The CFA designation, awarded by the CFA Institute, is one of the most prestigious certifications in finance and investment management. It covers a broad range of topics, including equity analysis, portfolio management, ethics, and quantitative methods. Candidates must pass three levels of exams that require hundreds of study hours, each progressively more challenging, and must have at least four years of relevant work experience to earn the charter. The CFA credential is highly valued by employers and is often pursued by professionals in investment banking, asset management, and equity research.