AMHERST, MASS—The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association® (CAIA), a global, independent, not-for-profit international professional educational organization, is opening a new chapter in Korea.

The CAIA Korea Chapter will be launched on November 24, 2011, in Seoul, South Korea.

"This new chapter reflects the sustained growth and interest for the CAIA designation in Korea and beyond in the Asia-Pacific region that saw 66% growth in candidates in 2011," said Florence Lombard, CEO of the CAIA Association. "With the advent of a new regulatory framework, Korea is opening up to alternative investments and will see an interest from local and foreign companies to establish new businesses in that country. CAIA's presence there will help local members network and expand their knowledge of the alternative investment sector. The launch of CAIA Korea will support our vibrant member base in the region."

Korea is the third CAIA chapter to form in Asia; CAIA Singapore was established in 2005, CAIA Hong Kong in 2009.

"Asian fund managers are looking at Korea as one of the markets with the most potential, with a significant accumulation of wealth in the country," said Sam Y. Chung, PhD, Academic Advisor to the CAIA Association.

Dr. Chung noted that with the encouragement of the Financial Supervisory Service in Korea, more money is flowing into financial fields like the green industry, corporate restructuring and distressed securities.

CAIA members in Korea, with the support of a local chapter, will be extremely well positioned to succeed in this rapidly growing alternative investment market," Dr. Chung said.

CAIA Korea brings the number of CAIA chapters formed in financial centers across the globe to 15. The CAIA designation certifies knowledge of alternative investments and promotes adherence to high standards of professional conduct. Only investment professionals who pass rigorous examinations earn the CAIA designation to become members.

"Finance professionals around the globe are increasingly aware of the need to have a strong foundation of knowledge in alternative investments, and they turn to the CAIA Association for education and leadership," said Ms. Lombard. "Qualified professionals earn the CAIA designation, the only globally recognized designation for alternative investment expertise.

For more information, visit www.caia.org.

About The CAIA Association

The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association® is the global benchmark for alternative investment education. It administers the CAIA Designation and exams; sponsors research and publications; connects alternative investments experts around the world and advocates the highest standards in professional conduct. CAIA Association has more than 5,000 members in 75 countries and 15 affiliated Chapters. More information can be found at www.caia.org.

The CAIA Association has 15 chapters worldwide in the following locations: San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Chicago, London, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Iberia, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Canada, and France.

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