As the Director for Max Matthiessen in Denmark, I have had the privilege of overseeing the integration and growth of our operations in one of the most dynamic markets in Europe. My role allows me to shape the strategic development of pensions, insurance, and wealth management solutions tailored for institutional, corporate, and private clients. Central to this, and to my professional development, is the CAIA designation.
I first came across the CAIA Program during my time as an Investment Strategist & Vice President at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York. Several of my colleagues, who held the CAIA Charter, spoke highly of its impact on their careers, and I quickly recognized the value the program could bring to my own journey. Their enthusiasm about the depth of knowledge gained, particularly in alternative investments, piqued my interest, and I decided to pursue the CAIA designation to further elevate my professional expertise.
Studying for the CAIA exams required significant dedication and discipline. I spent over 300 hours preparing, carving out time during evenings and weekends while balancing a busy professional life and family commitments. It wasn’t easy, but the focus on alternative investments—ranging from hedge funds to private equity and real assets—was directly applicable to my work at Max Matthiessen, where we offer innovative investment solutions to clients. The CAIA curriculum honed my ability to assess risks and opportunities, enhancing my decision-making process.
In my current role, the knowledge I gained through the CAIA Program has been indispensable. From overseeing the integration of newly acquired companies into our platform, driving business development, and managing client relationships, to advising on sophisticated investment strategies, my CAIA designation equips me with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape.
One of the key reasons I chose CAIA was the program’s focus on alternative investments—an area I am deeply passionate about. At Max Matthiessen, we work with a wide range of asset classes, including private equity, private credit, and real assets. CAIA has enabled me to develop a robust understanding of these areas, which directly benefits our clients. I also stay up-to-date with the evolving alternative investment landscape by regularly reading CAIA’s research and tracking trends within pension fund asset management.
For those considering the CAIA Program, my advice is simple: You need to have a genuine passion for investing and financial markets. The journey to becoming a CAIA Charterholder is challenging, but incredibly rewarding. I highly recommend the Kaplan Schweser Exam Prep and Study Materials to anyone looking to succeed in the exams—these resources were invaluable in my preparation.
The CAIA designation is not just a credential; it represents a commitment to the highest professional standards in alternative investment management. It is the industry benchmark for those looking to excel in this field, and it will set you apart as a trusted professional in an increasingly complex market.
Being a CAIA Charterholder requires professionalism, dedication, and integrity. These qualities are essential to succeed in the competitive world of alternative investments and financial services. For me, the CAIA designation has been instrumental in building my career and enabling me to provide my clients with innovative, data-driven solutions.
At Max Matthiessen, I lead the integration of acquisitions, foster commercial excellence, and develop strategies for growth, all while staying at the forefront of alternative investment strategies. The CAIA Program has been a key part of my ability to innovate, lead, and ultimately achieve success for both my clients and my firm.
If you're passionate about alternative investments and want to elevate your career, I wholeheartedly recommend pursuing the CAIA Charter. It is the premier designation for professionals who are committed to excellence and leadership in this space.
About Jon Lieberkind, CAIA
Jon is the Director for Denmark at Max Matthiessen, leading the strategic development of pension, insurance, and wealth management solutions. With a background in wealth management and investment strategy, he has worked in major financial hubs like New York, London, and Copenhagen. He also co-founded Grandhood, a digital pension and insurance platform, before transitioning to his current role. As a CAIA Charterholder, he is committed to staying at the forefront of alternative investment trends and contributing to the success of Max Matthiessen in Denmark. Jon has been a CAIA Member since 2023.