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What is a Chief Investment Officer?

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As Chief Investment Officers (CIOs), CFA® Charterholders have proven to be successful executive leaders of diverse organizations around the world. CIOs develop and communicate investment strategy and policies, contribute to business strategy, manage and develop the investment team, supervise and oversee the investment process, establish processes to ensure investment policies are followed, and make decisions on asset allocation, selection of external managers, and risk management across portfolios.

How to become a Chief Investment Officer

Chief Investment Officers are found in companies across many types of firms and sectors. So, those who aspire to an executive role need to develop broad professional knowledge and comprehensive skills and experiences that will provide them with a big-picture perspective and help them avoid being defined too narrowly in a limited niche. At the same time, their generalist experience must include a firm understanding of many investment areas and classes. 

According to the CFA® Institute Future of Finance report Investment Professional of the Future, investment professionals who want to advance in their careers will need to practice continual learning, adapt to frequent changes, keep investing in new-era skills, and be tech-savvy about navigating and harnessing new technology. Not only does the CFA® Program curriculum remain current and relevant by reflecting the latest best practices for investment professionals and preparing them for a lifetime of learning, but supporting the continuing professional development of CFA Charterholders and members is also a fundamental part of the CFA Institute mission.

Explore the CFA® Program

Whether you’re considering the CFA Program or already registered as a candidate, we have information and resources to help you navigate the next step.

Already a candidate?  Access candidate resources

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