One of the best-known and most respected credentials in the finance and investment industry is the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Here is Top 5 Most Popular CFA Jobs in India. With the rapid growth in India’s financial sector and the consequent demand for skilled professionals, CFA charterholders have numerous avenues of career options available to them.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Most Popular CFA Jobs in India
1. Investment Banker
Role and Responsibilities
Investment bankers are financial professionals who help corporations, governments, and other entities raise capital, advise on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and provide strategic financial advice. Some of these tasks include:

- Providing advice on the financial aspect of IPOs, bond issuance and equity offerings.
- Building financial models and performing valuation analysis.
- Packing Deals and Negotiating Terms
- Market trends and investment opportunities analysis
- Client relations and presentation of investment strategies
Salary Expectations
In India, the salary of investment bankers is based on years of experience as well as employer. Junior roles make around INR 10-15 lakh per annum and senior professionals, INR 30-50 lakh per annum and beyond, including bonuses and commission.
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Career Growth
The CFA charter helps investment banking professionals to reach positions like Vice President, Director, or Managing Director at top-notch financial organizations.
2. Portfolio Manager
Role and Responsibilities
Portfolio managers manage investment portfolios for individual and institutional clients, making strategic investment decisions to maximize returns. Some of their key responsibilities are:
- Creating and managing investment portfolios driven by client goals.
- Market research and financial analysis to find investment opportunities.
- Keeping an eye on economic trends and modifying the best investment strategy as appropriate.
- Assess the risk and promote the diversification of investment portfolios.
- Relating with investors and stakeholders.

Salary Expectations
Entry-level Portfolio Managers command INR 8-12 lakh per annum, and senior professionals can earn INR 20-50 lakh per annum or higher depending on the asset class and size of the firm.
Career Growth
They can also advance to more senior positions like CIO, Head of Investments in asset management firms, mutual funds, hedge funds, with experience.
3. Equity Research Analyst
Role and Responsibilities
It includes financial analysis that identifies trends and makes recommendations on stocks, sectors, and markets. Their primary roles include:
- Study and analyse companies, industries and trends in the economy.
- Conducting valuation analysis and financial modeling
- Publishing in-depth research reports that contain buy, sell, or hold recommendations.
- Pitching investment ideas to clients and fund managers.
- Follow all the market news and corporate developments.
Salary Expectations

Entry-level analysts get INR 6-10 lakh per year, at times, and for experienced analysts and move to senior level, this income can vary between 20-40 lakh per annum and even more depending on the employer and expertise.
Career Growth
CFA charterholders working as equity researchers can progress to the roles of Senior Research Analyst, Head of Research, or Fund Manager within investment firms and brokerage houses.
4. Risk Manager
Role and Responsibilities

A risk managers first stable organization that identifies and evaluates financial risks to look after an organization’s process for it. Their responsibilities are:
- Creating strategies for mitigating financial losses.
- Occupying yourself with risk assessments and stress testing financial models.
- Reporting and controls / Risk controls and compliance
- Market Volatility and Its Effect on Investments
- Providing advice to management on risk mitigation.
Salary Expectations
In India, a salaried risk manager incurs a starting pay of around INR 8-12 lakh per annum while senior professionals draw INR 20-40 lakh per annum depending on years of experience and the size of the organization.
Career Growth
Risk managers can advance to senior positions like Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and Head of Risk Management in banks, insurance firms, and investment companies.
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5. Financial Consultant
Role and Responsibilities
A financial consultant is a professional who provides financial advice to people, businesses, and organizations to help them reach their financial goals. They do the following:

- Evaluating clients’ financial condition and investment goals.
- Advising on investment management, retirement and tax advice.
- Building tailored portfolios and financial plans.
- Analyzing financial performance and making strategic adjustments.
- Updating clients on trends in the financial market and the economy.
Salary Expectations
Without relevant experience, financial consultants get in the INR 5-10 lakh per annum range, with experienced consultants earning upwards of INR 15-30 lakh per annum or more based on their clientele and expertise.
Career Growth
Depending on their goal in finance consulting, CFA charterholders may elect to start their own advisory firms, work for international financial institutions, or even climb to senior positions at wealth management firms.
Summary Table
S. No | Job Role | Salary Range (INR per annum) | Career Growth Potential |
1 | Investment Banker | 10-50 lakh | Managing Director |
2 | Portfolio Manager | 8-50 lakh | Chief Investment Officer |
3 | Equity Research Analyst | 6-40 lakh | Head of Research |
4 | Risk Manager | 8-40 lakh | Chief Risk Officer |
5 | Financial Consultant | 5-30 lakh | Advisory Firm Owner |
- What CFA job pays the most?
The salaries in investment banking and portfolio management roles could reach up to INR 50 lakh per annum.
- Are CFA charterholders able to practice as financial consultants?
CFA charterholders may pursue careers as independent financial consultants or advisors.
- Whether risk manager needs CFA or not?
Although a CFA designation is not a requirement for working in risk, having it can greatly boost a candidate’s chances.
Conclusion
Here above 5 Most Popular CFA Jobs in India. Having a CFA designation makes one eligible for numerous career opportunities in India’s burgeoning financial world. Some of the most popular CFA jobs include – investment banking, portfolio management, equity research, risk management, and financial consulting. CFA charterholders enjoy attractive salaries, career advancement, and high demand within the industry. The CFA charter is a progressive career move for candidates seeking top-level positions in finance.
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