AMHERST, MASS, September 18, 2007 - The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association® (CAIAA), an independent, not-for-profit international organization that provides a charter program for professionals in alternative investments, today released the results of its annual Global Member Survey, a unique, inside look at the market views and insights of the global AI community. The Association currently has more than 1,100 members worldwide, with its membership doubling annually. The CAIA Designation is the only professional designation devoted to the alternatives industry.

The survey found that respondents expect private equity (22%) to have the biggest impact on the industry heading into 2008, followed by hedge funds (12%). Other alternatives such as commodities and real estate scored lower.

Respondents also expect private equity and hedge funds (both 23%) to hold the best investment opportunities through 2008, followed by opportunities in commodities (7%), despite inflationary fears, emerging markets (6%) and distressed debt (5%).

In response to an open-ended question about practitioner concerns for the coming year, respondents indicated that proper industry knowledge/education (15%) is the single most important issue facing those who work in and with alternative investments. A majority (58%) of respondents with graduate degrees said they did not receive any coursework in alternatives as part of their degree requirements.

The following reasons were given as to why respondents pursued the CAIA program:

• To build recognition for their existing knowledge of alternative investments (74%)
• To develop a working knowledge of alternative investments (69%)
• To become more marketable to firms (60%)

Nearly all (86%) respondents consider the use of the CAIA designation as the most important benefit they receive as a CAIA member, while 75% consider the CAIA program more applicable to their career than any of their other graduate coursework/degrees.
 
"This year's survey results are very interesting for a number of reasons," said Craig Asche, executive director of the CAIA Association.  "First and foremost, it's a good look at what trends and opportunities AI professionals foresee in the coming year. In addition, we get a sense of how our respondents were prepared for their careers from an educational standpoint, and what role the CAIA Association has and can continue to play."

For more on the CAIA Association, please visit www.caia.org.

About the Survey
CAIA surveyed 358 global AI professionals aged 21 to 60. The data collection phase of this study ran from June 1-30, 2007.

About The CAIA Association
The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association® is an independent, not-for-profit global organization committed to education and professionalism in the field of alternative investments. Founded in 2002, the Association is the sponsoring body for the CAIA designation.  Recognized globally, the designation certifies one's mastery of the concepts, tools and practices essential for understanding alternative investments and promotes adherence to high standards of professional conduct.