CFA or CQF on top of MSc and MBA for Algorithmic trading or Quantitative Portfolio management

[Explorer]

Dear all,

I am considering doing the CQF or the CFA, but have a hard time deciding which one who would benefit me most in terms of use-able knowledge and career prospects. Which one would you recommend considering my goals and my background as outlined below?

Career goal
I want to move on to a more PnL centric position – either Algorithmic Trading or Quantitative Portfolio Management. I want to own my own (or share with a small team) strategies/portfolio and the PnL.

Current Position
Since May 2011:Algorithmic Execution – designing and running algorithms to automate one of the worlds largest Bond execution desks.

Career History
2010:6-2011:4 Execution Sales Trader – Bond Execution desk in a major Wealth Management corporation
2007-2010: Desk/Quant software developer and IT team leader in a major Investment Bank
2002-2007: Software Development Engineer and Project Manager in the Industrial Automation Industry in a major company

Educational Background
2010: MBA general management – final projects focused on Algorithmic FX spot market making.
2001: Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering

Also holds a trader license for two major exchanges in Europe.

Thanks in advance for your replies

Best Regards
Explorer

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Have you looked at the content of each certificate and see which one will fill the void that will help you reach the goal?
Do you need the math/programming part from CQF or the finance/regulation part from CFA?
Do you have a PnL track record that you can use to shop around new roles? How are PM positions promoted at your employer?