Send us a text Wondering if you need the CFA to break into banking? Curious what the SIE is, or whether a CPA helps you land a role in private equity? You're not alone—exam questions are by far the most common DMs we get. So in this episode, we finally break it all down. We’re joined by Joyce Schnur, Senior VP at Kaplan, who walks us through the differences between licensing (SIE, Series 7, 63, 79) and credentials (CFA, CPA, CFP, CAIA), who actually needs them, and how they impact your finance career. Whether you're entering investment banking, sales & trading, asset management, or wealth advisory, we cover which exams matter—and which ones don’t. We also talk exam structure, pass rates, and how new rules may let you fund prep with a 529 plan. Plus, we dive into the latest market drama—TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out), bond market crowding, and the beauty M&A boom featuring Hailey Bieber’s near-billion-dollar deal. As always, it’s markets, career advice, and pop culture—through a Wall Street lens. For more information about Kaplan, check them out HERE To connect with Joyce Schnur on LinkedIn, find here HERE Learn more about 9fin HERE Shop our Self Paced Courses : Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HERE Fixed Income Sales & Trading HERE Wealthfront.com/wss . This is a paid endorsement for Wealthfront. May not reflect others’ experiences. Similar outcomes not guaranteed. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. Rate subject to change. Promo terms apply. If eligible for the boosted rate of 4.15% offered in connection with this promo, the boosted rate is also subject to change if base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period.The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC ("Wealthfront Brokerage"), Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") on cash deposits as of 11/7/25, is representative, requires no minimum, and may change at any time. The APY reflects the weighted average of deposit balances at participating Program Banks, which are not allocated equally. Wealthfront Brokerage sweeps cash balances to Program Banks, where they earn the variable APY. Sources HERE .
