The CAIA Program may help our teams develop a better understanding of the rewards and potential risks of the Alternative Investments. At Banco Sabadell - Asset Management Division we encourage our staff to take the exams and gain an insight into the Alternatives through the CAIA Program. We also give our support to educational initiatives that lead to the achievement of the CAIA Designation for our employees as we consider it to be a significant milestone for their professional development, as much as a clear advantage in the market for our firm. In fact the CAIA Designation is becoming gradually required to our investment management side, and getting highly recommended to our middle and back office functions' staff as well.
Testimonials
CAIA members come from over 65 countries and represent thousands of financial and related organizations. They can be found in a variety of professional roles including managing the portfolios of some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, pensions and endowments; acting as advisors/consultants to institutional investors, high net worth individuals and family offices; performing manager due diligence or risk analysis; even working as examiners within the various regulatory agencies around the globe.
Founder
Ineichen Research and Management
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.
Managing Director
UBS Global Asset Management Singapore Ltd.
The most complex aspect of both my previous and current roles is the need to explain – in very simple language – how investments work to non-specialists. This can be in verbal discussions and sales presentations, as well as in written sales collateral. It is almost impossible to explain an investment in a compelling – but simple – manner if you don’t fundamentally understand the investment across multiple layers. The CAIA Program helped me form that basis of understanding – and even helped me to approach investments from a new angle – in both the traditional and alternatives space.
Managing Director
AHV Ausgleichsfonds (Swiss Federal Social Security Fund)
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.
Director
UBS Wealth Management Singapore
During my time at Temasek, I began working with structured credit products, which I found to be an interesting intellectual and practical challenge. In order to enhance what I already knew about the markets, I looked to the CAIA curriculum for guidance and a broader knowledge of alternative investments than I previously had. The time preparing for and passing the two levels has paid off. I have solidified my understanding of structured credit products, especially as they relate to a broader investment portfolio. The CAIA designation has allowed me to command greater credibility from clients. Even better, the CAIA member network helped me connect with like-minded professionals when I transitioned to Hong Kong in 2005.
Head of Alternative Investment Structuring of Global Derivatives
Bayerische Hypo- und Vereinsbank AG (HVB)
I was looking for an exam that would provide a benchmark for my practical knowledge as well as provide a greater, in-depth focus on areas and concepts that I would need as my career advanced. I found the Level I to be an excellent indicator of my existing skills, while the Level II truly helped to elevate and broaden my skill set. I find that I consistently apply the concepts I learned through the CAIA Association in my daily activities at work.
Principal
GFIA Pte Ltd.
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.
Head of Alternative Investments
Allfunds Bank
My first contact with alternative investments came from my job as Treasury Internal Audit Manager at my former company. I realized that despite my technical knowledge I didn't fully understand all the mechanisms beyond the mere positions in the portfolio. Therefore I decided to take the first exam on my own. The course is very well structured and I found immediate practical applications in my job regarding many issues.
Furthermore this first exam designation helped me to find a new job at one of the biggest fund platforms in Europe as an alternative investment analyst - Allfunds Bank. The knowledge I acquired in gaining the CAIA qualification helps me in my job. Once I joined this team we began pushing the CAIA designation within the company. We encourage our colleagues to achieve the CAIA designation.
Senior Manager - HSS
HSBC Bank (Cayman Islands)
The biggest challenge I face is gaining a global perspective of the functioning of the hedge fund industry and an understanding of alternative investment vehicles and their risks. The knowledge I learned in the CAIA program is crucial in order for me to properly serve the needs of stakeholders in this vital industry, and in order to identify areas of regulatory weakness. The recent credit crisis has underscored the need for the alternative investments industry to improve its management of risk, to strengthen its valuation processes, and to increase transparency of the investment structures being utilized.