The CISI has struck a “strategic partnership” deal with the US-based 13,000-member professional body the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA).

The CISI says its deal means new qualifications and learning opportunities for CAIA members in the US, EMEA and APAC.

CISI members can also now access CAIA qualifications and training modules.

CAIA members can add to their skills with CISI continuing professional development (CPD) via a special membership arrangement with the CISI.

The CISI (the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment) provides the Certified Financial Planner qualification in the UK and other wealth management and investment qualifications. It has 53,700 members globally working in wealth management, capital markets and Financial Planning.

The deal means that CAIA Members who have passed the CAIA Charter programme with three or more years of professional experience are now eligible for full membership (MCSI) of the CISI.

With less than three years of professional experience, CAIA Members are eligible to join the CISI as Associate (ACSI) members.

CAIA Members do not have to sit further exams to become CISI members as long as they hold the CAIA Charter designation and are active members of the CAIA Association, the CISI said.

To activate CISI membership, CAIA members need to successfully complete the CISI’s IntegrityMatters online module.

The CAIA has been in existence for 20 years and provides members with qualifications in analysing alternative investments such as private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, managed futures, commodities and derivatives.

Laura Merlini CAIA, CIFD, managing director EMEA, CAIA Association, said, “The CAIA and CISI Charters are global marks of distinction, recognising professionals who are deeply committed to their education, uphold fiduciary and ethical standards, and stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving finance and alternative investment industries. 

“The CAIA and CISI partnership brings significant advantages, including exclusive access to top-tier educational resources, a global professional network and enhanced support for regulatory compliance. These benefits collectively elevate our members' expertise and dedication to excellence in the industry.”

Tracy Vegro, CISI CEO, said, “This is an excellent example of mutually beneficial membership collaboration, which for CISI members allows access to the CAIA learning programme as the leading professional body for alternative investment education. We are equally delighted to welcome CAIA Members to the CISI global community.”