CAIA Australia is the organization’s 19th chapter worldwide;
major presence in both Sydney and Melbourne
AUSTRALIA/AMHERST, MASS.—The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association, a not-for-profit organization recognized globally as the leader in alternative investment education, has launched a new chapter in Australia, it was announced today. CAIA Australia, which will have a presence in both Sydney and Melbourne, will be led by its inaugural Australia Chapter Head: David George, CAIA, head of debt and alternatives at the Future Fund.
“I’m very pleased to be part of the creation of the CAIA Australia member Chapter, which will support the rapidly growing member and candidate population across Australia,” said George. “Given the size and continued growth of superannuation in Australia, and the increasing prevalence of alternative strategies within both these pools as well as for other investors in the region, the importance of improved education across the investment community around alternative investing should be obvious.”
The Australia Chapter launch kicked off with education and networking events in Melbourne and Sydney on December 1st and 2nd, respectively, with remarks from Jo Murphy, Managing Director, Asia Pacific for CAIA Association, and a panel discussion led by David George and featuring leading practitioners from the world of alternative investments. Panelists in Melbourne included Kate Misic, head of alternative investments, Telstra Super, and Paul Murray, head of debt and absolute returns, VFMC. Sydney panelists were Dr. Alistair G. Rew, head of private market & absolute return solutions, AMP Capital, and Bobby Pometkov, senior investment manager, Absolute Return Strategies, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation.
“CAIA was formed to address the widely recognized need for education in alternative investing, and our expansion has mirrored the global growth in investor interest in the asset class,” said Bill Kelly, chief executive officer at CAIA. “Australia and Australians are major investors in alternatives. With that in mind, we are delighted to launch the CAIA Australia Chapter as a new educational and networking resource for this important market.”
The CAIA Association offers the only educational pro¬gram uniquely designed for individuals specializing in institutional-quality alternative investments. The CAIA Charter, which is granted upon successful completion of two levels of qualifying exams combined with relevant professional experience, is the global benchmark for alternative investment education.
“We continue to see rising interest across the Australian investment community for a deeper understanding and familiarization of the alternative investment landscape. CAIA’s launch of its 19th Chapter dovetails solidly into this,” said Jo Murphy. “We’re delighted to be working with David and his accompanying executive committee to position CAIA more actively within our existing member pool and beyond.”
There are currently 120 CAIA members in Australia. The mission of CAIA Australia is to develop an ongoing program of activity that delivers clear value for the designation. The Chapter also will foster a deeper understanding and knowledge of alternatives strategies through informative educational events and will create relevant networking programs that will appeal to all members and candidates in the growing Australian alterna¬tive investment industry.
The CAIA Association has grown rapidly since its inception in 2002 and its membership now exceeds 7,000 individuals in more than 80 countries. CAIA supports chapters in financial centers around the world and sponsors more than 120 educational and networking events each year.
