Information for foreign-trained financial and investment analysts
(1112) Verified: 2008 09 12
Information on requirements to practise
The occupation of analyst in the fields of finance and investment is not regulated in legislation in Canada. Where an occupation is not regulated, employment is subject to demand, and qualifications requirements are set by individual employers. However, most employers require a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration, economics, or finance as well as the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst(R) (CFA(R)).
The CFA charter is available through a self-study program and a series of exams conducted by CFA Institute. The CFA program is a graduate-level, self-study curriculum and examination program for investment professionals -- especially securities analysts, money managers and investment advisors. Established in 1962, the CFA program sets the global standard for investment knowledge, standards and ethics. Earning the credential can serve as a "passport" for entry to or advancement within the profession or for work in other countries. It tells clients, employers and colleagues that the charterholder has mastered a rigorous curriculum covering a broad range of investment topics and is committed to the highest ethical standards in the profession.
CFA Institute is the global, non-profit professional association. It administers the CFA and CIPM curriculum and exam programs worldwide, publishes, research, conducts professional development programs, and sets voluntary, ethics-based professional and performance-reporting standards for the investment industry. More information about CFA Institute may be found at http://www.cfainstitute.org/.
Information on assessment of qualifications
If you need to have your credentials assessed before coming to Canada, you may contact an evaluation service and consult our Fact Sheet No. 2, "Assessment and recognition of credentials for the purpose of employment in Canada." Although the evaluation services offer expert advice on how qualifications obtained abroad compare with credentials obtained in a Canadian province or territory, the evaluation is advisory only and does not guarantee recognition of your qualifications for employment or certification purposes in Canada. Please note that they charge a fee for their services.
Other relevant information
For a general description of duties and employment requirements, you can refer to the information prepared by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada regarding
Specific Provincial/Territorial Information
You may also be interested in the CICIC information pages for