Market risk analysts hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and many pursue graduate studies in finance or a related field. Many employers require professional certification, and some jobs call of licensing.
Essential Information
Market risk analysts use their experience and knowledge of an industry or market to provide advice on possible investments. A bachelor's degree program focusing on finance or mathematics provides a foundation for entry into market risk analysis careers; a master's degree may be required for advancement. Those who meet education and experience requirements can earn professional certification; professional licensing requirements may also apply.
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree; master's degree for advancement |
| Other Requirements | Professional licensing and certification |
| Median Salary (2020) | $83,660 (for all financial analysts)* |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | 5% growth (for all financial analysts)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Market Risk Analyst Job Description
Market risk analysts provide a company or investor with information on market trends. Risk analysts must have an overall grasp of the industry in which they are conducting research in order to be able to provide a comprehensive market assessment. Information provided by analysts may be used by a company to inform decisions about possible investments and proposed ventures.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2020the median annual income for financial analysts, including risk analysts, was $83,660. The BLS projects an average employment growth rate of 5% for financial analysts during the 2019-2029 decade, which is faster than average.
Market Risk Analyst Duties
Market risk analysts perform research to determine the probability of asset loss or reward from investments in their particular industry. Tasks may include:
- Conducting statistical analyses
- Developing risk management systems
- Consulting with securities traders
- Reporting and presenting research results
Educational Requirements
Most companies require analysts to hold at least a bachelor's degree. Bachelor's degree programs in finance, business, accounting, and statistics may best prepare students for a career in risk analysis. Some companies may prefer to hire a candidate with a graduate degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a master's degree in finance. An MBA program with a financial focus might offer relevant courses in managing corporate investment portfolios and analyzing interest rate fluctuations.
Career Requirements
The BLS maintains that employers may expect candidates to have professional certifications, such as the credential offered by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute. The CFA designation demonstrates a professional commitment to employers, since it typically takes four years to complete the curriculum and pass the three required exams. Additionally, CFAs must adhere to a code of professional ethics and standards. Financial analysts, including market risk analysts, are also subject to Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) licensing regulations.
Market risk analysts often combine a background in finance with a knowledge of a market, and provide their services to a company or investors. They also usually know about different systems and methods of research, and an MBA plus a CFA credential are common educational prerequisites for this growing career field.
