CFA®

A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) charter is a designation given to those who have completed the CFA® Program and completed acceptable work experience requirements.

The CFA Program is a three-part exam that tests the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, and wealth planning. The CFA Program is typically completed by those with backgrounds in finance, accounting, economics, or business. CFA charterholders earn the right to use the CFA designation after program completion, application, and acceptance by CFA Institute. CFA charterholders are qualified to work in senior and executive positions in investment management, risk management, asset management, and more.

Certification Requirements

1. Pass CFA Exams: CFA Program is a three-part exam. Passing the exam for all three levels, along with the applicable practical skills modules, is a requirement to obtain the CFA charter.
2. Achieve Qualified Work Experience: Complete work experience requirements before, during, or after participation in CFA Program. Your experience must be directly involved with the investment decision-making process or producing a work product that informs or adds value to that process.
3. Submit Reference Letters: In support of your membership application, you will need to provide 2-3 professional references. References will be asked to comment on your work experience and professional character.
4. Apply to Become a Charterholder: Apply to become a regular member of CFA Institute. Once your application is approved and you have joined CFA Institute, you will have earned the CFA charter.

Fiduciary Description:

As a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we are designated fiduciaries for all our clients. That means we are held to the highest possible standard to provide advice that is sound, accurate, and free from conflict, holding your best interests before our own. Our full suite of services encompasses a multitude of areas, some of which, in our capacity as a fiduciary to you and others are educational in nature, assisting you in your functions as the plan sponsor/trustee.

Fiduciary oversight begins with us partnering with you as an ERISA 3(21) co-fiduciary. In this capacity, we will assist in the selection and monitoring of the investment lineup to ensure that it meets the qualifications of ERISA Section 404(c) and complies with the Investment Policy Statement (“IPS”), a policy that we will advise on and provide ongoing maintenance. Fort Pitt will provide investment recommendations to the plan sponsor, who will decide on the selection, retention, addition, and removal of investment options. We will also provide you with advice on implementing a Qualified Default Investment Alternative (“QDIA”). You can further engage us as a 3(38) discretionary investment manager in the plan. As a 3(38), we assume responsibility for selecting, monitoring, and replacing plan investment options.