One-on-one guidance for ambitious CFA candidates and CFA charterholders—focused, discreet, and built for real-world career success in the competitive global investment management industry.

A Strategic Decision, Not Just a Grind

Earning the CFA charter isn’t just about pushing through a grind—it’s a strategic decision that can radically shape the direction and fulfillment of your entire career.

The iconic CFA Program demands focus, sacrifice, and discipline, but the long-term payoff is clarity, credibility, and professional leverage. When approached thoughtfully, the celebrated CFA designation becomes more than a credential—it becomes a cornerstone of your identity as a serious investment professional.

I work with serious CFA clients who want to do more than pass. They want to grow with somebody who sets the bar high.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

The CFA Program is rigorous by design, but that doesn’t mean you have to face it in isolation. Most successful candidates had help—structure, strategy, accountability. I offer something far better than an anonymous forum or noisy subreddit: private, calm, expert support from someone who understands the exam, the profession, the pitfalls, the mental mindset. I’m a knowledgeable, long-term study partner who helps you stay focused and sharp, not overwhelmed or distracted. This is a high-trust process, not a social media popularity contest.

Private Guidance for Every CFA Level

I work one-on-one with discerning CFA candidates at all three levels to help them pass with confidence—ideally on the first attempt. I believe that lasting CFA curriculum knowledge starts with a written study strategy, daily exposure to the CFA curriculum, and active studying techniques, not passive ones. Think you’re learning much watching overly long CFA prep videos on 2X chipmunk-voice speeds? Think again.

My focus isn’t on seductive commoditized prep materials or content review. I’m your private study partner, helping you develop adaptive study skills starting with a strategy that shifts as you grow. Level I requires memorization discipline. Level II demands analytical clarity. Level III is about judgment and communication. I help you adjust at every stage and build momentum that carries into your real work.

Because I’ve worked across the full curriculum for over two decades, I bring a top-down perspective that many first-time candidates lack. For Level I candidates especially, I help you see how the pieces fit together—so you're not just memorizing facts, but building a solid foundation for success at Levels II and III. You’ll study smarter, with purpose and direction, not just pressure.

Recovering from Setbacks, Rebuilding Confidence

Failing a CFA exam can feel demoralizing—but it doesn’t define you. I work with intelligent, motivated candidates who didn’t pass and aren’t sure how to move forward. We start with a clean slate, identify what went wrong, and rebuild from there. I offer structure and encouragement without judgment. Many professionals have been where you are. With the right approach, you can come back stronger and wiser—and earn your CFA charter with purpose and pride.

Reigniting the CFA Dream

Some candidates step away from the CFA Program after one or more failed attempts—or because life got in the way. Still, the dream of working in global investment management often lingers. I work with individuals who quietly carry that spark. If you’ve paused or given up but still feel called to this path, I’ll help you assess whether and how to return. It’s never too late to get back on track—especially with someone who knows the terrain.

From Theory to Practice

The CFA curriculum isn't just something to survive—it’s something to use. I help CFA candidates and CFA charterholders connect what they’re studying to the job they do (or want to do). We focus on applying concepts in context, not just memorizing them. Whether you're in research, asset management, operations, or transitioning into the field, I help you integrate the CFA material so it becomes part of how you think, speak, and solve problems.

Why I’m Not Into CFA “Prep”

The word CFA prep is everywhere—and it’s become noisy. It implies shortcuts, cramming, and rote memorization. That might be enough to pass… until it isn’t. Many talented candidates unexpectedly fail Level III or freeze in meetings because, although they passed, they didn’t truly learn. I don’t do prep. I teach mastery, not hacks. Because in real investment roles, no one gives you a syllabus or flashcards. You’re expected to walk in, learn fast, and deliver insight. Prep doesn’t help you when you need to quickly absorb complex ideas at work and communicate them clearly—especially now, as AI enters the analyst toolkit and raises the bar on real human contribution.

Active Learning That Sticks

Most candidates study passively—watching videos, rereading notes, or drilling questions. I teach active learning: a deeper, more lasting approach based on conversation, recall, and conceptual mastery. We engage in CFA dialogue to help you internalize the material and make it your own. You’ll be able to explain it clearly, apply it professionally, and remember it long after the exam. The fade rate of CFA knowledge is high for most candidates. My clients are different.

Demystifying the Hard CFA Topics

There are certain topics in the CFA curriculum that intimidate even the brightest candidates—Currencies, Derivatives (Forwards, Futures, Options, Swaps), Fixed Income, Quantitative Methods, Financial Statement Analysis, and the infamous Level III Constructed Response (essay). I help you break these down and master them. With deep knowledge across all levels and a calm, practical teaching style, I make the complex feel manageable. You’ll learn how to understand—not just memorize—the most challenging parts of the program and walk into the exam with clarity, not confusion.

Helping Smart Professionals Grow Beyond the Exam

Some CFA charterholders are brilliant but under-recognized because they struggle to connect with others. I work with technically gifted professionals who may be socially awkward or introverted—helping them become more trusted and effective in front of clients, colleagues, and leadership. You don’t need to become someone you’re not. You just need to learn how to communicate your value with authenticity and confidence. That’s what gets you noticed—and promoted.

Keep Building Your CFA Edge

Many professionals earn the charter and move on quickly—but they’re often too busy to continue building on the knowledge they worked so hard to acquire. I help charterholders re-engage with the curriculum in ways that align with their current roles. Whether you're brushing up on core topics, learning how to speak about strategy, or facing leadership challenges, I’m here to support your next level. The CFA charter is just the beginning of a rewarding CFA career.

When the Charter Isn’t Enough

Earning the CFA charter is a huge milestone—but sometimes, it leads into the wrong role. I work with charterholders who feel misaligned, burned out, or stuck in roles that no longer excite them. Some are quietly asking whether they need a pivot—or a full reset. Others are navigating the aftermath of quitting or being let go. Together, we revisit your career with clarity and honesty. Whether you're ready to explore new paths or just need to ask deeper questions, I help you find a future that fits your strengths and values.

CFA Concierge

For elite CFA investment professionals who are too busy managing portfolios and clients to stay current on every detail, I serve as a discreet CFA concierge. I filter and synthesize emerging research, offer strategic thinking support, and help connect macro themes to client-ready narratives. Whether you’re preparing for a board meeting, mentoring junior staff, or sharpening your own thinking, I work behind the scenes to keep you intellectually sharp and professionally ahead—without the noise of prep courses or social media.

Discreet, Personal, and Focused on You

I’m not a celebrity CFA trainer anymore. I don’t post on social media. I believe the work we do is too important—and too personal—for noise and performance. My practice is built on privacy, discretion, and genuine human connection. I take the time to get to know my clients as people, not just professionals. Over time, some even become friends. If you’re looking for someone to walk with you—not talk at you—you’ll find that here.

Your CFA Strategy Partner for the Long Game

I’m not a tutor, a coach, or an influencer. I’m your strategy partner—starting with the CFA exams and continuing into your broader professional life. I help you think beyond test dates and toward what your career could become. From first attempt to final promotion, I walk alongside people who take their work seriously and want to make it count. The CFA Program is part of a longer journey. Let’s make sure it leads somewhere remarkable.

About Me

I earned my CFA charter in 1999 and have spent over two decades guiding professionals through the intellectual and personal demands of the investment industry. A Cambridge graduate with global experience in institutional investment management, I bring both technical depth and human insight to my work. I now serve as a confidential advisor to ambitious CFA candidates and charterholders around the world—helping them succeed on exams, grow in their careers, and lead with clarity and confidence.

Let’s Connect

If you’re serious about the CFA Program—or about making your charter count—I’d be glad to hear from you. I work privately with a small number of motivated professionals at a time. Just email me directly to start a conversation.

Thank you.

Daren

Daren Miller, MPhil, CFA

Charter No. 35608 issued September 17, 1999