CFA RESOURCE

CFA Glossary of Terms and Formulas

Use this glossary to search CFA terms, formulas, and finance concepts while you study. Browse alphabetically, search for a specific term, or review short definitions across the CFA Program.

This page is built for candidates preparing for CFA Level I, Level II, or Level III.

Search by CFA Level

Search by specific terms

CFA Candidate Studying KeyPoint Learning

Reset all

All Levels 3,088 terms Level I 1,533 terms Level II 779 terms Level III 776 terms

All Letters

All Letters 1,533

0-9 0

A 83 B 64 C 185 D 101 E 70 F 70 G 30 H 28 I 80 J 4 K 4 L 61 M 106 N 53 O 52 P 138 Q 15 R 78 S 165 T 81 U 23 V 20 W 15

X 0

Y 5 Z 2

Showing 196-200 of 1,533 terms Level: Level I × Clear all

Per page:

Central banks

Level I

The dominant bank in a country, usually with official or semi-official governmental status.

Full term guide

An instrument that represents a specified amount of funds on deposit with a bank for a specified maturity and interest rate. It is issued in small or large denominations, and can be negotiable or non-negotiable.

Full term guide

Change in polarity principle

Level I

A tenet of technical analysis that once a support level is breached, it becomes a resistance level. The same holds true for resistance levels; once breached, they become support levels.

Full term guide

Change of control put

Level I

A covenant giving bondholders the right to require the issuer to buy back their debt, often at par or at some small premium to par value, in the event that the borrower is acquired.

Full term guide

Character

Level I

The quality of a debt issuer’s management.

Full term guide

COMMON QUESTIONS

FAQs About KeyPoint Learning's CFA Glossary

What is a CFA glossary?

A CFA glossary is a reference list of terms, formulas, and finance concepts that appear across the CFA Program. It helps candidates review key ideas while studying for Level I, Level II, or Level III.

CFA Glossary

Does this glossary cover CFA Level I, Level II, and Level III?

This glossary is designed to support candidates across the CFA Program. Where level information is available, terms can be labeled by CFA Level I, Level II, or Level III.

CFA Glossary

Does this glossary include CFA formulas?

Yes, formula-related terms may be included in the glossary. For a more focused formula review, use the CFA Formula Sheet resource.

CFA Glossary

Should I memorize every CFA term?

No. It is better to understand important terms in context than to memorize every definition by itself. Focus on how each concept works, where it appears in the curriculum, and how it may be tested.

CFA Glossary

Where can I find more CFA study resources?

You can explore KeyPoint Learning’s CFA resources for study planning, calculator guidance, formulas, GIPS Standards, and CFA Program information.

CFA Glossary

KEEP BUILDING YOUR UNDERSTANDING