CIMA® Certified Investment Management Analyst

It's not easy for investors to make their own quality financial decisions today. Successful long-term investment planning increasingly is too complex, specialized and challenging to be an avocation and requires professionals with specialized knowledge and expertise. A case can be made that there is a need for a new competency; a new standard for investment advice.

Since 1988, the Investment Management Consultants Association has been offering the CIMA® designation to experienced financial consultants who have successfully completed the requirements to earn a Certified Investment Management Analyst designation.

CIMA® designees are investment professionals who are committed to the investment management consulting field and are continually assuring their competency and expertise. Because they have made a commitment to further their knowledge as well as provide clients with comprehensive management services, the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA) offers the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation.

Designees are required to complete an education program at The Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business or The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Core topics of knowledge include:

 

I.  Make portfolio recommendations based on modern portfolio theory and post-modern portfolio theory

Analyze the components of returns
Analyze risk and beta
Recommend asset selection and allocation
Formulate and recommend tax-efficient strategy
Apply behavioral finance theory

 

II.  Develop and recommend an investment policy for a client (individual or institutional)

Explain the components of an investment policy statement (IPS)

Prepare IPS and make recommendations for clients

 

III.  Analyze performance measurement and recommend the selection of managers

Analyze performance measurement and attribution

Perform manager search and selection

 

IV.  Analyze and recommend specific investments

Assess fixed-income markets

Assess equity markets

Analyze alternative investments and derivatives

 

V.  Analyze ethical and legal implications

Apply ethical considerations, including IMCA's Code of Professional Responsibility

Identify legal considerations, including fiduciary responsibilities

Wealth Management is an applied science.  With each decade of experience and education we assist our clients in the planning and management of their hard-earned assets to achieve the ultimate goal; a well lived life.

It is time for a call to action.  As a CIMA® professional, I am committed as a Fiduciary to my profession, committed to providing comprehensive management services, and most importantly, committed to you.