Membership Overview

A Member of the CFA Institute Global Network of Societies

Welcome to CFA Society Washington, DC

CFA Society Washington, DC (CFAW) is the leading association for investment professionals in the National Capital region. Founded in 1953 as the Washington Society of Investment Analysts, today's society consists of over 2,100 financial professionals in a variety of positions including portfolio managers, analysts, trust officers, and consultants, as well as pension, endowment and foundation fund executives.

Our mission is to advance members' professional success and facilitate a vibrant, engaged community. We are committed to the highest standards of investment ethics, education, and professional excellence. We hope you will join us!

Our members are employed by major corporations, associations, unions, federal, state and local government agencies, financial regulators, academic institutions, investment managers, insurance companies, broker/dealers, consultants and more. In the diverse and growing Washington, DC investment community, our society plays a vital role in supporting the community – from advocating the highest ethical practices to promoting career opportunities.

The Society hosts numerous educational luncheons, networking events, webinars, and opportunities to get involved at all levels. We additionally sponsor local classes to prepare candidates studying for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam, a prerequisite to earning the CFA designation. The CFA designation is awarded by CFA Institute and proudly earned by the majority of our members.

Participation

Get even more out of your CFA Society Washington, DC membership by actively participating in our programs and events! Volunteer on a committee, serve as a Mock Exam proctor, Research Challenge judge, and Ethics Challenge mentor, or run for the Board of Directors. The work of this society is best carried forth by the combined efforts of our energetic community working together in a common cause; not by a small group of people under the fierce and expectant gaze of the membership. Through your society membership, you support the CFA Program and CFA charterholders in your area, enhance the local investment community and increase the value of the charter.

Membership FAQs

Can you explain the various membership categories?
We offer two general paths for becoming a member of CFA Society Washington, DC:

Dual membership through CFA Institute and CFA Society Washington, DC: Regular, Affiliate, and Retired
Membership directly through CFA Society Washington, DC: Student, Candidate, and Guest

Please visit the individual membership pages for more information on the best category for you!

What is the biggest difference between the different membership categories?
If you plan on completing the CFA Program and earning the honorary "CFA" letters after your name, membership through the CFA Institute is the best track for you. If you are interested in participating in the local Washington, DC investment community, but do not have enough experience or interest in attaining the CFA desgination, consider joining directly through CFA Society Washington, DC.

I moved. Are society dues transferrable?
Society dues are only transferrable for Regular, Affiliate, and Retired Members. If you move and wish to transfer your membership to a different CFA Society, you do not pay dues until it is time to renew your annual Society membership.

Can I belong to more than one society?
Yes! If you travel frequently for work, you may consider joining multiple societies.

Can I vote for the Board of Directors?
Only Regular Members in good standing with the CFA Institute are allowed to cast a vote for the Board of Directors, serve on an Executive Committee, or run for a seat on the Board of Directors.

What is the program year for CFA Society Washington, DC?
The program year runs from July 1 through June 30 for CFA Society Washington, DC and CFA Institute.

Are dues pro-rated if I join mid-year?

Regular, Affiliate, and Retired: Yes, monthly. Members joining in May or June of a program year will automatically be signed up for the following membership year, at no additional cost to the individual.
Student, Candidate, and Guest: Yes, quarterly. Members joining in May or June of a program year will automatically be signed up for the following membership year, at no additional cost to the individual.

I am a registered CFA Program Candidate. Does that make me a CFAW Member too?
No, not automatically. Being a CFA Candidate is a pre-requisite for this membership category, however you must join as a society member to be eligible for the CFAW Member Rate. Please register for membership using the same email address used to sign up for the CFA Program.