Moody's |
365 |
— |
— |
|
TIAA-CREF |
362 |
— |
— |
|
China Merchants |
357 |
— |
— |
|
Desjardins |
355 |
— |
— |
|
Charles Schwab |
350 |
— |
— |
|
Pictet |
349 |
— |
— |
|
PNC Financial |
329 |
— |
— |
|
ING Group |
321 |
— |
— |
|
AllianceBernstein |
306 |
— |
— |
|
DBS |
305 |
— |
— |
CFA charterholders are employed across a wide range of industries where financial analysis, investment decision-making, and portfolio management are essential. Some of the major sectors include:
Investment Banking
Asset Management
Wealth Management
Commercial Banking
Private Equity
Hedge Funds
Consulting
Insurance
Credit Rating Agencies
Financial Data & Research
FinTech
Multilateral Institutions
Earning the CFA charter opens opportunities in a variety of finance-related roles. Common positions include:
Portfolio Manager
Financial Analyst
Equity Research Analyst
Investment Analyst
Credit Analyst
Risk Analyst
Wealth Manager
Investment Consultant
Corporate Finance Manager
Strategy Analyst
Leading financial institutions across banking, asset management, consulting, insurance, and investment firms recruit CFA charterholders because the CFA Program develops skills that are highly relevant to the finance industry. Some of the key reasons include:
Strong Financial Analysis Skills: The CFA curriculum builds expertise in financial reporting, valuation, equity research, fixed income, and corporate finance.
Focus on Investment Management: Charterholders are trained to analyse investments, manage portfolios, and make informed financial decisions.
Emphasis on Ethics and Professional Standards: The CFA Program places significant importance on ethical practices and professional conduct, which are highly valued by employers.
Global Recognition: The CFA charter is recognised worldwide, making it valuable for professionals seeking opportunities across international financial markets.
Industry-Relevant Knowledge: Candidates develop practical knowledge in areas such as portfolio management, derivatives, economics, risk management, and alternative investments.
| Also Read | |
| CFA Program Eligibility | CFA Exam Structure |
| CFA Program Fees (2026–2027) | CFA Career Paths |