AMHERST, MA—The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association®, the global leader in alternative investment education, and the University of Arizona today announced a strategic partnership between the CAIA Association and the University’s Eller College of Management. Under the partnership, the students in the Eller College of Management will have access to the CAIA Association's curriculum and events and be eligible to apply for scholarships to earn the CAIA Charter.
The CAIA Charter program is a rigorous, self-directed education program for finance professionals seeking deep knowledge and expertise in alternative investing, including hedge funds, private equity, structured products, commodities, and real assets. The CAIA designation, which is granted upon successfully passing Level I and Level 2 exams and meeting membership requirements, is valued by top employers and recognized globally as the highest standard of achievement in alternative investment education.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Richard Sias, Head of the Department of Finance at the University of Arizona's Eller College, and William Kelly, CEO of the CAIA Association.
"Through this partnership, Eller College of Management students will have access to the most current in-depth education in asset classes such as commodities, hedge funds, and private equity, giving them a competitive advantage in the growing field of alternative investing," said Kelly.
“We are delighted to be the first academic partner of the CAIA Association in Arizona and believe that this partnership will support our goal to create the best possible career outcomes for our students and graduates. We believe that the CAIA Association shares our commitment to be at the forefront of financial education,” said Sias.
The signing ceremony was held with students from the one of the University’s Portfolio Management classes, and featured remarks from Sias and a brief welcome and presentation by Kelly. Additional guests included Scott Nance, Business Development Advisor- Americas Western Region, of the CAIA Association, and Arvind Singh, Director of International Finance Programs, and Kay Ross, Director of Graduate Programs and Academic Affairs in Finance, of the University of Arizona.
CAIA’s Academic Partnership Program includes some of the most prestigious universities in the world that incorporate alternative investments into their courses as represented by the topics covered in the CAIA Level I and Level II curriculum. Upon today’s signing, the University of Arizona becomes CAIA’s 27th Academic Partner, joining other internationally top-ranked business schools such as Cass Business School/City University London, Trinity College Dublin, National University of Singapore, Leonard N. Stern School of Business/New York University, and IE Business School in Madrid.
About the CAIA Association
The CAIA Association, a non-profit organization founded in 2002, is the world leader in alternative investment education. The CAIA Association is best known for the CAIA Charter®, an internationally recognized credential granted upon successful completion of a rigorous two-level exam series, combined with relevant work experience. Earning the CAIA Charter is the gateway to becoming a member of the CAIA Association, a global network of 6,700 alternative investment leaders located in 80+ countries, who have demonstrated a deep and thorough understanding of alternative investing. CAIA also offers the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments Certificate Program®, an online course that provides an introduction to the core concepts of alternative investing. Having grown rapidly, the CAIA Association now supports vibrant chapters for its Charter Holder members located in financial centers around the world, produces world class research publications, and sponsors educational and networking events to help the CAIA community keep pace with the industry. CAIA is considered a leading authority and trusted voice for providing perspective on industry trends and developments worldwide. For more information, please visit CAIA.org.
About the University of Arizona, Eller College of Management
The Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona is internationally recognized for pioneering research, innovative curriculum, distinguished faculty, excellence in management information systems, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility. U.S. News & World Report ranks the Eller undergraduate program #12 among public business schools and two of its programs are among the top 20 — Entrepreneurship and MIS. U.S. News & World Report ranks the Eller MBA Full-Time program #48 in the U.S. The College leads the nation’s business schools in generating grant funds for research. In addition to a Full-Time MBA program, the Eller College offers the 25th ranked Evening MBA program, the Eller Executive MBA, and the Online MBA. The Eller College of Management supports more than 5,500 undergraduate and 600 graduate students on the UA campus in beautiful Tucson, Arizona.
