CFA or SII DIploma??

[CarloG]

Hello,
I've been working as a portfolio manager assistant in a small financial company since 2005 (after college and a master in finance) and I deal most with ABS. I've been thinking about doing some courses and in the end I might choose between the CFA (a lot of work I heard) and the SII diploma in Bond and Fix Interest Market...in the aim to braod my knowledge in the area and become a portfolio manager (hopefully) in the future. Do you have any inside or any advice to give me? Is the SII Diploma just pure UK recognised or is ti global like the CFA?
What about the amount of work for both of them? Considering a working student status!

thanks a lot!

 

[grantx]

Carlo,

The CFA is internationally recognised and is far more demanding, and therefore more respected than the SII Diploma.If you're willing to put the time in, the CFA is the one.

Grant.

 

[CarloG]

Thanks Grant, I appreciate your quick response!

 

[Joni.Cute]

I suggest you should visit CFA forum to find out more information and make your best decision.

CFA Exam Discussion at AnalystForum for Chartered Financial Analyst candidates :: Level I Forum

 

[biny123]

I've done the SII Dimploma and expected it to help me in my career. I did learn alot but ultimatley it's been pretty useless. Barely anyone has heard of it and employers always seem to confuse it with the IAQ which is a much much more simple qualification....very annoying!

I've started the CFA and completed level 1. It was much more demanding and when peopel foudn out I've done it, they are much more impressed than with the SII Diploma. Although to be fair to the SII, I found their subject matter more interesting....just way less respected.

 

[Magos]

SII Diploma is good, but not very well recognised I will give you that!
CFA is more well know due to its international nature.

On the other hand, one is done mainly by compliance experts and traders (SII Diploma) and the other by Invesment Analysts (CFA)

 

[CarloG]

Carlo - just a thought, and I don't know if you're even reading this thread any more, but have you done your IMC yet? Would reccomend doing that before moving on to the CFA.

GJ

I didn't do the IMC and I've noticed that it is considered a prerequisite for London in particular, isn't it? I ve been thinking all this summer and I ll probably end up doing the CFA level 1 next June.

thanks a lot,

Carlo.

 

[CarloG]

SII Diploma is good, but not very well recognised I will give you that!
CFA is more well know due to its international nature.

On the other hand, one is done mainly by compliance experts and traders (SII Diploma) and the other by Invesment Analysts (CFA)

You are probably right!
A I said I ve been thinking all the summer and I will start doing the CFA next June.
I think it s the best solution and I've seen the most recomended and demanded.

Cheers!

 

[FXHAREL]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently studying for the IMC and i will sit for the exam soon; after that, i don't know yet what i will do: cfa or sii diploma; as my goal is work as an analyst (buy side or sell side).
what is the best for that?

Thanks for the response

FX

 

[allenmark]

I think you made a correct choice opting for CFA as it is pretty useful and popular. You will get a job instantly but you can get a job but you can get it easily with fake diploma. Its bit risky but many people are opting for it these days.

diploma

 

[GavH]

Bit of thread resurrection here:

What's the collective opinion on CFA vs the CISI Level 7 Masters in Wealth Management?