Proven to help you achieve greater competence, confidence,
compensation and credibility.
INTERESTED IN JOINING IMCA?
INTERESTED IN BECOMING CIMA® CERTIFIED?
INTERESTED IN BECOMING CPWA® CERTIFIED?
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
1
www.IMCA.org
. “Without the skill set I gained from
the CIMA and CPWA programs—
and the ongoing education
I continue to get from IMCA—
I would not be able to engage the
types of clients we have or build
our business to this scale.”
IMCA member/climber Kevin Sánchez, CIMA®,
CPWA®, CFP®, Senior Institutional Consultant,
UBS Institutional Consulting, Walnut Creek,
California
2
www.IMCA.org
. Who we are
What is IMCA?
Investment Management Consultants Association is a nonprofit credentialing organization and membership association for advanced
investment and wealth management professionals.
As a credentialing body, IMCA sets standards and practices and certifies the competency of investment advisors and consultants through
the Certified Investment Management Analyst program. IMCA also certifies the competency of wealth management advisors through the
Certified Private Wealth Advisor program.
As a membership association, IMCA’s educational offerings support your efforts to stay at the top of your field with access to the latest
innovations in investment and wealth management techniques and strategies from leading industry experts, academics, and your peers.
Providing bona fide credentialing programs and top-quality education for investment advisors and wealth management professionals is all we
do—and it has been our focus for more than 30 years.
“IMCA provides the education that investment advisors and wealth managers
must have to confidently serve their clients. We are proud to serve our
members and to contribute to their success and career satisfaction as
sophisticated financial professionals.”
Sean R. Walters, CAE
IMCA Executive Director and CEO
3
www.IMCA.org
.
Following a shared vision
IMCA delivers the premier investment consulting and wealth management credentials and
world-class education—membership, conferences, research, and publications.
IMCA
®
MEMBERSHIP
CERTIFIED PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR ®
WORLD-CLASS
EDUCATION
CONFERENCES
RESEARCH
4
PUBLICATIONS
www.IMCA.org
. Who are IMCA members?
IMCA members comprise an elite group of professionals who advise sophisticated clients. Members
cut across all channels of the financial services field, including independent advisory firms, national and
regional broker–dealers, and bank/trust companies.
90%+
$327M
IMCA members collectively manage more
than $1.9 trillion, providing investment
consulting and wealth management to
individual and institutional clients.
More than 90% of IMCA advisors and consultants
provide fee-only or fee-based advice, compared to
only 55% of other advisors.
IMCA members’ average assets under management are
$327 million, compared to the industry average of $37 million.
$327 million
$37 million
50%+
More than half of IMCA members’ clients have
a net worth between $500,000 and $5 million,
compared to 33% of industry advisors overall.
Nearly 78% of IMCA’s
individual members hold
the CIMA and/or CPWA
certification.
13% of IMCA members’ clients have a net worth
of more than $10 million, compared to only 2%
of other advisors.
$1.9 trillion
~78%
13%
Sources: Cerulli Associates, Investment Management Consultants Association, 2013, Aite Group, 2013.
5
www.IMCA.org
. Why should I join IMCA?
Your ability to meet the needs of high-end, sophisticated clients requires a level of proficiency that goes
beyond the average professional’s skill-set. IMCA’s sole focus is to help you gain the education and skills
you need.
• Specialize in advising individual or institutional clients about complex
investment or wealth management issues
If you ...
• Have a keen interest in investment theory, investment advice and consulting,
wealth management, advanced financial planning, and the latest thinking in
investments and strategies
• Constantly challenge yourself to provide your best advice and service to
your clients
... Then you belong in IMCA.
“I join professional associations like IMCA where I can be around people who know
more than me and learn by osmosis.”
James A. Pupillo, CIMA®, CIMC®, C(k)P™, TFMC™, Managing Director, Partner, HighTower Advisors, Scottsdale, Arizona
6
www.IMCA.org
.
IMCA
membership
How can I benefit from IMCA membership?
IMCA will help you do your job better, paying dividends for you—and your clients. You’ll gain exclusive
access to education, tools, and resources, and by participating in THE community for advanced
investment and wealth management professionals, you’ll distinguish yourself as a professional who stays
at the forefront of the investment advice and wealth management fields.
With IMCA membership, you’ll receive:
• Discounts on the Certified Investment Management Analyst and Certified Private Wealth Advisor
certification program fees
• Substantial discounts to IMCA’s world-class educational conferences, advanced workshops, and
certificate programs
• Members-only access to online test preparation, resource library, and networking opportunities
• Members-only access to an extensive online archive of technical content and research
• Complimentary subscriptions to leading-edge, peer-reviewed technical publications:
Journal of Investment Consulting, Investments & Wealth Monitor, and Research Quarterly
(which is produced in collaboration with Cerulli Associates)
7
www.IMCA.org
. World-class conferences
and continuing education
Each year, you will join thousands of professionals who attend IMCA’s annual and specialty
conferences and advanced educational events where you’ll learn the latest strategies and skills
for investment advisors and wealth managers. With peer-reviewed content and no “pay-to-play”
sponsored speakers, you’ll enjoy unbiased, savvy analysis and insights from academic, theoretical,
and practical perspectives. IMCA conferences are recognized throughout the industry as some of
the best educational experiences available.
You can earn continuing education (CE) credits at IMCA conferences and workshops, via live
and archived CE broadcasts on a range of industry topics, and by completing CE quizzes after
reading IMCA’s Investments & Wealth Monitor.
8
www.IMCA.org
. Upcoming events
SUMMER INSTITUTE POWERED BY YALE UNIVERSITY
This highly intimate, exclusive, and immersive event brings together top advisors and
consultants at an intensive Summer Institute featuring top business school professors
presenting their latest research results, insights, and ideas on technical topics.
ADVANCED INVESTMENT STRATEGIST PROGRAM
Designed for senior-level investment advisors and consultants, this education
program features professors from top business schools who will provide the skills
necessary to protect client portfolios against downside risk. Registration is limited
to 100 attendees, offering an intimate learning environment.
ADVANCED WEALTH MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
With a spotlight on wealth management, this event features sessions on
advanced topics related to working with high-net-worth clients. Topics may
include charitable and estate planning, tax planning, concentrated equity
positions, portfolio management, and retirement planning.
NEW YORK CONSULTANTS CONFERENCE
Investment consultants and wealth managers are drawn to this long-standing
marquee New York metropolitan-area event. An impressive lineup of speakers
covers a variety of topics including portfolio management, alternative investments,
investment allocation, investment policy, wealth management, and timely
discussions about the U.S.
and world economies.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
IMCA’s Annual Conference is the largest association gathering of investment
and private wealth advisors in the industry. Sessions feature leading industry
strategists, academic thought leaders, and existing or future Nobel laureates.
9
DATES
VENUE
ATTENDEES
August
24–25, 2015
Hyatt Regency,
Jersey City
200
September
28–30, 2015
Bethesda
Marriott
North Hotel,
Bethesda, MD
75
October
19–20, 2015
Swissôtel
Chicago
400
February 1–2, Sheraton Times
2016
Square,
New York
April 17–20,
2016
Hyatt Regency
Orlando, FL
900+
1,700+
www.IMCA.org
. 5
Best of IMCA
Detroit
Best of IMCA
Dallas
May 19
The Henry, Dearborn
~6 CE Credits
July 15, 2015
Westin Galleria
~6 CE Credits
Best of IMCA
Atlanta
Best of IMCA
San Francisco
August 6, 2015
Westin Buckhead Atlanta
Westin BuckheadAtlanta
~6 CE Credits
October 29, 2015
30,
San Francisco Marriott
Union Square
~6 CE Credits
10
www.IMCA.org
. Leading-edge publications and industry news
RLY
As an IMCA member, you’ll receive complimentary subscriptions to the
following publications:
A
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RTER
15
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ER
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ETIR
EME
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• Investments & Wealth Monitor, a bi-monthly educational magazine that features
peer-reviewed articles, industry news, discussions of timely investment topics, legislative
updates, practice management tips, and legal information.
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• Legislative Intelligence, IMCA’s monthly e-mail update, spotlighting legislative and
regulatory changes and offering proprietary content on happenings in Washington,
DC, and elsewhere.
• IMCA Insight, delivered to your e-mail inbox every two weeks, with market updates,
practice management tips, policy and regulation news, and IMCA announcements.
ants
nsult
Co
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nage
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• Research Quarterly, a quarterly publication developed by industry leader Cerulli
Associates in collaboration with IMCA on topics such as portfolio construction,
institutional consulting, managed accounts, and alternative investments.
TE
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• Bloomberg Businessweek, a leading weekly business and finance publication.
11
www.IMCA.org
www.IMCA.org
. Certificate programs
“There are hundreds of educational
conferences you could attend,
IMCA offers the following certificate programs:
• Advanced Investment Strategist Certificate program is a three-day, high-level
certificate program designed for experienced investment consultants and wealth
managers who are seeking the most current strategies to manage client portfolios
in today’s global economy. University faculty from Ivy League and other top-ranked
business schools and expert industry practitioners deliver application-oriented
content to help advisors understand these new skills in practice.
• Essentials of Investment Consulting certificate program provides entry-level
education for support staff or junior advisors on the fundamentals of the investment
consulting process. The program is offered entirely online, and is often completed
by candidates as part of their self-study toward obtaining the CIMA certification.
• Fundamentals of Alternative Investments Online Certificate Program
provides a foundation of core concepts in alternative investments. The 20-hour,
self-paced course is taught by some of the world’s leading experts and authorities
in alternative investments in an engaging, conversational way to help you gain a
working knowledge of alternative investments.
This program was created by CAIA
Association in collaboration with IMCA.
• Coming Soon! Applied Behavioral Finance Online Certificate Program
is designed to help advisors identify common financial decisions that investors
are hardwired to stumble over when they’re not at their rational best. Several
academicians from leading business schools, including Duke University’s Dan
Ariely, MIT’s Andrew Lo, and Meir Statman of the Santa Clara Leavey School of
Business, will deliver the content along with other established industry practitioners.
12
but not one of them can compare
with the quality of IMCA’s Annual
Conference. The content is
completely peer-reviewed, meaning
you won’t be exposed to pay-to-play
infomercials or canned presentations
you have seen a dozen times before.
Speakers at IMCA events are of
a different breed—cutting-edge
academics, leading investment
strategists, potential Nobel Prize
winners.
At IMCA conferences,
you will take a deep dive into what
matters to you and your business
today and tomorrow.”
Brian Ullsperger, CIMA®, Managing Director,
Anderson Tax, LLC, Ashburn, Virginia
www.IMCA.org
. Networking and online resources
You will network with seasoned professionals at IMCA’s annual and specialty conferences and online
via social networking communities, including IMCA’s members-only LinkedIn group. For instant updates,
follow IMCA on Twitter @IMCA.
In addition, you’ll have access to a digital library of more than 2,000 peer-reviewed articles, resources
such as model RFPs, and discounts through affinity programs with highly regarded industry groups.
@IMCA
Search: Investment Management
Consultants Association
Search: Investment Management
Consultants Association
Join IMCA
You do not need to hold the CIMA or CPWA certification
www.IMCA.org
or call +1 303.770.3377 for more information.
to be an IMCA member. Join today by visiting
13
www.IMCA.org
. CIMA
certification
What is CIMA certification?
The purpose of certification is to distinguish a professional’s competence from others in the field. The
Certified Investment Management Analyst certification sets standards for competence as an advanced
investment advisor or consultant.
By earning the CIMA certification, you demonstrate that you have met requirements for working with
individuals and institutions to develop investment policies aligned with a client’s goals and needs,
recommending an investment strategy to meet those goals, and evaluating and monitoring the portfolio
over time. The certification also attests your commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct.
CIMA certification is the standard for
professionalism in investment advice.
14
www.IMCA.org
. When should I consider CIMA certification?
If you want to attain mastery as an investment advisor or consultant to individual or institutional clients,
CIMA certification is a must-have—in fact, CIMA certification is required or strongly encouraged by many
firms. Whether you work as an independent advisor or as part of an organization—and whether your
clients are individuals or institutions—the key is to determine if you and your clients will benefit from the
increased knowledge and expertise that you will gain from CIMA certification.
Ask
yourself:
If you ...
What does my
practice look like?
Who are my
clients?
How do I plan
to build my
business?
• Work directly with individual or institutional clients to deliver custom
investment services, primarily through a fee-only or fee-based arrangement
• Take a top-down approach that starts with learning clients’ objectives, goals,
time horizon, tolerance for risk, and other factors; create an investment
strategy and asset allocation; hire money managers; and perform ongoing
review and revision
• Are looking to develop a deep and thorough understanding of investment
theory, managing clients’ assets, and providing practical investment advice
... Then CIMA certification will provide value to your
clients and advance your career or business.
15
www.IMCA.org
. “It’s the quality of the educational experience—the depth of knowledge—that sets CIMA
certification apart from other educational programs.”
John Nersesian, CIMA®, CPWA®, CFP®, Managing Director, Nuveen Investments, Chicago, Illinois
16
www.IMCA.org
. How will CIMA certification benefit my clients and me?
COMPETENCE
A highlight of earning CIMA certification is the unique opportunity to participate in an intensive week-long
executive education program at a top-25 business school registered with IMCA or 60-day online program.
You’ll interact with leading thinkers in the field and develop strategic networks with like-minded professionals. By passing a rigorous certification examination,
you will demonstrate to yourself and your clients a high level of competence.
CONFIDENCE
CIMA certification means you will know the latest investment management content. These days,
sophisticated clients demand sophisticated solutions from highly competent, ethical advisors. The CIMA
curriculum gives you the knowledge, tools, and strategies to establish your expertise and confidence with your clients.
COMPENSATION
CIMA can help you advance your career to the next level.
One-third of CIMA professionals
earned $380,000 or more in 2012, compared with only 6 percent of other financial advisors. Team
practices with CIMA professionals manage more than twice the assets per client as other practices and generate more than twice the revenue per
client. And practices with CIMA professionals attract a significantly larger share of clients’ investment assets compared with other practices.*
CREDIBILITY
CIMA certification stands out in a crowded marketplace as the first financial services credential in the United
States to meet an international standard for personnel certification (ISO 17024) and earn accreditation by
the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Meeting this rigorous accreditation ensures that the CIMA certification is and will remain a credible
credential (see page 15 for more on ANSI). When you earn your CIMA certification, you join a community of elite advisors.
17
www.IMCA.org
. What impact has obtaining CIMA certification had on you and your clients?
Percentage of advisors saying CIMA’s impact in terms of these factors has been “significant” or “considerable”:
Knowledge of investment management
71%
Confidence in managing investments
69%
Confidence with offering investment management services to clients
Satisfaction with your career
64%
54%
Client service practices
35%
Client trust in you
Client satisfaction with your services
Career advancement
Satisfaction with your employer
35%
34%
28%
22%
18
www.IMCA.org
. Who are CIMA
professionals?
Experienced professionals from a
variety of backgrounds and business
models hold the CIMA certification:
independent advisors, investment
consultants, national and regional
broker–dealer representatives,
and bank/trust employees. CIMA
practitioners work directly with individual
and institutional clients, and focus on
asset allocation, portfolio construction
using multiple managers or strategies,
manager search and selection, and
performance management.
Although their backgrounds may differ,
CIMA certificants share a commitment
to providing objective investment
advice and guidance to their clients.
They accomplish this objective by
taking a consultative approach. They
prudently and ethically integrate a
complex body of investment knowledge
and best practices to meet specific
client goals.
CIMA professionals earn more
33% of CIMA professionals report earning
more than $380,000 per year, compared to just
6% of other financial advisors.
$380,000
or more
6%
12%
33%
$215,000
to
$379,999
20%
CIMA professionals are nearly
twice as likely to be “very
satisfied” with their careers than
non-CIMA professionals.
CIMA professionals
manage more assets
Both solo and team practices with CIMA
professionals manage twice the assets per client
and generate twice as much revenue per client,
compared to other practices.
Revenue per client
29%
$140,000
to
$214,999
$7,650
62%
25%
$4,021
Assets per client
$1,197,731
13%
Less than
$140,000
CIMA
professionals
$500,000
Other financial
advisors
CIMA practice with no CFP® or CFA® professionals
Not a CIMA practice
Source: Aite Group, 2013.
19
www.IMCA.org
. Teams with at least one CIMA professional
advise more high-net-worth clients
13% of CIMA
professionals’
clients have
a net worth
of more than
52% of practices with more than one CIMA professional advise high-net-worth
($1 million to $9.99 million) and ultra-high-net-worth ($10 million or more)
clients, compared to only 25% of practices without a CIMA professional.
More than one CIMA professional
16%
36%
One CIMA professional
11%
38%
22%
34% 12% 6%
34%
11% 4% 2%
$10 million,
compared
to only 2%
No CIMA professional
6%
21%
35%
21%
16% 2%
of other
advisors.
Ultra-high-net-worth ($10 million or more)
High-net-worth ($1 million to $9.99 million)
Affluent ($250,000 to $999,999)
Mass affluent ($100,000 to $249,999)
Mass market (less than $100,000)
Institutional money
Source: Aite Group, 2013.
20
www.IMCA.org
. CIMA certification is worthwhile
Almost all advisors agree that investing time and effort in CIMA certification is worthwhile.
51%
34%
10% 2% 1%
CIMA®
46%
38%
11% 3% 2%
CFP®
5%
47%
32%
16% 0%
CFA®
Strongly agree
Agree
Neither agree not disagree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
“The CIMA credential provided me with a much deeper understanding of the
complexities involved with investments and modern portfolio theory. The
professional knowledge and confidence obtained through the experience
are complemented by the prestige and recognition from peers, clients, and
prospective clients. I would highly recommend obtaining CIMA certification.”
Glen E. Danahey, CIMA®, AIF®, ChFC, Senior Vice President, KeyCorp NonProfit Services, Cleveland, Ohio
Source: Aite Group, 2013.
21
www.IMCA.org
.
How does CIMA certification differ from
other financial services credentials?
There are well over 100 designations and certifications in common use in the financial services
business. A select few are credible in their areas of focus, but only CIMA sets competence
requirements for a process to provide rigorous investment management and advice to institutions
and high-net-worth individuals. Only CIMA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) to meet an international standard for personnel certification (see page 15 to learn more about
ANSI accreditation).
“CIMA certification was a major differentiator in growing
our business and continues to serve us very, very well. At
Convergent we have individuals with the CFP® certification, the
CFA® designation, and MBA degrees.
But the most consistent
credential is the CIMA because of its focus on the specifics of
the investment process. In fact, we require our employees from
associate managers on up to obtain the certification. The CIMA
program provides excellent education from a technical standpoint
on the application of wealth management strategies for welldiversified families, which are the clients we cater to.”
Steven D.
Lockshin, CIMA®, Chairman, AdvicePeriod, Washington, DC
22
www.IMCA.org
. “The quality of the Wharton program made an indelible impression on me.
The professors were so effective at taking very complex information and
breaking it down in a way that we could understand. It was hard work, but
well worth the time and effort I put into it.”
James A. Pupillo, CIMA®, CIMC®, C(k)P™, TFMC™, Managing Director, Partner,
HighTower Advisors, Scottsdale, Arizona
23
www.IMCA.org
. “If you specialize in working directly with clients to develop investment policy, select
a portfolio of outside money managers, and evaluate and monitor the portfolio
over time, the CIMA program is the best education available. Period. Institutional
clients, in particular, recognize the value of CIMA certification—they know what
the credential teaches. I don’t think they would let us in the door without it.”
Kevin M.
Sánchez, CIMA®, CPWA®, CFP®, Senior Institutional Consultant,
UBS Institutional Consulting, Walnut Creek, California
24
www.IMCA.org
. What is ANSI accreditation?
Just like a reliable professional is certified against standards,
a certification program should be accredited by an
independent third party to demonstrate that it meets best
practices in certification. CIMA certification earned third-party
accreditation by the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI), making it the first financial services credential in the
United States to meet an international standard for personnel
certification (ANSI/ISO 17024).
To prove the validity of CIMA certification, IMCA submitted to
a rigorous review of its processes and policies, and committed
to a process of ongoing monitoring and improvement.
25
www.IMCA.org
. How does ANSI accreditation
benefit my clients and me?
There are hundreds of financial services
credentials in the marketplace—with varying
degrees of credibility. Very few credentials
meet standards that are accredited by a third
party. CIMA certification does. For you, this
means that:
• The certification process is valid, reliable, fair, transparent, and objective.
• You can be confident that CIMA certification consistently distinguishes those who meet a level of
competency and skills as an investment advisor or consultant from those who do not.
• The content in the CIMA certification program is derived from an independent job analysis of the
knowledge and skills needed by today’s investment advisor professionals.
• The program is supported by an organization with sound management systems.
• CIMA certification has been accredited as a quality credential, which protects its value for you and
provides reassurance for regulators, compliance departments, and your clients.
In short, CIMA
certification is at the top of the list of bona fide certifications.
26
www.IMCA.org
. How do I earn the CIMA certification?
Be prepared for an intense, challenging
course of study, but be confident that
you will leave with a sharpened ability
to think through complex problems on
your clients’ behalf.
Step 1
Step 2
Submit CIMA certification
application and pass a
background check.
The program typically takes ten
months to complete through the
following steps:
Step 4
Successfully complete
an in-person or online
executive education program
at a top-20 business school
registered with IMCA.
Step 5
Study for (~150 hours) and
pass a four-hour
comprehensive Certification
Examination.
27
Step 3
As your schedule
allows, study for
(~100 hours) and
pass a two-hour
Qualification
Examination.
Sign a licensing agreement, document
a minumum of 3 years of experience
in financial services, submit to a
second background check, and agree
to adhere to IMCA's Ethics and other
ongoing Standards.
www.IMCA.org
. Registered education providers for CIMA certification:
28
www.IMCA.org
. What will I learn?
CIMA certification includes the following topic areas:
I. Governance
IMCA Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards of Practice
Regulatory Considerations
Statistics and Methods
II. Fundamentals
Applied Finance and Economics
Global Capital Markets History and Valuation
Attributes of Risk
III. Portfolio Performance and Risk Measurements
Risk Measurements
Performance Measurement and Attribution
Traditional Global Investments (Equity and Fixed Income)
Fixed-Income Vehicles
IV.
Traditional and Alternative Investments
Foreign Exchange Market
Alternative Investment
Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives
Tools and Strategies Based on Technical Analysis
V. Portfolio Theory and Behavioral Finance
Portfolio Theories and Models
Behavioral Finance Theory
Client Discovery
Investment Policy Statement (IPS)
VI. Investment Consulting Process
Portfolio Risk Management Strategies
Manager Search, Selection, and Monitoring
Perform Portfolio Review and Revisions Process
29
www.IMCA.org
.
Is there a continuing education requirement?
CE YES. Credible certification programs require ongoing education to ensure that you maintain
a high level of knowledge and competency. Every two years, you will renew CIMA certification by
completing 40 hours of continuing education, including two ethics hours. You also will reaffirm your
adherence to IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility, report any complaints or disciplinary
actions, and pay a certification renewal fee.
How much does the CIMA program cost?
$
$5,000
$7,500,
The cost for the CIMA certification program typically ranges between
and
depending on a candidate’s preferences.
Most of the cost is paid directly to the educational
institution. Prices are subject to change.
How do I get started?
i
To learn more, visit
www.IMCA.org or call 303.770.3377.
30
www.IMCA.org
. “The curriculum leading to the CIMA certification
uniquely provided the advanced investment
education I needed as an already reasonably
well-educated, experienced financial planner.
Our clients have benefited from this increased
knowledge, and the expense was worth every
penny.”
Stewart S. Koesten, CIMA®, CFP®, MSFS, AEP, AIF®, pilot, CEO and
Executive Chairman, KHC Wealth Management, Overland Park, Kansas
31
www.IMCA.org
. CPWA
certification
What is CPWA certification?
Wealth management is a distinct discipline and requires a distinct set of skills. Certified Private Wealth
Advisor certification facilitates expertise in identifying and analyzing the issues facing high-net-worth
clients and developing specific strategies to minimize taxes, monetize and protect assets, maximize
growth, and transfer wealth.
CPWA certification is the standard for
professionalism in wealth management.
Professionals who earn CPWA certification come from independent advisory firms, national and regional
broker–dealers, banks, trust companies, family offices, and other business models. They have at least five
years of experience in financial services—many have 20 or more. CPWA practitioners generally focus
their practice on clients with a minimum net worth of $5 million or more.
Families, highly compensated
executives, and owners of closely held businesses comprise the clients served by these wealth managers.
32
www.IMCA.org
. “Pursuing CPWA certification was a very
deliberate decision. I like the fact that it takes
a holistic, integrated, client-focused approach,
rather than concentrating on intensive
mathematical calculations to assess risk and
return. The CPWA program taught me how
to deal with a lot of very big moving pieces
for high-net-worth clients with complicated
situations. That was the right fit for me.
Now, I
have a helicopter view of the many strategies
and techniques that exist, so I can propose them
to my clients where appropriate and then bring
in experts, if needed, to implement the strategy.”
Helen Modly, CPWA®, ChFC, CFP®, Executive Vice President,
Focus Wealth Management, Ltd., Middleburg, Virginia
33
www.IMCA.org
. When should I consider CPWA certification?
CPWA certification benefits advisors who serve clients with a household net worth of at least $5 million or
advisors who aspire to building a practice to serve those clients.
If you are an experienced advisor …
… and
you ...
• Serve a significant number of wealthy individuals, highly compensated
executives, and owners of closely held businesses on a broad range of
financial planning issues
• Take a comprehensive, holistic approach to clients’ needs, including
taxes, investments, risk and retirement planning, executive compensation,
business transitions, charitable and estate planning, and legacy planning
• Want to move your practice to the next level by gaining expertise in
advanced wealth management strategies for sophisticated clients
... Then CPWA certification will provide value
to your clients and advance your career.
34
www.IMCA.org
. “One of the things that you realize in this
business is that it is constantly changing—
investment opportunities, tax and estate
planning strategies, regulations, and more.
If you are not committed to continuous
learning, you are, in effect, falling behind.
I began applying the knowledge I gained
immediately—in fact, while I was still
going through the program .”
Charlie Mueller, CPWA®, CTFA, Senior Vice President,
Managing Director, Northern Trust, Chicago, Illinois
35
www.IMCA.org
. How will CPWA certification benefit my clients and me?
EXPERTISE
The CPWA program will provide you with highly specialized information that you can immediately apply
in your work serving the needs of affluent individuals and families, highly compensated executives, and
owners of closely held businesses on a broad range of issues.
CREDIBILITY
CPWA certification demonstrates your specialty in wealth management and your commitment to an
increased level of expertise, and moves your team or practice to the next level by gaining expertise in
advanced wealth management strategies for sophisticated clients.
CONFIDENCE
High-net-worth clients usually require multi-disciplinary teams of various professionals to address
their complex financial issues. Program graduates report having significantly more confidence
when interacting with other members of their clients’ wealth advisory teams such as attorneys and CPAs.
PRESTIGE
A highlight of the CPWA program is the unique opportunity to participate in an intensive week-long executive
education program at a top-25 business school registered with IMCA, currently The University of Chicago Booth
School of Business. You will take ideas back to your clients from leading subject matter experts and renowned professors, and develop strategic
relationships with a group of like-minded, experienced practitioners from around the country.
“We recently sent six people from our staff through the CPWA certification program. We found the
content to be excellent and relevant for advisors and individuals supporting the ultra-high-net-worth
marketplace.
I strongly recommend the CPWA program.”
James Durocher, CPWA®, Director, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts
36
www.IMCA.org
. How does wealth management differ from investment
management or financial planning?
An independent job task analysis study, commissioned by IMCA in 2012, found that wealth management is a distinct discipline. Wealth managers
address a range of financial issues—investments, taxes, executive compensation, business transitions, and legacy planning—and take into
account principles of behavioral finance and human and family dynamics. IMCA has used the study’s findings to refine the experience, education,
examination, and ethics requirements for CPWA certification, making it the standard for advanced competency in wealth management.
How does CPWA certification differ
from the CFP® certification or other
financial planning credentials?
Certified Financial Planner ®, certification sets core competence
requirements to work with many types of clients on a broad range of
financial planning areas: investments, insurance, taxes, employee
benefits, retirement planning, and estate planning.
Certified Private Wealth Advisor ® (CPWA®) certification addresses
wealth management as a distinct discipline and is designed for
advisors with established careers who are focusing their practice on
complex issues unique to wealthy individuals.
37
www.IMCA.org
. The steps to attaining CPWA certification
4
1
3
Demonstrate at least
five years of relevant,
client-centered
experience, hold a
bachelor’s degree or an
approved professional
certification, and pass
a background check.
2
Attend a five-day class
at a top-25 business
school registered with
IMCA, currently The
University of Chicago
Booth School of
Business. Faculty
will include both
academicians and
experienced
practitioners.
Complete a
six-month, online,
educational
component.
38
Pass a
Comprehensive
Examination.
5
Sign a licensing
agreement and agree
to adhere to the IMCA
Code of Professional
Responsibility.
www.IMCA.org
. “The CPWA program is
the perfect complement to
the CIMA program—the
former adding practical
wealth management
strategies atop the latter’s
theoretical and math-laden framework. I
found the coursework prior and the week in
residence to be both a wonderful refresher of
core competencies as well as a lab brimming
over with the latest wealth management
“The five-day intensive class at The University of Chicago
Booth School of Business was the most awesome week
techniques and perspectives. The program
I’ve ever spent. The professors, advisors, and other
made such an impression on me that I
consultants who spoke to us were of a caliber that I
insisted that four of my colleagues participate
never experienced going to school.
It was wonderful—
in the winter class so that as a group we
exhausting—but wonderful. And the classmates I met
would become more effective in our roles.”
are another resource network I can tap into.”
Rick Schultz, CIMA®, CPWA®, CEP, Private Wealth Advisor, UBS
Private Wealth Management, Washington, DC
Helen Modly, CPWA®, ChFC, CFP® Executive Vice President, Focus Wealth
Management, Ltd., Middleburg, Virginia
39
www.IMCA.org
. Is there a continuing education requirement?
CPWA certification requires ongoing
CE YES,tolike all credible certificationa programs, of knowledge and competency. Every two
education ensure that you maintain high level
years, you will renew CPWA certification by completing 40 hours of continuing education
credit, including two ethics hours. You also will reaffirm your adherence to the IMCA Code of
Professional Responsibility, report any complaints or disciplinary actions, and pay a certification
renewal fee.
How much does the CPWA program cost?
$
$7,475
The cost of the program is
for IMCA members and
nonmembers. Prices are subject to change.
$7,975 for
How do I get started?
i
To learn more, visit
www.IMCA.org or call 303.770.3377.
40
www.IMCA.org
.
CPWA core topics
The body of knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent wealth management at an advanced level to high-net-worth clients incorporates
169 topics organized into four knowledge domains and 11 sections. These comprise the core topics of the CPWA curriculum.
DOMAIN I:
Human Dynamics
DOMAIN II:
Wealth Management Strategies
Section 1: Ethics
Section 4: Tax Strategies and Planning
Section 2: Applied Behavioral Finance
Section 5: Portfolio Management
Section 3: Family Dynamics
Section 6: Risk Management and Asset
Management
DOMAIN III:
Client Specialization
DOMAIN IV:
Legacy Planning
Section 7: Client Focus–Executives
Section 10: Charitable Giving
Section 8: Client Focus–Closely Held
Business Owners
Section 11: Estate Planning and Wealth
Transfer
“I feel I’ve learned
more in the last six
months [in the CPWA
program] than I have
in the last nine years.”
Chad A. Williams, CFP®,
CPWA®, COO/Managing
Partner, Capital Investment
Management, Denver, Colorado
Section 9: Client Focus–Retirement
41
www.IMCA.org
. Online Class
In-person Class
CIMA® Time Commitment
1 month
±5 months
1 week
±6 months
Application and
background check
Self-study and pass
Qualification exam
Executive Study and pass
Education Certification exam
1 month
±5 months
2 months
1 month
Application and
background check
Self-study and pass
Qualification exam
Online Education Program
Study and pass
Certification exam
9–14
months
9
months
CPWA® Time Commitment
One month
±6 months
1 week
Application and
background check
Self-study
Executive
Education/
Pass exam on final day
7–8
months
CFP® Time Commitment
CFP educational coursework and pass CFP exam
18–24
months
Source: www.cfp.net/become-a-cfp-professional/cfp-certification-requirements/education-requirement. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®,
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
CFA® Time Commitment
Take Level 1 program and pass exam
Take Level 2 program and pass exam
Take Level 3 program and pass exam
~18
months
Source: www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfaprogram/charterholder/pages/index.aspx. Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute
ChFC® Time Commitment
ChFC educational coursework and pass ChFC exam
15–24
months
Source: www.studyfinancialplanning.com/questions.
ChFC, Chartered Financial Consultant, CLU, Chartered Life Underwriter, and CASL, Chartered Advisor for Senior Living, are registered marks
owned by The American College.
42
www.IMCA.org
. CIMA Certification
5619 DTC Parkway
®
Suite 500
CPWA Certification
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
®
Phone: 303.770.3377
World-class Education
Fax: 303.770.1812
www.IMCA.org
Membership
IMCA® and INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION® are registered trademarks of Investment Management Consultants Association Inc. CIMA®,
CERTIFIED INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT ANALYST®, CIMC®, CPWA®, and CERTIFIED PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR® are registered certification marks of Investment
Management Consultants Association Inc. Investment Management Consultants Association Inc. does not discriminate in educational opportunities or practices on the
basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
08-150602.02.536.dig
43
www.IMCA.org
.