CAIA Candidate Profile and Benefits
CAIA Designation Candidates
The CAIASM programme appeals to a remarkable variety of professionals and institutions. CAIA candidates come from over 70 countries and include seasoned professionals looking to explore new areas within the AI markets, generalists wishing to add another asset class to their investment arsenal, and new industry participants seeking to establish a core understanding of alternative investments.
The programme attracts fund managers and administrators; investment advisors, consultants and analysts; product, marketing and sales managers; accountants and auditors; lawyers; as well as compliance and back office personnel.
On the sell-side, thousands of financial institutions ranging from alternative investment boutiques to asset/wealth management and investment banking giants have sponsored participation of their executives in the programme and a growing number of firms require their AI specialists to undergo the CAIASM training. On the buyside, pension funds, foundations, family offices, insurance companies have sent their staff through this comprehensive alternative investment course. Accounting, auditing, and law firms as well as regulators such as the US Securities & Exchange Commission also have employees studying for the CAIA designation.
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Practitioner Benefits
Professional Development and Career Advancement through the CAIA Designation
"The CAIA degree fills an obvious gap in a very effective manner. Anyone — buy or sell side — wishing to know what he is talking about when dealing with alternative investments should absolutely follow this highly relevant programme. It has certainly helped me in countless ways. I strongly recommend this intelligently structured course."
Eric Breval, CAIA®
Managing Director, Fonds de Compensation AVS
Increased scrutiny by both investors and regulators makes it imperative that alternative investment specialists differentiate themselves. The CAIASM curriculum's focus on analysis, application and standards of practice creates the benchmark that institutions, investors and regulators recognise and welcome globally.
The CAIASM charter demonstrates a professional’s mastery of the concepts, tools and practices essential for understanding, selecting and managing investments in the alternative space. It guarantees a high level of competence to employers and customers, demonstrates commitment to the profession and is the global mark of distinction that immediately sets its members apart.
| 65% of CAIA members received a salary increase, bonus or promotion which they attribute directly to their achievement of the designation.
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In addition to the qualitative advantage of holding the CAIASM designation, CAIA Association members gain access to a number of benefits, including:
- International AI Industry Network
A number of cities around the world have their own member chapters, including Geneva, London, Zurich, Chicago, Singapore, Toronto and New York, and more are on their way with the CAIA Association® member community being very active in Boston, Hong Kong, Paris, San Francisco, Germany and Iberia. Events and meetings organised by member chapters provide CAIASM charter holders with the opportunity to get together, and also provide a venue for presentations and panel discussions on important topics in the alternative investment field.
Through the online Member Directory, CAIA members can connect with fellow designees, enabling them to share experience and expertise in all asset classes and specialisations.
- Journal of Alternative Investments
CAIA Members receive a free subscription to The Journal of Alternative Investments, the CAIA Association's Official Journal. Founded in 1998, JAI is the leading source of cutting-edge research and analysis in the field of alternative investments. Asset allocation, risk management, indexing, regulation, and taxation are among the diverse topics covered. The EDHEC Risk and Asset Management Research Centre team contributes regularly to JAI and EDHEC Business School Professors Amenc and Martellini serve on its editorial board.
- Job Board
The CAIA Association's member-exclusive Job Board publishes a variety of positions within firms and institutions looking for qualified alternative investment practitioners.
- Ongoing Educational Opportunities
Earning the designation is the first step in a CAIA member's access to many professional development opportunities, as the CAIA Association and its membership place high value on ongoing education.
- Professional Discounts
CAIA members receive discounts for a number of professional services, including several top news services and research sources. Members also gain discounted access to a host of industry conferences, such as the EDHEC Alternative Investment Days and CAIA events.
- Monthly Updates
An electronic newsletter is circulated to all current CAIA members each month, and includes updates, features, Association news, events, press releases, chapter activities, and member profiles.
