The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is highly regarded in the global finance industry, offering a deep understanding of investment management, financial analysis, and equity valuation. CFA Level 2 focuses on advanced topics such as asset valuation, portfolio management, and financial reporting, making it a crucial step for professionals aiming to excel in finance. Clearing Level 2 helps you to show competency in sophisticated concepts in finance and prepares you for better-paid jobs in many industries.
India in particular with its booming financial industry, passing level 2 of CFA unlocks rich employment avenues in investment banking, equity research, and corporate finance. By doing so, the certification empowers the professional with a number of attributes that helps one to be employment ready in the complex job market of India. In this blog, we will discuss the best ten high paying careers one can get after clearing CFA Level 2, the average salaries to expect, and essential industries recognizing these higher education credentials.
What is CFA?
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a globally recognized professional certification offered by the CFA Institute, focusing on investment management and financial analysis. The CFA program consists of three levels, covering topics like equity analysis, portfolio management, financial reporting, and ethics, making it a highly respected qualification in the finance industry. Earning the CFA designation showcases a candidate’s expertise and commitment to ethical financial practices, opening doors to prestigious roles in investment banking, asset management, private equity, and corporate finance. The CFA Charter is widely regarded as the gold standard for professionals seeking to advance their careers in finance.
To understand more about CFA as a course, read- All About CFA
Why CFA Level 2 is a Game Changer?
CFA Level 2 is often regarded as the most transformative stage of the CFA program. It goes beyond basic concepts, diving deep into advanced financial analysis and real-world applications, making it a pivotal step for those aiming for high-value roles in finance.
If you want to understand more about CFA level 2 as a course in detail, read- All About CFA Level 2
Specialized Financial Expertise
- CFA Level 2 equips you with specialized skills in equity valuation, fixed income analysis, portfolio management, and financial reporting.
- This advanced knowledge prepares you for roles that require in-depth financial analysis and decision-making in sectors like investment banking and asset management.
High Relevance to the Job Market
- Employers in sectors like investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance actively seek CFA Level 2 candidates.
- The curriculum’s focus on practical skills directly aligns with the demands of high-paying roles.
Analytical Excellence
- CFA Level 2 emphasizes case studies and real-world scenarios, honing your ability to tackle complex financial problems and strategic decision-making.
- This positions you for roles requiring strong analytical prowess and strategic thinking.
Enhanced Career Opportunities
- Clearing CFA Level 2 opens doors to lucrative roles such as investment banker, portfolio manager, and risk manager.
- It significantly boosts your career growth and makes you stand out in India’s competitive financial sector.
Top Job Profiles After CFA Level 2 in India
After clearing CFA Level 2, you become eligible for a wide range of high-paying finance jobs in India’s thriving financial sector. This certification arms you with specialized knowledge in financial analysis, portfolio management, equity valuation, and risk management, making you a valuable asset to employers.
Investment Banker
Role:
Investment bankers assist corporations and governments in raising capital, managing mergers and acquisitions, and providing financial advisory services.
How CFA Level 2 Helps:
The curriculum focuses heavily on corporate finance, equity valuation, and financial statement analysis, all of which are essential skills in investment banking.
Average Salary:
₹12 – 25 Lakhs per annum
Growth Potential:
Investment bankers often start as analysts and can move up to associate, vice president, and director roles. Senior professionals in this field can earn significantly higher pay, with managing directors earning ₹50 Lakhs or more annually.
Industries:
Investment Banking, Corporate Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity
Top Employers:
Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, ICICI Securities, Kotak Mahindra Bank
The image above is taken from Glassdoor, showcasing top employers with Investment Banker profiles for CFA Level 2 in India.
Portfolio Manager
Role:
Portfolio managers manage investment portfolios on behalf of clients or institutions, making decisions on asset allocation, risk management, and long-term investment strategies.
How CFA Level 2 Helps:
The curriculum covers portfolio management strategies, risk analysis, and asset allocation, which are core responsibilities of a portfolio manager.
Average Salary:
₹15 – 30 Lakhs per annum
Growth Potential:
Starting as a portfolio analyst, professionals can rise to senior portfolio manager and chief investment officer roles, which can significantly increase earnings and responsibilities.
Industries:
Asset Management, Mutual Funds, Pension Funds, Hedge Funds
Top Employers:
HDFC Asset Management, ICICI Prudential, Axis Mutual Fund, SBI Mutual Fund
The image above is taken from Glassdoor, showcasing top employers with Portfolio- Manager profiles for CFA Level 2 in India.
Equity Research Analyst
Role:
Equity research analysts analyze stocks, company financials, and market trends to make investment recommendations to institutional investors or asset managers.
How CFA Level 2 Helps:
Equity valuation and financial reporting are central components of CFA Level 2, making it directly relevant to equity research.
Average Salary:
₹8 – 18 Lakhs per annum
Growth Potential:
Equity research analysts can progress to senior analyst roles, leading teams or moving into portfolio management, which offers higher compensation and leadership opportunities.
Industries:
Asset Management, Hedge Funds, Investment Banking, Brokerage Firms
Top Employers:
Motilal Oswal, HSBC, Credit Suisse, Kotak Securities
The image above is taken from Glassdoor, showcasing top employers with Equity Research Analyst profiles for CFA Level 2 in India.
Risk Manager
Role:
Risk managers identify, evaluate, and manage risks that could negatively impact an organization’s financial health, focusing on credit, market, and operational risks.
How CFA Level 2 Helps:
Risk management, financial derivatives, and market risk evaluation are covered extensively in CFA Level 2, providing the technical knowledge needed for this role.
Average Salary:
₹10 – 22 Lakhs per annum
Growth Potential:
Risk managers can advance to senior risk officer or chief risk officer roles, overseeing risk management for entire organizations, especially in large financial institutions.
Industries:
Banking, Insurance, Investment Banking, Asset Management
Top Employers:
Standard Chartered, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI
The image above is taken from Glassdoor, showcasing top employers with Risk Manager profiles for CFA Level 2 in India.
Corporate Finance Analyst
Role:
Corporate finance analysts help organizations with financial planning, capital budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic decision-making.
How CFA Level 2 Helps:
The curriculum’s focus on corporate finance, capital investments, and financial modeling aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of a corporate finance analyst.
Average Salary:
₹9 – 18 Lakhs per annum
Growth Potential:
Corporate finance professionals can advance to finance manager, director of finance, or CFO roles, with pay significantly increasing as they move up the corporate ladder.
Industries:
Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Consulting
Top Employers:
Tata Capital, Reliance Industries, Mahindra & Mahindra, Infosys
The image above is taken from Glassdoor, showcasing top employers with Corporate Finance Analyst profiles for CFA Level 2 in India.
Financial Analyst
Role:
Financial analysts evaluate financial data, assess market trends, and provide insights to guide investment and business decisions.
How CFA Level 2 Helps:
Financial statement analysis, reporting, and quantitative methods taught in CFA Level 2 are directly relevant to this role.
Average Salary:
₹7 – 15 Lakhs per annum
Growth Potential:
Financial analysts can move into senior financial analyst, finance manager, or controller roles, eventually becoming CFOs or heads of financial planning for major corporations.
Industries:
Consulting, Investment Banking, Corporate Finance, Financial Services
Top Employers:
KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, PwC
The image above is taken from Glassdoor, showcasing top employers with Financial Analyst profiles for CFA Level 2 in India.
Credit Analyst
Role:
Credit analysts assess the creditworthiness of individuals, companies, or securities, helping financial institutions manage credit risk and decide whether to extend credit.
How CFA Level 2 Helps:
Knowledge of fixed income securities, debt valuation, and credit risk assessment covered in CFA Level 2 is essential for this role.
Average Salary:
₹8 – 16 Lakhs per annum
Growth Potential:
Credit analysts can advance to senior analyst or credit manager roles, with opportunities to become heads of credit risk management or even CFOs in some organizations.
Industries:
Banking, Credit Rating Agencies, Asset Management, Insurance
Top Employers:
CRISIL, ICRA, Moody’s, SBI
The image above is taken from Glassdoor, showcasing top employers with Credit Analyst profiles for CFA Level 2 in India.
Wealth Manager
Role:
Wealth managers offer financial planning, investment management, and advisory services to high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), tailoring investment strategies to meet their clients’ goals.
How CFA Level 2 Helps:
The curriculum’s focus on portfolio management and investment planning equips wealth managers with the necessary tools to advise clients effectively.
Average Salary:
₹10 – 22 Lakhs per annum
Growth Potential:
Wealth managers can rise to senior advisory or partner positions in wealth management firms, managing larger portfolios and more affluent clients, with higher compensation packages.
Industries:
Private Banking, Wealth Management Firms, Asset Management
Top Employers:
HDFC Wealth, ICICI Wealth, Kotak Wealth Management
The image above is taken from Glassdoor, showcasing top employers with Wealth Manager profiles for CFA Level 2 in India.
Private Equity Analyst
Role:
Private equity analysts evaluate private companies for potential investment, conduct financial modeling, and assist with deal structuring and investment management.
How CFA Level 2 Helps:
The focus on valuation, investment analysis, and financial modeling is critical in private equity, making CFA Level 2 an excellent preparation for this role.
Average Salary:
₹12 – 25 Lakhs per annum
Growth Potential:
Analysts can move up to associate, vice president, and partner roles, with the potential to lead multi-million-dollar deals and earn significant bonuses based on the success of the investments.
Industries:
Private Equity, Venture Capital, Investment Banking, Corporate Finance
Top Employers:
Blackstone, Sequoia Capital, KKR
The image above is taken from Glassdoor, showcasing top employers with Private Equity Analyst profiles for CFA Level 2 in India.
Quantitative Analyst
Role:
Quantitative analysts (Quants) develop mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data and develop strategies for trading and risk management.
How CFA Level 2 Helps:
The quantitative methods, financial modeling, and derivatives knowledge covered in CFA Level 2 are crucial for success in this highly technical role.
Average Salary:
₹15 – 30 Lakhs per annum
Growth Potential:
Quants can progress to lead quantitative researcher or head of quant teams, and eventually chief investment officer or partner in asset management firms, with compensation rising accordingly.
Industries:
Hedge Funds, Investment Banks, Asset Management, High-Frequency Trading Firms
Top Employers:
Barclays, Citi, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley
The image above is taken from Glassdoor, showcasing top employers with Quantitative Analyst profiles for CFA Level 2 in India.
Industry Demand for CFA Level 2 Professionals in India
India’s financial sector is witnessing rapid growth, driven by banking, asset management, fintech, and private equity. This expansion has led to a surge in demand for CFA Level 2 professionals who bring specialized skills in financial analysis, equity valuation, and portfolio management. Here’s a closer look at why this certification is highly valued and the industries where demand is rising.
Growing Sectors Driving Demand
Several high-growth industries in India actively seek CFA Level 2 professionals due to the complexity of today’s financial markets:
- Investment Banking: Firms need professionals who can advise on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and financial restructuring.
- Asset Management: Portfolio managers and analysts with CFA credentials are needed to manage diverse investment portfolios and optimize returns.
- Corporate Finance: Companies require skilled analysts to help with capital structuring, financial planning, and strategic investments.
Expertise in Advanced Financial Knowledge
CFA Level 2 professionals are valued for their in-depth knowledge and ability to evaluate financial data, identify market trends, and make informed strategic decisions. Indian firms, as well as global companies operating in India, recognize CFA Level 2 as a mark of financial competence and integrity. Popular job roles include:
- Investment Banker
- Equity Research Analyst
- Portfolio Manager
- Risk Manager
These roles require advanced analysis and decision-making capabilities, which CFA Level 2 certification effectively provides.
Demand in Emerging Industries
In addition to traditional sectors, startups, fintech companies, and private equity firms are also on the lookout for CFA Level 2 professionals. The rise of these industries requires individuals who can:
- Assess financial risk
- Evaluate investment opportunities
- Provide valuable financial insights
The demand for CFA Level 2 professionals has grown substantially in the Banking and Financial Services (BFSI) sector, especially for roles in credit analysis, wealth management, and corporate finance.
Opportunities for Career Growth and Advancement
- With more financial institutions and firms expanding their operations in India, the demand for CFA-qualified professionals continues to rise.
- The diverse range of sectors that value CFA Level 2 creates exciting career opportunities for professionals, allowing them to grow quickly and take on high-impact roles across industries.
Salary Range for CFA Level 2 Professionals in India
The salary range for CFA Level 2 professionals in India can vary significantly based on factors such as the industry, job role, experience, and location.
However, completing CFA Level 2 generally positions candidates for high-paying jobs across various sectors, particularly in investment banking, portfolio management, risk management, and equity research.
Entry-Level Salaries
- At the entry-level, CFA Level 2 candidates can expect a salary range between ₹7 to 12 Lakhs per annum. These roles typically include positions such as financial analysts, credit analysts, or equity research associates.
- Many candidates begin their careers in investment firms, credit rating agencies, or consulting firms.
Mid-Level Salaries
- With 3 to 5 years of experience and CFA Level 2 certification, professionals can command higher salaries ranging between ₹12 to 25 Lakhs per annum.
- At this stage, professionals may take on roles such as portfolio managers, investment bankers, or risk managers.
Senior-Level Salaries
- For professionals with more than 7 to 10 years of experience, combined with CFA Level 2 or a full CFA designation, salaries can escalate significantly, reaching ₹25 to 35 Lakhs per annum or more.
- Senior roles such as director of finance, senior portfolio manager, or chief investment officer (CIO) come with greater responsibilities and higher compensation.
- In high-demand fields such as private equity, investment banking, or hedge funds, senior-level salaries may exceed ₹35 Lakhs, with performance-based bonuses pushing earnings even higher.
To get a more in-depth insight about the salaries of CFA level 2, read- CFA Level 2 Salary in India
Industry and Location-Based Salary Variations
- Salaries also vary depending on the industry and location. For instance, professionals working in investment banking or private equity in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore tend to earn higher salaries due to the presence of multinational financial institutions and large domestic firms.
- On the other hand, roles in asset management, corporate finance, or wealth management may offer slightly lower but still competitive compensation packages in smaller cities.
Factors Affecting Salary
Industry:
Sectors like investment banking and private equity generally offer the highest salaries, while roles in corporate finance or financial consulting may have lower ranges but still offer strong earning potential.
Experience:
More experience leads to higher salary brackets, with CFA Level 2 professionals typically seeing their compensation increase significantly after gaining a few years of relevant work experience.
Company Size:
Large multinational firms and leading Indian corporations tend to offer higher salaries compared to smaller firms or startups.
For a deeper dive into the factors affecting salary prospects of CFA level 2 professionals, read- Factors Influencing Salaries
Comparative Salary Analysis Table
Here’s a comparative analysis of the salary ranges for the top 10 high-paying jobs available after clearing CFA Level 2:
| Job Role | Average Salary Range (₹ Lakhs per annum) |
|---|---|
| Investment Banker | 12 – 25 |
| Portfolio Manager | 15 – 30 |
| Equity Research Analyst | 8 – 18 |
| Risk Manager | 10 – 22 |
| Corporate Finance Analyst | 9 – 18 |
| Financial Analyst | 7 – 15 |
| Credit Analyst | 8 – 16 |
| Wealth Manager | 10 – 22 |
| Private Equity Analyst | 12 – 25 |
| Quantitative Analyst | 15 – 30 |
How to Maximize Career Growth After CFA Level 2
Pursue CFA Level 3 and Earn the CFA Charter
Completing CFA Level 3 and earning the CFA Charter significantly boosts your credibility, opening doors to senior roles like portfolio management and investment advisory. It enhances your earning potential and positions you for leadership.
Gain Relevant Work Experience
Practical experience in areas like investment banking, asset management, or risk management is crucial. It allows you to apply CFA knowledge and increases your value to employers. Seek internships or entry-level roles to build expertise.
Build a Strong Professional Network
- Networking is key to accessing new opportunities.
- Attend CFA Institute events, industry conferences, and connect with peers on LinkedIn to grow your network and increase your visibility within the finance community.
Continue Learning and Upskilling
- Stay competitive by learning emerging skills like data analytics, fintech, or blockchain.
- Upskilling in these areas, along with additional certifications like FRM or CAIA, can make you more versatile and desirable to employers.
Hone Soft Skills
- Develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for career advancement.
- Strong client management and the ability to present complex ideas are vital for senior roles.
Seek Mentorship
- A mentor can guide your career, provide industry insights, and help navigate challenges.
- Look for experienced professionals, particularly CFA Charterholders, to offer personalized advice and direction.
Focus on Performance and Results
- Delivering consistent results is key to career growth.
- Whether in portfolio management or corporate finance, focus on generating strong returns, meeting client expectations, and exceeding performance goals.
Conclusion
Completing CFA Level 2 is a pivotal step in advancing your finance career in India. It equips you with in-depth knowledge of financial analysis, portfolio management, and equity valuation, opening doors to high-paying roles in investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance. The skills acquired through CFA Level 2 are highly sought after across industries like banking, private equity, and risk management, providing you with numerous lucrative career options.
There is more you could do to take it to the next level: passing CFA Level 3, gaining some experience, never stop learning, and connecting to the right people. With technical professionalism and forwarding career plans in mind, the financial expert will always keep abreast with competitions financially. If done correctly CFA Level 2 can pave the way to a strong and prosperous career in this rapidly growing financial market of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average salary for CFA Level 2 professionals in India ranges from ₹7 to 35 Lakhs per annum, depending on the role and experience level.
Key industries include investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, risk management, and private equity
Yes, CFA Level 2 opens doors to high-paying jobs in finance, but completing CFA Level 3 can further enhance career prospects.
On average, candidates spend about 6 to 9 months preparing for the CFA Level 2 exam.
Popular roles include investment banker, portfolio manager, equity research analyst, and risk manager.
