I was formerly an accountant from NTU. I took the CFA when I was with a Big4. When I passed it, I applied for many investment related front office positions as I could. I am not sure if it was because of only the CFA that I got several offers but I think it certainly helps.

I think if you want to get into a front office position, between the CFA and MBA from a local university, I would go for the CFA anytime.

Passing the CFA is an internationally recognised program to train financial analysts, MBA is more generic. Unless you are going an MBA with a top-tier university like Insead, forget it.

My advice for people who want to switch, get a CFA and then join a local investment firm if cannot get into the foreign one. With 2-3 years experience, you will be easily poached by the BB firms.