Deep Dive: CFA® Level I Prep 2026

Deep Dive Prep

Master the complete CFA® Level I curriculum—one learning module at a time. Each episode is a concise, high‑impact dialogue that explains core concepts in plain English, with zero fluff and no long intro/outro. Perfect for commuters, last‑minute crammers, and anyone who learns best by listening. Independently produced; not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by CFA Institute.

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105 episodes
Updated January 26

Episodes105

Newest first

January 26 · 11 min
QUANT - Estimation and Inference
Reading 7: Estimation & Inference with Mara Ellington & Dorian Hayes. In this bite-sized CFA L1 episode, we turn symbols into intuition: Sampling methods: simple random, stratified, cluster, convenience & judgmental. Central Limit Theorem: why sample means of size n behave (almost) normal. Resampling: using bootstrap & jackknife when theory won’t give you a clean formula. Quick, focused revision for your next Quant mock.
January 21 · 11 min
QUANT - Simulation Methods
Dive into Simulation Methods from Quantitative Methods – CFA Level I with Mara Ellington & Dorian Hayes. Normal vs lognormal curves for asset prices & returns How Monte Carlo paths price risk in portfolios Using bootstrap resampling when data is limited Turn randomness into insight, one simulation at a time.
January 20 · 11 min
QUANT - Portfolio Mathematics [2026]
Portfolio Mathematics – CFA Level I Join Mara Ellington and Dorian Hayes as they turnChapter 1 Quantitative Methods into something you can actually use. Build intuition for expected return, variance & risk. See how covariance and correlation shape portfolios. Use Roy’s safety-first ratio to guard against shortfall risk. Perfect bite-sized review for your CFA Level I prep.
January 15 · 12 min
QUANT - Probability Trees and Conditional Expectations [2026]
CFA® Level I Boost w/ Mara Ellington & Dorian Hayes Learn how to turn messy scenarios into clean probability trees and sharp conditional expectations—in one focused session. Draw & read probability trees like an analyst Master P(A|B) = P(A∩B)/P(B) without fear Apply the logic to payoffs, defaults & simple return paths Perfect for commute-length revision and exam-day clarity.
January 10 · 10 min
QUANT - Statistical Measures of Asset Returns [2026]
Statistical Measures of Returns with Mara Ellington & Dorian Hayes. In this bite-size Quant Methods episode, we turn raw return data into insight: Means that matter: arithmetic vs. geometric returns (μ, g). How variance, standard deviation & downside risk frame volatility (σ, σ2). Reading the shape: skewness, kurtosis & (non-)normality. Why cov(Ri, Rj) and ρ drive diversification. Perfect if you want CFA Level I stats to finally “click”.
January 5 · 12 min
QUANT - Time Value of Money [2026]
Time Value of Money Deep Dive with Mara Ellington & Dorian Hayes. In this episode we turn abstract formulas into real decisions: Present value (PV) of bonds & equities from future cash flows Implied returns from today’s market prices Cash-flow additivity & the no-arbitrage mindset Forward rates, FX forwards & a first look at options Perfect for CFA Level I candidates reviewing Quant Methods, Chapter 1.
January 1 · 12 min
QUANT - Rates and Return [2026]
Hosted by Mara Ellington & Dorian Hayes Ready to finally “get” rates & returns instead of memorising formulas? In this bite-size episode we turn Quant Methods – Chapter 1 into clear, exam-ready intuition. Holding period, arithmetic & geometric mean returns – when each one actually matters. Nominal vs real return (and why inflation quietly eats your gains). Simple, compound & effective annual rates: from r to EAR step-by-step. Cash flows on a timeline: discounting & compounding made visual. Goal: walk away able to explain every key formula without looking at your notes.
Aug 1, 2025 · 14 min
ETHICS - Ethics Application
This module brings ethics to life through realistic scenarios and case studies that apply the Code and Standards. You'll practice identifying violations, applying ethical reasoning, and making judgment calls in complex situations. It’s all about turning ethical principles into confident, day-to-day decision-making.
Jul 31, 2025 · 13 min
ETHICS - Introduction to the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS)
This module introduces the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS), a set of voluntary, ethics-based principles that promote fair and transparent reporting of investment results. You'll learn why GIPS exist, who uses them, and how they help clients compare performance across firms by standardizing calculations, disclosures, and presentation practices.
Jul 30, 2025 · 12 min
ETHICS - Standard VII: Responsibilities as a CFA Institute Member
Standard VII reinforces the duty to uphold the reputation and integrity of the CFA designation. It requires members and candidates to comply with the Code and Standards, avoid any conduct that could harm the CFA Institute, and never misrepresent the meaning or implications of earning or pursuing the CFA charter.
Jul 29, 2025 · 13 min
ETHICS - Standard VI: Conflicts of Interest
Standard VI addresses the importance of identifying and managing conflicts of interest that could compromise objectivity. It requires full and fair disclosure of any potential conflicts—especially those involving ownership, compensation, or referral arrangements—so that clients and employers can make informed decisions with confidence.
Jul 23, 2025 · 21 min
ETHICS - Standard V: Investment Analysis, Recommendations, and Actions
Standard V focuses on maintaining the integrity and quality of investment research and decisions. It requires professionals to base analyses on thorough due diligence, clearly communicate investment recommendations and risks, and retain records that support the investment process. The standard ensures transparency and accountability in all investment actions.
Jul 22, 2025 · 13 min
ETHICS - Standard IV: Duties to Employers
Standard IV outlines the responsibilities investment professionals have toward their employers. It covers the duty of loyalty, maintaining competence, and acting with integrity while on the job. It also addresses proper conduct when leaving a firm and the importance of not misusing employer resources or confidential information.
Jul 21, 2025 · 15 min
ETHICS - Standard III: Duties to Clients
Standard III emphasizes the fiduciary responsibility investment professionals owe to their clients. It outlines duties such as loyalty, prudence, and care; ensuring fair dealing; preserving confidentiality; and providing suitable, objective advice. This standard reinforces that clients’ interests must always come first.
Jul 20, 2025 · 19 min
ETHICS - Standard II: Integrity of Capital Markets
Standard II protects the fairness and transparency of global capital markets. It focuses on two key areas: Material Nonpublic Information—ensuring analysts don’t misuse inside information—and Market Manipulation—prohibiting practices that distort prices or trading volume. The goal: promote investor confidence by keeping markets level and trustworthy.
Jul 19, 2025 · 13 min
ETHICS - Standard I: Professionalism
Standard I covers the fundamental duty of acting with integrity and professionalism. It sets expectations around knowledge of the law, independence and objectivity, misrepresentation, and misconduct. You'll learn how to navigate conflicts, avoid biased research, and maintain trust in your professional interactions—especially when legal and ethical standards diverge.
Jul 18, 2025 · 14 min
ETHICS - Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
This module introduces the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and the Standards of Professional Conduct, the backbone of ethical investment practice. You'll explore the six core ethical responsibilities and seven standards that guide duties to clients, employers, markets, and the profession. Each standard is explained with practical examples to help you apply them in real-world scenarios.
Jul 17, 2025 · 14 min
ETHICS - Ethics and Trust in the Investment Profession
This opening module explains why ethics and trust are foundational to functioning capital markets. It explores how ethical conduct enhances investor confidence, defines professionalism, and reduces systemic risk. You'll also learn to distinguish ethical standards from legal ones, and understand the consequences when fiduciary duty is breached. This sets the tone for the rest of the Ethics curriculum.
Jul 15, 2025 · 17 min
PORT - Introduction to Risk Management
The final chapter frames risk management as an enterprise-wide process. It describes risk governance, risk tolerance and budgeting, distinguishes financial from non-financial risks, and evaluates tools for measuring, preventing, accepting, transferring, or shifting risk—providing a comprehensive toolkit for modern risk managers. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Jul 15, 2025 · 17 min
PORT - The Behavioral Biases of Individuals
Here the curriculum turns to behavioral finance, categorizing cognitive errors and emotional biases that can distort investor decisions. It illustrates common biases (e.g., overconfidence, loss aversion), links them to market anomalies such as momentum and bubbles, and discusses how awareness of these tendencies can improve wealth-management advice. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Deep Dive: CFA® Level I Prep 2026

QUANT - Estimation and Inference

QUANT - Simulation Methods

QUANT - Portfolio Mathematics [2026]

QUANT - Probability Trees and Conditional Expectations [2026]

QUANT - Statistical Measures of Asset Returns [2026]

QUANT - Time Value of Money [2026]

QUANT - Rates and Return [2026]

ETHICS - Ethics Application

ETHICS - Introduction to the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS)

ETHICS - Standard VII: Responsibilities as a CFA Institute Member

ETHICS - Standard VI: Conflicts of Interest

ETHICS - Standard V: Investment Analysis, Recommendations, and Actions

ETHICS - Standard IV: Duties to Employers

ETHICS - Standard III: Duties to Clients

ETHICS - Standard II: Integrity of Capital Markets

ETHICS - Standard I: Professionalism

ETHICS - Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct

ETHICS - Ethics and Trust in the Investment Profession

PORT - Introduction to Risk Management

PORT - The Behavioral Biases of Individuals

Deep Dive: CFA® Level I Prep 2026