Milan is now home to CAIA’s newest global Chapter, bringing together Italy’s asset managers, asset owners, consultants and more to focus on networking and education.
MILAN, ITALY (September 28, 2017) – The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association, a global leader in alternative investment education, today announced the launch of CAIA Italy, the organization’s 30th Chapter and its 10th in Europe. CAIA Italy, to be based in Milan, has been established to promote networking initiatives and educational events open to CAIA Members, Candidates and professionals in the Italian marketplace whom are interested in expanding their understanding of the fast-moving universe of alternative investments.
“As one of the largest economies in the Eurozone, Italy is a key market for many investors and one where alternative investments such as hedge funds, private equity, real estate and infrastructure are continuing to join the mainstream,” said William J. Kelly, CEO of CAIA. “The time is certainly right to provide our CAIA Members in Italy with a centralized Chapter to help facilitate greater thought leadership and to be a source for networking in the marketplace.” “One of the first countries in the European Union to regulate hedge funds, Italy has experienced considerable expansion in its alternative investment industry, which now encompasses a wide variety of strategies that attract both institutional and private investors,” said Laura Merlini, Managing Director for EMEA at CAIA. “In particular, pension funds’ allocations to alternatives have increased in number and size, creating an excellent local pool of educated, talented and specialized professionals on both the sell and buy side.” Lorenzo Piacentini, Senior Vice President, Lazard Fund Managers, serves as Chapter Head for CAIA Italy and is joined by Chapter Executives Paolo Viale, CAIA, Senior Vice President, Client Advisory, Winton; Antonio Forte, International Sales Manager, LionTrust Asset Management; Gianluca Moretti, Head of Investments, SPAFID; Luca Anzola, Head of Fund Research and Due Diligence – Gestioni Multi Manager – Fideuram Investimenti SGR; and Stefan Gess, Capital Markets Equities, Banca IMI. “My colleagues and I aim to provide a platform for the sharing of knowledge, best practices, and insight from thought leaders,” said Mr. Piacentini. “CAIA Italy will be known for bringing high-profile speakers to events, the active participation of our Members and Candidates, and the strong partnerships we are already building with leading universities and relevant associations in Italy.”
The CAIA Association has become the global benchmark for alternative investment education and offers the only credential focused on the alternative investment space. The CAIA Charter, an educational designation uniquely designed for individuals specializing in institutional-quality alternative investments, is granted upon successful completion of two levels of qualifying exams combined with relevant professional experience and joining the Association membership. The Association now supports 30 global Chapters in financial centers in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America, as well as a Virtual Chapter that brings together members from far-flung locations in more than 60 countries. CAIA sponsors more than 120 educational and networking events each year and 61 academic partnerships with leading universities in the Americas, EMEA, and the Asia Pacific region. About the CAIA Association The CAIA Association is the world leader in alternative investment education, offering the only education pro-gram uniquely designed for individuals specializing in institutional-quality alternative investments.
The 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 more than 9,000 alternative investment professionals located in more than 90 countries. CAIA also offers the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments Certificate Program (“Fundamentals”), an introductory-level online course, designed to provide a foundation in the core concepts in alternative investing. This program represents a natural extension of CAIA’s mission to provide solutions to specific market needs for alternative investment education.
To learn more about the CAIA Association, contact Deborah McLean (413) 253-7373 or dmclean@caia.org. For more information on the CAIA Charter, please visit caia.org.
