Products March 21, 2014

CAIA, IMCA Team on Alts Certification

Advisers can put their proficiency in alternative investments to the test with the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments Certificate.
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The program, from the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association and the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA), aims to deepen understanding of alternative investments for investment advisers and other financial professionals in response to the strong global growth of the products.

The course consists of 20 one-hour modules taught by CAIA’s experts in investment education and is offered through IMCA’s education platform. The program covers an overview of portfolio construction, risk management and due diligence, along with in-depth sections on hedge funds, real assets, private equity, commodities and structured products.

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Alternative investments represent about $10 trillion in assets under management, according to an estimate from the organizations. They forecast assets held in liquid alternatives to triple by 2017, citing research from Citi Prime Finance.

“The landscape for alternatives has changed dramatically, and it is imperative that the professionals charged with managing, analyzing, distributing and regulating these products keep pace,” says William Kelly, chief executive of the CAIA Association. “The fundamentals program is meant to be an answer to the continued quest for this knowledge coming from so many newer and more retail-oriented intermediaries and end-clients.”

The CAIA Association is a global provider of alternative investment education programs.  IMCA specializes in investment consulting and wealth management credentials and education.

Online enrollment is available at www.CAIA.org/fundmentals or www.IMCA.org/pages/Fundamentals-Alternative-Investments-Certificate.

Products March 21, 2014

IFEBP Offers Materials for Employee Benefits Day

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) will recognize the importance of financial wellness and retirement security on the 10th annual National Employee Benefits Day, April 2.
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IFEBP is helping retirement plan sponsors motivate participants to actively engage in their financial wellness by offering a number of resources designed to cut through the clutter and provide simple tools sponsors can use to help participants take control of their retirement future.

Materials available to IFEBP members and the public include:

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  • Budgeting Tools;
  • Picture Your Retirement – For those less than 15 years from retirement;
  • Take Control of Your Future – For those more than 15 years from retirement;
  • Fact Sheets on Retirement Plans, Investments and Credit; and
  • Tips for Saving.

 “The 10th annual National Employee Benefits Day will focus on an issue that has become part of the national conversation and is vitally important to our members, their employees and plan participants—financial wellness and retirement security,” says Michael Wilson, CEO for IFEBP. “Having a firm understanding of one’s retirement goals and savings plan to meet those targets is vital to participants’ financial wellness and their ability to control their financial future.”

National Employee Benefits Day was created in 2004 by IFEBP and is celebrated annually each April 2, commemorating the date the International Foundation was established. The day recognizes trustees, administrators, corporate benefits practitioners and professional advisers for their hard work and dedication in providing quality employee benefits. To learn more, visit www.ifebp.org/benefitsday.

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