What is a Chartered Financial Analyst and How Can They Help You?

The Chartered Financial Analyst designation, or CFA, is one of the most highly regarded global certifications in the financial services industry. Candidates are tested on their understanding of portfolio management, investment analysis, economics, derivatives, accounting, corporate finance, statistics, and ethics, in order to verify their proficiency and integrity before earning this designation.

The path to attaining the CFA designation is rigorous and includes completing three notoriously intensive exams, each of which is 6 hours long. Before qualifying for enrollment in the CFA program, candidates must either possess a bachelor’s degree or have completed 4,000 hours of professional work experience. To be able to use the CFA designation, one must pass the three levels of the CFA program and obtain an additional 4,000 hours of relevant experience in the financial industry. CFA Charterholders are expected to uphold the Code of Ethics and share in the Institute’s Visions and Values for the duration of their career.

We decided to ask those from our team who have the Chartered Financial Analyst designation why they chose to pursue this title. Read on to find out more about each of their paths to becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst, the hard work and dedication involved with achieving this goal, and how working with a CFA Charterholder can provide you with confidence and extra financial peace of mind.

Thomas Nowak, CFA

Portfolio Manager
CFA Charter granted in 2021

The CFA Charter provides the tools to be good at what we do: managing money. Investing is a daunting task. There are seemingly endless options of what to invest in, there are salespeople & news/media constantly bombarding you with “the next great thing/Tesla/Apple/Bitcoin”, and the stakes are high: we take it very seriously that Alitis is entrusted to manage your hard-earned money. Having completed the rigorous studies of the CFA Program, as well as the required work experience, I have the confidence to make decisions in the best interest of our clients.

Mitchell Prothman, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager & Head of Real Assets
CFA Charter granted in 2011

I decided to enroll in the Chartered Financial Analyst program in 2008 to better serve my clients and differentiate myself from other local financial professionals. After over 900+ hours of study and 4,000 hours of qualified work experience, I became a CFA Charterholder in 2011. Successful completion of the program required a comprehensive understanding of 10 broad topic areas, including Portfolio Management, Ethical and Professional Standards, Economics, and Alternative Investments. Additionally, maintaining the integrity of the capital markets is paramount.

In order to maintain good standing with the CFA Institute, every year I must attest that I have and will continue to adhere to the CFA’s Code of Ethics and Standard of Professional Conduct (“Code and Standards”).

Although my role within Alitis has changed over the past 13 years, the designation continues to provide meaningful benefits. Not only do I utilize the knowledge gained from the program in managing the Alitis Private REIT, Alitis Private Real Estate LP, and Alitis Private Mortgage Fund, but the designation also provides instant respect and credibility amongst industry professionals. Whether it is talking to CEOs of large private and public companies, other portfolio managers or industry affiliates, the CFA Designation gives me the confidence I need to succeed.

Harrison Brown, CFA

Associate Portfolio Manager
CFA Charter granted in 2023

I was looking for a program and designation that would give me a strong skill set in finance. I wanted something that was difficult to achieve and held with high regard within the industry as a standard, both technically and ethically. That is when I discovered the Chartered Financial Analyst Program.

Before I enrolled in the CFA Program, I attended an informational seminar. During that seminar, I was informed that only 20% of the applicants who enroll for the Level 1 Exam go on to finish all three levels of the program and obtain their CFA Charter.

This, coupled with a focus on ethics and a wide range of financial topics covered, told me that this was the program for me. Having now earned my charter, I can confidently say that the program has given me a wealth of knowledge and background that I am able to draw on when talking with our clients. In addition to the skillset, the ethical standards that a CFA Program Member or Candidate abide by are rigorous. The CFA Institute, through the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, have its members adhere to the highest standards, often higher than local law or regulatory bodies. I am proud to be held to these standards as I believe it is in the best interests of our clients, our company, and the greater financial markets.

Ready to get in touch with a member of our team to explore your investment options?