Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)

Adrock-aka

Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst

(For comparisons sake i'll be using the CFA's as a benchmark)

Cant seem to find a thread about this yet so sorry if i'm repeating. Seems to be a relatively new qualification focusing on;

Quantitative methods
Professional Standards and Ethics (same as CFA)
Real Estate
Hedge Funds
Commodities and managed funds
Private equity
Credit Derivatives

As opposed to the CFA's which encompasses finance in its entirety this is purely for alternative investments. The first CAIA exams were administered in Feb 2003. Exams are held twice yearly in March and September. Registration at the start of March would leave 6 months and 8 days until the September 2009 exams. 125-150 hours of study is advised.

72% passed the last Level 1 exams (there are 2 levels). This is compared to the 33% that past last December's CFA exams.

They are slightly more expensive than the CFA's but the pass rate is higher so they are actually less expensive per exam.

Obviously the CFA is the most highly regarded qualification in finance in general but this CAIA qualification offers something new and comprehensive for a highly important area of finance (even if its messed up lately!). For people foccusing in alternative investments especiallly hedge funds this seems ideal.

The designation is new but like anything in the financial services industry it will need a few years to prove itself and the quality of its members and their practise.

I think the AI industry will come under heavy scrutiny over the next few years and a qualification like this will become more sought after by employers and maybe even made manditory.

Has anyone had any experience with these exams or know anyone who is currently studying for them? Any info would be great.

(This isnt a CFA VS CAIA thread)

Cheers!

damnyanks

No idea - but this sounds like it would be more useful when performing due diligenceon different funds.

dunkamania

Well regarded, but very niche stuff as you mentioned already.

Cost aside, I would prefer the broader, better recognised qualification, given the environment we are in (I may be biased here though). The pass rates in the CFA are quite painful though. There are alot of people who sign up for level 1 who arent prepared to make the commitment. But pass rates of 50% for level 2 & 3 is brutal.

Time Magazine

dunkamania wrote: »

But pass rates of 50% for level 2 & 3 is brutal.

Good bit lower than that as far as I know.

BendTheBar

sorry to drag up and old thread , but better than starting a new one i guess....


just wondering if many people have since obtained this qualification in the industry?

if so i would be very interested to hear more about it.
how well reguarded is this in Ireland...?

many thanks
BtB

Adrock-aka

Hey BtB,

I got it! PM'd.

McLovin87

Hey Adrock-aka, I would love to get your view on the CAIA and its presence in Ireland etc or just any info you can provide on it.
Cheers,

McL

Adrock-aka

Hey McL, it's served me well. I'm no longer in finance, but the knowledge I got from the designation was top notch.

What profession are you in? If you're in finance and are interested in alternative investments (private equity, commodities, hedge funds, etc), you should do it. If you're a hedge fund accountant and you don't want to be an accountant - definitely do it!

kod12

Sorry to reopen this Thread. Im looking to get my CAIA qualification but cannot see where to sign up for lectures in Dublin?

Would anyone know what colleges or institutions are doing this.

Cheers

Molly

Isn't it like CFA where you just do it yourself?

Alphac

Hi There,
Hi There,

Glad you reopened the post -I was considering CAIA too! How did you get on with your query? I think its orientated toward self-study (as Molly posted; similar to CFA). I am just taking a look now for possible entry with October intake.

Just wondering what your thoughts on the curriculum and benefits are? I work in fund admin where accounting qualifications are the norm, but I couldn’t commit to the lecture time for the ACCA/CIMA, kids and work and other excuses! I completed the CFA Claritas course this year (which in no way reflects on its big brother - the epic Charter qualification) but gave me a sense that CFA is more front office focused. Hoping CAIA might deliver a good alternate, more specific to my area of financial services.

Would be very grateful to hear any of your opinions or comments.

Thanks.
Al.

Alphac

Hi There,

Glad you reopened the post -I was considering CAIA too! How did you get on with your query? I think its orientated toward self-study (as Molly posted; similar to CFA). I am just taking a look now for possible entry with October intake.

Just wondering what your thoughts on the curriculum and benefits are? I work in fund admin where accounting qualifications are the norm, but I couldn’t commit to the lecture time for the ACCA/CIMA, kids and work and other excuses! I completed the CFA Claritas course this year (which in no way reflects on its big brother - the epic Charter qualification) but gave me a sense that CFA is more front office focused. Hoping CAIA might deliver a good alternate, more specific to my area of financial services.

Would be very grateful to hear any of your opinions or comments.

Thanks.
Al.

kod12

I sent off for information. The study at home would be ideal. Has anyone done this before and would know when the course starts and estimated completition time

Cheers