®

CFA Level III
#1

I know I should know this, but when you put the mark next to your name, do you need to include the ® sign (as in CFA®) or is simple CFA acceptable? I feel like I’ve seen it both ways.

#2

http://www.cfainstitute.org/about/governance/policies/Pages/charterholder_use_of_cfa_marks.aspx The first and most prominent use of the CFA® or Chartered Financial Analyst® marks in text material should include the registered trademark symbol (®). It is not necessary to use the ® symbol when the marks directly refer to a specific individual. Proper John Smith is a CFA charterholder Three analysts at the firm hold the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation Always specify in a tag line at the end of an article and at the bottom of an advertisement or promotional literature that the marks are the property of CFA Institute. Proper CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute The CFA® mark must appear in all capital letters. With respect to Chartered Financial Analyst®, at a minimum, the first letter of each word must be capitalized. Proper John Smith, CFA John Smith, Chartered Financial Analyst Improper Amy Jones, cfa John Smith, chartered financial analyst

#3

^that’s pretty clear.

#4

Actually CFAI themselves are not consistent. Just look at their website such as this: http://www.cfainstitute.org/about/press/release/Pages/08162011_59940.aspx None of the reference to the world ‘CFA’ has the ® mark. Also, according to the page here: http://www.cfainstitute.org/about/governance/policies/Pages/guide_for_use_of_cfa_institute_marks.aspx It state that the ® mark supposed to be a superscript but the page itself provides examples of the ® not in superscript. I spent the entire night yesterday researching on the use of the ® mark but eventually I gave up.

#5

You’re right, they are not consistent. Anyways, I don’t think they’ll suspend you for forgetting to use “®” when you should.

#6

I’m glad I’m not the only one confused by this. Considering there were ethics questions on the exam regarding this topic, you’d think they would have made this more clear! I think I’m going to pass on the ® on my business card…

#7

What? I don’t even know how to type that sign, let alone add it to my business card…

#8

I’ve never seen anyone use ® on their business card. It would mainly seem appropriate in instances where you are doing a write-up describing the designation or institute itself.