Redefine Convention with a Client-First Approach to Alts
Beyond the traditional expectations of industry education programs, the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments (FAI) Certificate Program immerses you in the client’s experience, adopting a goals-based approach to clarify the role of these strategies in achieving client objectives.
Understand “the language of your client” regardless of your role within the industry. This certificate is your gateway to understanding these complex strategies. Whether you work in business development or are a financial advisor with client relationships, this program will elevate your conversations, ensuring everyone speaks the same language toward meeting clients’ goals.
For the Industry,
by the Industry
The FAI Certificate Program taps into the insights of industry experts across asset and wealth management. These distinguished individuals and firms have contributed to and significantly influenced the program’s design, crafting an educational journey that transcends any singular company’s approach to investing.
Bank of America | BlackRock | Blackstone | Ellevest
Franklin Templeton | JP Morgan | Macquarie Asset Management
Morgan Stanley | Nuveen | Sixth Street
T. Rowe Price | Vanguard
Interactive Learning
Flexible, video-based education that helps learners move from familiarity to functional confidence quickly and efficiently.
Practical Applications
Engage with real-world case studies, discussions, and practical exercises to reinforce your understanding of the complexities of alts.
Client-Facing Perspective
Gain insights from a client-focused approach, aligning with goals of growth, income, capital preservation, and inflation protection.
Program Overview
Comprised of eight online modules grouped into three categories, FAI introduces alternatives through the lens of client goals, portfolio suitability, and practical implementation. Each module is designed to build your understanding step by step.
FOUNDATIONS
Delve into the fundamental aspects of alternative investments. From understanding the basics to navigating risk and return considerations, this category establishes the groundwork for a solid comprehension of various alternative investment strategies.
- Module 1: An Introduction to Alternative Investments
- Module 2: Risk and Return of Alternative Investments
- Module 3: Accessing Alternative Investments
STRATEGY INTRODUCTIONS
Explore alternative investments organized into four risk and return groups. Each module introduces multiple sub-strategies, shedding light on their characteristics, objectives, risks, and performance. This category offers a deeper insight into specific strategies and their role in portfolio diversification.
- Module 4: Equity Strategies
- Module 5: Credit Strategies
- Module 6: Real Assets Strategies
- Module 7: Diversifying Strategies
PORTFOLIO APPLICATIONS
Focuses entirely on the practical application of alternative investments. This category covers asset allocation, portfolio construction methods, managing liquidity, operational considerations, and client communication.
- Module 8: Portfolio Implementation
Individual Course Enrollment Fee
US$795*
*Group rates available for teams and organizations. Contact the CAIA.nxt™ team for details at nxt@caia.org.
Recognizing Your Accomplishments
After successfully completing the program, you will be awarded a certificate of completion, as well as a verifiable digital badge from CAIA and through Credly. This program will also qualify for 15 continuing education hours for Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), Investments & Wealth Institute (CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA®), CFP Board (US & Canada), National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), and The American College of Financial Services (Chartered Financial Consultant).
Frequently Asked Questions
You are not able to login to the Fundamentals program with your CAIA.org log in credentials. The Fundamentals program can be accessed from the CAIA.nxt™ platform available at https://nxt.caia.org. Please sign up and login there to access the Fundamentals program. Once registered for the Fundamentals you will need to verify your account before starting the program. Please review your email to verify your Fundamentals account. If you do not see the email, please check your spam folders. Contact us at nxt@caia.org if you are still experiencing difficulties.
No. There are no prerequisites for the course. Once you complete the certificate, you are not required to pursue anything further. However, we encourage you to stay updated on the latest topics available on the newly launched CAIA.nxt™ learning platform.
No. CAIA Association Membership eligibility is available only to CAIA Charterholders. Learn more about the CAIA Charter Program here. You will receive a certificate of completion at the successful end of the Fundamentals program, and you will also receive notification of a digital badge being issued to you via our partnership with Credly.
Once enrolled in the program, you will have one year to complete it.
The Fundamentals of Alternative Investments® Certificate Program is designed to develop a foundational understanding of alternative investments. The profile of a typical certificate holder varies, but some of the common job functions include:
- Wealth managers, financial planners, and consultants
- Sales and marketing personnel
- Administration/operations professionals
- Students
- Lawyers, legal counsel, and compliance professionals
- Accountants
- Journalists and media professionals
The retail price of the Fundamentals program is US$795. Individuals may pay with a credit card when enrolling in the program from https://nxt.caia.org. If you require an invoice before purchasing, please email a request for an invoice to nxt@caia.org. We offer corporate group pricing, enrolling teams of 100 or more participants. To request more information about group enrollments, please contact us here. We also offer student pricing for verified, enrolled, full-time students at US$295. Please email us at nxt@caia.org using your school email address for more information about enrolling at this reduced rate.
