Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA^®)

Sponsored by the CAIA Association^®, founded by the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) and the Center for International Securities and Derivatives Markets (CISDM) in the USA., the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA^®) designation is the leading standard uniquely designed for professionals specializing in alternative investments. Covering Hedge Funds, Real Estate, Private Equity, Commodities, Managed Futures and Credit Derivatives, the CAIA^® charter demonstrates one's commitment to professionalism and command of Alternative Investment's unique fundamentals, setting you and your firm apart from the competition. Since its launch in 2002, the CAIA^® programme has attracted over 7,000 candidates from more than 70 countries and 6 continents. The programme is structured into two levels ~ Level I covers the fundamental knowledge and investment analytics to examine each alternative asset class and Level II applies the knowledge and analytics covered in Level I within an asset allocation framework. Both levels also incorporate ethics and professional conduct as an essential component of the CAIA^® programme.

The CAIA^® Examinations

• The CAIA^® programme requires you to pass 2 levels of examinations, i.e. Level I and II.
• The Level I examination is composed of 2 sections, each with 100 multiple choice questions which has to be completed within 4 hours. The Level II examination requires candidate to attempt 100 multiple choice questions and 3 essay questions, all to be completed within 3.5 hours.
• The Level I and II examinations are held twice each year in March and September.
• Each level demands a minimum of 120 hours of study, and depending on individual circumstances, may be substantially more.
• For more CAIA^® examination information, visit http://www.caia.org/program/

Why CAIA^® Charter?

• CAIA^® is the charter that is gaining rapid recognition worldwide especially in the Hedge Fund industry and among global investors who are absolute returns driven.
• Upon getting yourself CAIA^® certified, you will be part of a global network comprising of 2,700 charter holders worldwide since its launch in 2002 in the USA. This number, beyond doubt, is growing exponentially in terms of candidate intake per annum.
• The CAIA^® charter gives you the wide exposure to the Hedge Fund industry. A CAIA^® charter holder stands to gain from the next wave of global financial reforms including the emerging financial centres like Shanghai (China), Vietnam and the Middle East.

CAIA^® Charter Requirement

To join the programme, you must:
• Hold a U.S. bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and possess more than one year of professional financial experience, or alternatively, possess a minimum of four years' professional financial experience.
• Successfully complete the CAIA^® Level II examination within three years of passing CAIA^® Level I examination.
• Agree to abide by the Membership Agreement of the CAIA Association^®.
• Establish and maintain membership in the CAIA Association^®.

Programme Pre-Requisite

Candidates enrolling in the programme are assumed to have an elementary understanding of the basic concepts of finance. If you are unsure about your preparedness, review the CAIA^® Prerequisite Materials and take the Prerequisite Diagnostic Review @ www.caia.org/program/prerequisitematerials. Completing or passing this voluntary evaluation is NOT COMPULSORY, but merely a tool to help you determine your readiness to sit for the CAIA^® examinations.

Who Should Pursue The CAIA^® Charter?

• Investment Advisors
• Brokers
• Financial Controller, Consultants and Analysts
• Fund Managers
• Fund Administrators
• Accountants
• Compliance Officers
• Bankers
• Insurance Professionals
• Corporate Financial Advisors

Topics To Be Covered In CAIA^® Level I

• Ethics & Professional Conduct
• Quantitative Insights
• Real Estate
• Hedge Funds
• Commodities and Managed Futures
• Private Equity (PE)
• Credit Derivatives

Topics To Be Covered In CAIA^® Level II

• Ethics & Professional Conduct
• Hedge Funds and Managed Futures
• Venture Capital and Private Equity
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
• Current and Integrated Topics