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Arif Irfanullah, CFA

Arif Irfanullah, CFA

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Selecting a Prep Provider

Studying exclusively from the CFA Program curriculum can be intimidating. Hence many candidates use products and services offered by CFA exam prep providers. There are several prep providers, each offering a range of products.  Selecting a prep provider who is right for you is important.  Here are my suggestions on identifying a prep provider who can help pass the exams: Work with a CFA Institute Approved Prep Provider. The list of approved prep providers is available on the CFA Institute website: cfainstitute.org/programs/cfaprogram/courseofstudy/Pages/cfa_exam_prep_providers.aspx Short-list two or three prep providers based on recommendations from friends and colleagues. You can also check online… Read More

Level I

The CFA Program® Exams

The Exams The CFA Program has three levels.  The focus area and exam format for each level is shown below:   Level Focus Format I Basic knowledge of ten topic areas and simple analysis using investment tools Two three-hour exams 120 multiple choice questions per exam II Application of investment tools and concepts with a focus on the valuation of all types of assets Two three-hour exams 10 case studies per exam 6 multiple choice questions per case study III Focuses on synthesizing all of the concepts and analytical methods in a variety of applications for effective portfolio management and wealth… Read More

Level I

Should I Pursue the CFA® Program?

If you are interested in a career in investment analysis and portfolio management, I strongly recommend the CFA Program.  It is the most recognized and respected investment management designation in the world. If you are already in the investment management profession, the CFA Program will help strengthen your foundation. This is likely to accelerate your career progression. The CFA Program also makes sense if you are a non-finance professional at a financial institution, such as a large bank, and want to move to the business side. For instance, imagine you are an IT consultant implementing a Treasury Management System at… Read More

Level I

Level II Study Advice – March 2018

With about 3 months left for the exam it is crunch time.   Spend as much time as possible studying and make your study time as productive as possible.  Here are some do and don’ts: With every reading focus on the main points; do not get hung up on the details.  (If you try to understand the depth of every single point you’ll not have time to practice… which is suicide.) Understand the curriculum examples… especially the ones which are relatively short and focused.  Some examples seem to go on and on.  At this stage it does not make sense to… Read More

Level II

Incoming: Level I December 2017 Results

Dear December 2017 Level I candidates, Tomorrow, the moment of truth will come.  I’m sure you have been anxiously waiting for your Level I result.  You will experience the agony of failure or the thrill of victory. Read my advice on how to interpret your results and what to do next. Click on the link below. If you pass If you fail Best regards, Arif Irfanullah, CFA

Level I

Advice to Those Who Pass the Level I Exam

Dear December 2017 Level I Candidates, Tomorrow, the moment of truth will come.  I’m sure you have been anxiously waiting for your Level I result.  You will experience the agony of failure or the thrill of victory. If you have cleared the exam, this is indeed a milestone. If you are interested in my thoughts on what to do next read on. I passed the exam.  What next? About this time every year, I get the same question from successful Level I candidates: should I take the Level II exam in June this year? As with so many other situations… Read More

Level I

Advice To Those Who Don’t Pass the Level I Exam

Dear December 2017 Level I Candidates, Tomorrow, the moment of truth will come.  I’m sure you have been anxiously waiting for your Level I result.  You will experience the agony of failure or the thrill of victory. If you have failed the exam; always remember failure is not fatal. If you are interested in my thoughts on what to do next please read on. I did not make it. What next? For those who do not pass the Level I exam, the typical advice is to keep trying; however, I suggest a more thoughtful approach.  Put the result on the… Read More

Level I

I just took the Level I exam. Should I start preparing for Level II?

If you just took the Level I exam, are reasonably confident that you’ll pass, and want to take the Level II exam in June, this blog is for you. Let’s start with a quick Level II introduction. The ten topics are the same as Level I, but the weights are different. Ethics: 10 – 15%, Quant: 5 – 10%, Econ: 5 – 10%, CF: 5 – 15%, FRA: 15 – 20%, Equity: 15 – 25%, Alt: 5 – 10%, FI: 10 – 20%, Der: 5 – 15%, PM: 5 – 10%. At Level I, you were tested on basic concepts. … Read More

Level II