How to become a financial and investment analyst
Official title: Financial and investment analysts
Also called: Bond analyst, Treasury analyst, Financial analyst, Investment analyst, Securities analyst, Mutual fund analyst, Money market analyst, Investment consultant, Cost financial analyst, Senior treasury analyst, Junior financial analyst, Senior financial analyst
Financial and investment analysts collect and analyze financial information such as economic forecasts, trading volumes and the movement of capital, financial backgrounds of companies, historical performances and future trends of stocks, bonds and other investment instruments to provide financial and investment or financing advice for their company or their company's clients. Their studies and evaluations cover areas such as takeover bids, private placements, mergers or acquisitions. Financial analysts are employed by a wide range of establishments throughout the private and public sector, such as banks, brokerage houses, insurance companies, investment companies, manufacturing firms, trust companies, utility companies and underwriting firms. Investment analysts are employed primarily by brokerage houses and fund management companies.
Main tasks
- Financial analysts
- Evaluate financial risks, prepare financial forecasts, financing scenarios and other documents concerning capital management, and write reports and recommendations
- Plan short- and long-term cash flows and assess financial performance
- Analyze investment projects
- Advise on and participate in the financial aspects of contracts and calls for tender
- Follow up on financing projects with financial backers
- Develop, implement and use tools for managing and analyzing financial portfolio
- Prepare a regular risk profile for debt portfolios
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in commerce, business administration, accounting, finance or economics and on-the-job training and industry courses and programs are usually required. A master's degree in business administration (MBA) (concentration in finance) or in finance may be required. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, available through a program conducted by the CFA Institute or an other recognized financial designations (CFP, CIM or others), is usually required. Other designations, such as Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), may be required by some employers.
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $84,377 a year The middle half earn $68,250 to $105,008.
- About 77,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 88,300 are projected by 2033. (+14.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Financial auditors and accountants
- Financial advisors
- Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers
- Other financial officers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a financial and investment analyst?
A bachelor's degree in commerce, business administration, accounting, finance or economics and on-the-job training and industry courses and programs are usually required. A master's degree in business administration (MBA) (concentration in finance) or in finance may be required. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, available through a program conducted by the CFA Institute or an other recognized financial designations (CFP, CIM or others), is usually required. Other designations, such as Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), may be required by some employers.
How much does a financial and investment analyst earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $84,377 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $68,250 to $105,008.
Is a financial and investment analyst a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 15% by 2033, from about 77,000 to about 88,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a financial and investment analyst?
Usually. 81% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03