Banking & Financial Analyst (BFA) is a certification conferred upon by Brickwork Finance Academy. The certification is offered in two levels – Level 1 and Level 2. The candidates who pass the BFA exams would have higher level of analytical rigor, understanding of stock, debt, derivative markets, knowledge of Indian bank lending and fair idea of credit analysis. They could be absorbed as rating analyst, business analyst, credit analyst, loan officer, fixed income analyst in commercial banks, investment banks, mutual funds, insurance firms and pension funds. They can also be absorbed as finance analysts in companies finance departments.
The course content for both Level 1 and Level 2 is the same and covers Credit, Investment and Risk management topics. Detailed curriculum is available at www.bfa-india.org. The primary difference between the BFA and CFA exam is the focus on credit and risk management. While the BFA covers Credit, Investment and Risk Management areas, we believe that CFA covers primarily investment from the US markets point of view. The BFA exam covers both Indian and the US markets point of view. The Level 1 exam is a mix of basic and advanced questions often asked in multiple choice format. Level 2 is an essay type paper that calls for advanced in depth study and higher level of analytical and thinking skills.
Exam Centers
BFA exams are offered at Ahmadabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi at present.
Exam Fees
The test fees have to be paid in full and in advance. The fees for Level 1 exam is Rs 25,000 and fees for Level 2 exam is Rs 35,000. The fees - for both levels combined to be taken on the same day is Rs 50,000. The fees are non refundable.
Important Dates for BFA EXAM 2014
Last date for receipt of filled-in Applications: 31st March, 2014
Examination Date at different Centers: 12th April, 2014
Level I Exam: 10 am to 1 pm
Level II Exam: 2 pm to 5 pm
Announcement of Results: 2nd June, 2014
Grades
Those who pass BFA exams are given three grades. A small percentage gets DS – Distinguished. The other grades are HP – High Pass and P- Pass. The candidates who do not pass are shown Fail. The exam is a difficult one and the pass rate has been about 50% in the past exam.
Employment
Most candidates who pass the BFA exam( Level I and Level II) with DS (Distinguished) grades will be offered full time “Analysts” positions with Brickwork Ratings, a SEBI & RBI approved Credit Rating Agency or assured full time employment with commercial banks, investment banks, mutual funds, insurance firms, pension funds and corporates. Reasonable attempts will be made to place candidates in High Pass category.
About Brickwork Finance Academy
“There are many MBA colleges offering a degree in finance. Though students graduate with an advanced degree, they would have studied only a few select courses in finance. BFA’s PGP is unique, comprehensive and designed with careers in the BFSI sector in mind.”
…Vivek Kulkarni, President of BFA
Brickwork Finance Academy (BFA), a non-profit organization, offers nine month, weekend, Post Graduate Program (PGP) in Finance, for Graduates, Post Graduates and Working Professionals looking for an enriching career in Finance. The BFA course covers vital areas in Finance namely, Credit Management, Investment Management and Risk Management.
Tags: Bfa
Certification
Brickwork Finance Academy
Examination
Credit Ananlysis
