Okay, so Nic has a CFA certification from the CFA Institute, which is a well-respected professional organization in the finance industry. The CFA charter is considered a gold standard for investment analysts. With a certification like this, Nic can command a higher rate. However, the rate for investment analysts with a CFA charter can vary widely depending on factors like location, experience, and industry. In San Francisco, which is a hub for finance and investment, Nic's rate might be on the higher side. Let's consider the average salary for investment analysts with a CFA charter in the US. According to various sources, the average salary for a CFA charterholder in the US is around $140,000 per year. Assuming a 40-hour workweek and 52 weeks per year, that's around $169 per hour. However, this is just an average, and rates can vary widely depending on the individual's experience and skills. To be on the safe side, I'll estimate Nic's rate at around $125 per hour.