About .cfa domain
.cfa is a brand gTLD operated by Verisign on behalf of the CFA Institute. It was delegated to the root zone in May 2015 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The extension is a closed, single-registrant TLD intended exclusively for the registry operator's own use. It is not available for public registration through standard commercial channels.
Who can register .cfa domain
Registration of .cfa domains is restricted solely to the CFA Institute, the registry operator. It is a single-registrant, brand TLD, meaning no external entities or individuals can apply for or register these domain names. There is no public eligibility process or verification for third parties.
How to register .cfa domain
.cfa is a closed brand TLD not allocated through commercial registrars. Domain names under this extension are delegated exclusively to the registry operator, CFA Institute, for its own use. The registry manages all internal allocation and configuration of domains within the TLD. There is no public process for requesting or purchasing these domains.
Typical uses of .cfa domain
The .cfa extension is used exclusively by the CFA Institute to support its brand identity and online operations. It is employed for the institute's official websites, member services, and educational resources related to the Chartered Financial Analyst program and investment professional standards. This controlled use ensures a secure and authoritative namespace directly associated with the institute's global activities in the finance industry.
Tips for registering .cfa domain
- The TLD is a closed registry, so there are no registration terms, renewal prices, or transfer policies applicable to the public.
- WHOIS privacy, premium domains, and standard grace periods do not apply, as all domains are held and managed by the single registry operator.
- Any dispute or policy enforcement is handled internally by the CFA Institute in accordance with its brand protection strategy.
Frequently asked questions about .cfa domain
Who operates .cfa domain?
The registry for .cfa domains is CFA Institute.
Who can register a .cfa domain?
The .cfa TLD is a closed, single-registrant brand extension. Only the CFA Institute, which is the registry operator, can register and use domain names ending in .cfa. There is no process for external verification or application, as the TLD is not open to the public, affiliated organizations, or trademark holders outside the registry itself.
Can I transfer a .cfa domain between registrars?
Inter-registrar transfers are not applicable for .cfa domains. Since all domains are registered and held solely by the CFA Institute registry, there is no mechanism to transfer a .cfa domain name to a different registrar or to a different registrant. The namespace is entirely controlled and administered internally by the registry operator.
Can I register a .cfa domain if I hold a CFA charter or am a member of the CFA Institute?
No, individual charter holders or members of the CFA Institute cannot register a .cfa domain name. The TLD is a proprietary brand asset reserved for the institute's own corporate use. Membership or professional designation does not confer any registration rights to this closed namespace.
What dispute policies apply to .cfa domain names?
Dispute resolution for .cfa would be governed internally by the CFA Institute, as the sole registrant. Standard ICANN policies like the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) are typically designed for open TLDs and may not be invoked, since no third party can register a domain to create a dispute. The registry maintains full control over all allocations.
Will .cfa domains ever become available for public registration?
It is highly unlikely. The TLD was applied for and delegated as a brand TLD with the stated purpose of exclusive use by the CFA Institute. Changing this fundamental closed status would require a major policy change by the registry and potentially a new agreement with ICANN, which is not anticipated.