I started as an equities analyst and am now starting a role as an investment/strategy analyst for a major billion dollar company. I think you will find it hard to change direction - not impossible- but hard, especially in Melbourne due to the lockdown. If I were you, I’d actually consider going down the MBA route with Melbourne University.

I say this for two reasons - 1) you have poor grades and 2) you need to do something drastic to turn your career around. Your age is on your side. As you know, your job won’t help you with the transition (I don’t even know what a cash management analyst does but I presume it’s a middle/back end role). But doing an MBA at a prestigious uni and getting good grades might open doors for you.

I wouldn’t do a CFA. I have passed L1. But I don’t think it’s enough to help your transition into a front end role. Have you thought about doing financial planning? That’s a good career as well and you can earn $120-150k within 5-10 years.