Since the day I joined the investment profession, I had already been practicing investment theories particularly in public equities. As the first and only Member of my family in the alternative investment space it became even more important to deep dive and acquire the skills necessary for an any ever-evolving profession. The CAIA curriculum offers the depth and knowledge to hone the skills and develop a good understanding of the alternative asset classes. Besides the end, the journey itself was engaging, thought-provoking, and self-fulfilling. The process has helped tremendously in evaluating the performance of different asset classes from a risk - return perspective and an introduction to ever evolving approaches to asset allocation. Unsmoothing corrections of appraisal-based indices and application of square root of N rule have been quite handy.
The CAIA Charter amply defines & describes my thought process.
I have diversified experience in capital markets (both public equities: Research & Equities trading) and private equities, but mostly public equities). For a long time, I have been practicing concepts and corporate finance methodologies and tools, but CAIA added a very distinct perspective of other asset classes, especially digital assets. It has deepened my understanding of all of the alternative asset classes.
I look forward and am eager to contribute whichever way I can, especially expanding the CAIA footprint in Saudi Arabia. As an alternative investment professional in the Middle East, Saudi investors are very much familiar with the real estate asset class and some sort of collaboration through SWF or other government entities, such as REGA (Real Estate General Authority) for instance by way of helping create NARIET / NCRIEF like tools. Due to the wealth accumulation, the Middle East is a major hub of family offices, and a strategic alliance will highlight the significance of this charter.
The addition of the CAIA Marks next to my name gives me identification and a sense of achievement. To be part of a global professional organization is both a privilege and a responsibility to represent the community in the best manner and uphold the highest level of professionalism. It demands extra caution, attention to detail, pursuit of knowledge and simple hard work to stand out from the crowd.
For those who are interested in the CAIA Charter Program or are new to the ever-changing alts-space, my advice is to believe in yourself and give 100%. By committing to this program, you have already shown that you are willing to follow discipline, are detailed oriented, focused and a go-getter. Claim your success by following a plan. The key challenge for me was allocating time daily, amidst professional and social obligations. Following the daily regimen, without any excuse, just like daily workouts was perhaps the key for me to attain the charter. With the right mix of determination and hard work, you can achieve the charter.
About Saad Bin Ahmed, CAIA
Saad Bin Ahmed is the Senior - Investment Analysis & Management at Albalad AlAmeen Company for Development & Urban Regeneration in Saudi Arabia. He is engaged in identification and evaluation of real estate development and investment opportunities in Makkah across a gamut of public infrastructure, CRE, RRE and specialty class. This encompasses financial modeling, sensitivity analysis and drafting investment proposals. This leads to devising appropriate investment model & transaction structure with development Partners. He has been a CAIA Member since May 2025.