The opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of such non-traditional investment markets such as REITs and private equity, led me to the CAIA program. As a portfolio manager and trader, my first goal is to preserve capital by investing through a risk budget framework. We live in a financial system where different asset classes remain deeply interconnected, making it impossible to ignore what’s happening in other investment areas. As an example, the REIT expertise that I gained through the CAIA program has helped me to better understand the various issues surrounding securitization and debt levels. A few years ago, during the hedge fund boom, many people were not aware of the value and necessity of alternative investment education, certification was barely an afterthought. But in the current economic environment, financial professionals with the expertise, credibility and high standards associated with the CAIA designation have become increasingly sought after.