Kinda. If you look at job postings for research or portfolio manager positions - heck, even on my side of the business in sales - they do “require” a CFA. But you are technically right in that if you already know the right people or have plenty of relevant work experience, no, it’s not.
I intended my answer in the legal sense. For example, there are legal requirements to have a series 65 license for some occupations, but there is no legal requirement to have a CFA charter for any occupation.
Employers may, of course, require any certification that they want.
My next station. A CFE®, Certified Fraud Examiner. The job actual for the past, actual in a present time and yet with the guaranteed future. No matter of current economic outlook. Even stronger demand during recessions. A good upgrade for me.