Professional Designations
Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®)
The CIMA® credential is awarded by the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA) to professionals who complete a demanding graduate-level program of study at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania or the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkley, pass a pre-qualifying and certifying exam, and have at least three years of broad experience in field of investment management consulting, and fulfill continuing education requirements of at least 40 hours every two years. Most CIMA® holders are highly regarded investment consultants and interact extensively with their clients.
IMCA Code of Professional Responsibility
Each professional investment management consultant shall:
- Serve the financial interests of clients. Each professional shall always place the financial interests of the client first. All recommendations to clients and decisions on behalf of clients shall be solely in the interest of providing the highest value and benefit to the client.
- Disclose fully to clients services provided and compensation received. All financial relationships, direct or indirect, between consultants and investment managers, plan officials, beneficiaries, sponsors or any other potential conflicts of interest shall be fully disclosed on a timely basis.
- Provide to clients all information related to the investment decision making process as well as other information they may need to make informed decisions based on realistic expectations. All client inquiries shall be answered promptly, completely, and truthfully.
- Maintain the confidentiality of all information entrusted by the client, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
- Comply fully with all statutory and regulatory requirements affecting the delivery of consulting services to clients.
- Endeavor to establish and maintain excellence personally and among colleagues in all aspects of investment management consulting and all aspects of financial services to clients.
- Support and participate in the activities of the Investment Management Consultants Association to enhance the investment management consulting profession.
- Maintain the highest standard of personal and professional conduct.
Today, the industry recognizes the CIMA® designation as the highest standard in consulting expertise. The CIMA® designation belongs to an elite few in the investment profession. It represents the highest level of credibility, integrity, and most importantly, knowledge. Clients seek consultants who reflect the highest level of professionalism combined with financial expertise-all of which the CIMA® designation indicates.
Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®)
The CAIA® designation is the industry's first and only specialized educational standard, developed by Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) and the Center for International Securities and Derivatives Markets (CISDM) - two organizations providing global leadership for alternative investment professionals by setting the highest standards in alternative investment education, professional conduct and advocacy programs.
It is the mission of the CAIA® Association to:
- Provide members with a comprehensive knowledge of alternative investments
- Advocate high standards of professional conduct
- Establish the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation as the educational standard for the alternative investment industry
- Promote professional development through ongoing education
- Facilitate communication among industry professionals
Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS®)
This designation is awarded by the College for Financial Planning, and is earned by those able to demonstrate the ability to make comprehensive recommendations regarding a client's total financial picture, including investment management, insurance, tax, retirement, and estate planning.
The College for Financial Planning awards the AAMS® designation to students who complete the program, pass the final examination, and sign a code of ethics commitment and declaration form.
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
A ChFC® is an educated, experienced and qualified professional committed to the financial well being of your family, your business and yourself. A ChFC® can provide professional advice on a broad range of financial topics and help you create a sound financial solution, reduce your income taxes, increase your nest egg for retirement, increase your investments and enhance the value of your estate. This is a professional designation granted by The American College (Bryn Mawr, PA) to individuals who have proven themselves to be educated, qualified, experienced, ethical and knowledgeable.