Sold out New York Chapter social rings in holiday season

Thursday, December 17, 2009

The CAIA New York Chapter met on Tuesday night for drinks and food at the historic "Inside the Park at St. Bart’s."  As locals will know, this is a reception venue inside St. Bartholomew’s Church, a Park Avenue landmark right beside the Waldorf Astoria.

Over 100 members and candidates exchanged holiday cheer and a general sense of relief that 2009 wasn’t a repeat of 2008.  Chapter president Robert O’Donnell, the brains behind the recent CAIA Green Investing Symposium, reminisced about the first New York CAIA event that included "8 people" – and that was only 5 years ago.

We were honoured to welcome several officials from the CFA Institute.  CAIA and the CFA Institute have enjoyed a close working relationship over the years and the New York Chapter has been in contact with the New York Society Security Analysts (NYSSA), the Big Apple’s CFA Society.

One of the most popular questions I get – from members, candidates and prospective candidates – is "should I do the CFA or the CAIA?"  While I understand the motivation behind the question, there is simply no answer to that question.  Like asking what is better: green or blue, it depends on what you’re planning to do.

About a third of CAIA members also hold a CFA – many achieved before they wrote the CAIA exams.  The CFA is a foundational designation that is often a requirement for analysts and portfolio managers.  For those embarking on a career as a financial analyst or portfolio manager, a CFA is a must. And in this day and age, with more and more portfolios incorporating alternatives, holding the CAIA designation has become just as essential.

A few prospective attendees last night were also considering writing the CAIA exams concurrently with the CFA.  Although it sounds like a lot of work, this is certainly possible.  With exams in March and September, the CAIA program can dovetail nicely with the CFA exams in June.  Plus, there are some synergies between the two curricula.

Whether you do a CAIA, a CFA, or both, there is little question that in today’s competitive employment environment, you are sure to rise above the crowd.

Christopher Holt, MBA, CAIA
Director of Industry Relations

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