Earning Credibility as an Alternative Investment Specialist

Five CAIA members share their views of the investment industry's fastest growing designation.  Click here to read on...

Top AI professionals on 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 program.  It has certainly helped me in countless ways.  I strongly recommend this intelligently structured course." 

Eric Breval, CAIA

Managing Director, Fonds de compensation AVS

Head of the CAIA Switzerland Chapter

"The Alternative Investments Group at Evergreen is committed to providing our Financial Advisors and their clients the highest level of investment knowledge and support.  In the rapidly changing and complex world of alternative investments, we feel that it is vital that our product specialists have the highest level of training and knowledge.  We feel  that one of the best ways to obtain that knowledge is through obtaining the CAIA designation.  This education will benefit our clients by working with highly trained investment professionals that will more efficiently and dynamically allocate assets across a broad range of  alternative investment strategies resulting in a more efficient portfolio. "

Jim Reichard, CAIA, CFP

National Director, Alternative Investments
Evergreen Investment Services

"Butterfield Fund Services is committed to helping our staff develop the highest level of expertise and knowledge regarding the alterative investment industry.  We do this in order to maximize the value our service teams provide to our clients and we strongly believe that the CAIA designation achieves just that.  Our clients appreciate that our fund accounting and management staff have an understanding of the alternative industry and their specific businesses, which goes beyond simply accounting for alternative investment vehicles.   One of the fundamental ways we demonstrate this commitment to our clients is by supporting our staff in pursuing the CAIA program, both financially and through paid study leave." 

Greg Bennett, CA, CFA

Managing Director, Butterfield Fund Services Cayman Limited

"I have observed on a daily basis the value that participation in the CAIA program can bring to a firm.  The program provides a common analytical foundation for our employees, making it easier for us to more effectively serve our institutional investors.  As a result, we consider the CAIA program required training for both investment and non-investment personnel."

Jane Buchan, CAIA

Managing Director, Pacific Alternative Asset Management Company, LLC

Member of the CAIA Association Advisory Board

Any sale of an alternative investment must be solidly based in education. One can only be an effective educator if one understands the full details of an investment strategy. 
As a global sales manager for the full range of alternative investment strategies, I insist that my sales directors are educated to ensure that the client is fully aware of the risks, rewards and purpose of an investment in alternatives, prior to making an investment. The best educational platform and designation I have found to achieve that goal is the CAIA.
 
It is difficult in this relatively new area of finance to differentiate yourself, attaining this designation certainly represents that one has taken the time to do so. When I am seeking to fill any job vacancies, the presence of the CAIA ensures that that resume moves to the front of the line.
 
Maureen O'Toole

Global Head, Private Client Sales, Alternative Investments
Citigroup Global Markets

"Studying for the CAIA is an adventure - it's up to date, with a focus on current thinking and practice, rather than rote learning of textbooks.  That makes it relevant and effective.  We require every analyst to start the programme, on day 1 of their employment, and we make acquiring the designation a required element in the career - and compensation - path within our firm.  I don't know of anything else that would short-circuit the learn-by-watching-me process so effectively."

Peter Douglas, CAIA

Principal, GFIA pte
Member of the CAIA Association Board of Directors

"The CAIA program is a well structured course that allows financial professionals with a broad array of educational backgrounds to move up the learning curve quickly and in a structured fashion.  The program is comprehensive and well balanced between academic and practitioner research.  I am delighted to be part of the program."

Alexander M. Ineichen, CFA, CAIA

Managing Director, Alternative Investment Solutions, UBS Global Asset Management

Member of the CAIA Association Board of Directors

"We are in the midst of an industry which is moving very fast both in terms of content and size. The CAIA program was therefore a perfect opportunity for me to step back a bit in order to integrate and consolidate relevant information. In addition, it provides an exciting networking platform for alternative investment professionals and I have met many interesting people since I became a member."

Isabella Salburg-Falkenstein, CAIA

Head of Marketing - Structured Alternative Investments
Sociéte Générale Corporate & Investment Banking

"There are many books and articles that I have been meaning to read but never found the time.  The CAIA program forced me to do so, and in the process, gave me new insights into the industry.  For anyone who is serious about alternative investments, this program is a must!"

Ken Stemme, CFA, CAIA

Director of Hedge Fund Investments, Northern Trust Global Advisors