Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIAA) to Host Canadian Alternative Investment Professionals in Toronto on June 21

AMHERST, MASS; May 30 - The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association® (CAIAA)-an independent, not-for-profit international organization that provides a charter program for professionals in alternative investments-will host an informational seminar and lunch event in Toronto, Ontario, on June 21.  The event will run from noon to 2:00 p.m., at the Toronto Board of Trade, 1 First Canadian Place, Adelaide Street Entrance, Toronto, Ontario.

At the meeting, CAIAA's executive director, Craig Asche, will make a short presentation on the CAIA designation, its importance to the alternative investment (AI) world, the organization's growth and reach, and will take questions from attendees.  Following the presentation, there will be a short networking and socializing event.

The event is being held in response to the growing Canadian AI community and the need to provide investment professionals with a worldwide, uniform designation.

"As hedge funds and other alternatives grow in prevalence and size, it's critical that industry professionals have a strong fundamental understanding of the risks and attributes specific to the various investment strategies being employed," said Craig Asche, executive director, CAIAA.  "Our organization's growth has mirrored that of the industry, and we are finding it increasingly important to reach out internationally.  Besides Toronto, we already have chapters in Singapore, Zurich, London and New York, and plan to expand further throughout the year."

The Toronto event is one of the first of several planned for 2006.  Later this year, CAIAA will host similar events in Singapore, New York and elsewhere. 

Nearly 160 attendees have already confirmed attendance to the event, including professionals from hedge funds, private equity firms, pension funds, and banks, among others.  Attendees include individuals planning to take the exams, executives seeking to learn more about the CAIA designation on behalf of their companies, and other members of the public interested in learning more about AI education.  To register, contact CAIAA at events@caia.org.

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.