Mumbai — CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, today released its talent outlook study, mapping the evolving landscape of India’s financial workforce and highlighting the critical skills, qualifications, and upskilling practices shaping their future. The study commissioned by CFA Institute drew insights from more than 100 firms across investment management, banking, wealth management and other key finance sectors.
The findings underscore India’s emergence as a leading source of finance professionals who combine technical competence, digital fluency, and ethical leadership—a mix increasingly essential in today’s rapidly evolving financial services landscape. It further reveals the importance of technical skills such as market and product knowledge, financial modelling, and forecasting, alongside communication and stakeholder management abilities. As India’s finance sector continues to expand, the CFA® Program remains a gold standard for investment roles, equipping candidates with advanced analytical depth, global recognition, and a commitment to ethical and professional excellence.
Key Findings:
1. A blended qualification profile is increasingly preferred
Postgraduate degrees remain a significant factor in finance hiring, with 68 percent of employers identifying a master’s degree (including an MBA) as an essential screening factor. While nearly half (49 percent) of employees view CFA® charter as a top professional credential. Importantly, 54 percent of organisations hiring CFA Program candidates prefer those who also hold an MBA, reflecting a growing preference for candidates who combine academic and professional credentials.
2. The CFA Program continues to accelerate career progression
The CFA curriculum is widely recognised for its rigor and global relevance across investment banking, portfolio management, and risk functions. CFA charterholders report applying 70–80 percent of the program’s content in their daily roles, particularly in investment-centric positions, delivering stronger performance and faster career advancement in early and mid-career stages.
3. Employers are prioritising hybrid skillsets
Today’s finance professionals are expected to blend analytical depth with digital and cross-functional capabilities. Employers identified the following as top skill priorities:
• Market and product knowledge (68 percent)
• Financial modelling and forecasting (51 percent)
• Proficiency with Excel and data tools (51 percent)
• Communication and presentation skills (49 percent)
• Familiarity with AI and emerging technologies (39 percent)
This skills matrix highlights the growing demand for finance professionals who can pair technical precision with clear, strategic communication in a digital-first environment.
4. Employers are investing in structured upskilling
Organisations are actively investing in employee development, including CFA Program fee reimbursements, study leave, mentorship, and formal learning and development (L&D) initiatives. Several firms have integrated CFA Program progression into promotion frameworks, reflecting institutional recognition of its long-term value in talent development.
5. Practical application and experiential learning are gaining focus
Employers increasingly advocate for more practice-oriented content such as case-based financial modelling, real-time scenario analysis, and storytelling workshops to build client communication skills.
Speaking at the unveiling of the study in Mumbai, Margaret Franklin, CFA, President and CEO, CFA Institute, said: “India’s financial sector is entering an exciting new era. We are witnessing a generation of professionals who not only showcase analytical excellence but also understand the importance of responsible stewardship and collaboration. The insights from this study reaffirm that success in finance today requires resilience, adaptability and principled leadership. CFA Institute remains committed to equipping professionals with the global perspectives, ethical frameworks, and practical skills necessary to build a successful career in finance.”
Arati Porwal, Senior Country Head, India, at CFA Institute, added: “India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy, and its financial and investment management sector is rewriting the rules with fintech, wealth management, and data-driven investment services. As highlighted in our study, employers in India increasingly value professionals who integrate financial knowledge with digital proficiency, ethical judgment, and strong communication skills. Our focus at CFA Institute remains on strengthening collaboration with the industry, policymakers and academia to ensure that finance talent in India becomes more relevant, agile and aligned with future workforce needs.”
Implications for Key Stakeholders
• Employers: Adopt holistic approaches to hiring and talent development that balance academic qualifications, professional certifications, and experiential learning. Strengthen internal L&D mechanisms to close skill gaps and future-proof financial talent.
• Finance professionals: Complement formal education and professional designations such as the CFA Charter with digital proficiency, practical experience, and refined communication abilities to enhance employability and long-term career growth.
• Educators and policymakers: Foster deeper industry-academia partnerships, expand experiential learning opportunities, and integrate themes such as technology and sustainability into finance curricula to align education outcomes with evolving market realities.
