CAIA Association (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association) is a global nonprofit professional body founded in 2002, headquartered in Amherst, Massachusetts. It serves as the world’s leading authority in alternative investment education, credentialing, and industry engagement, with more than 14,000 members across over 100 countries and 35 chapters around the globe. As the boundaries between traditional and alternative asset classes continue to converge, CAIA positions itself as the go-to trusted authority for evaluating and integrating modern capital allocation strategies.

CAIA’s stated purpose is to build the most energised community of investment professionals around the globe devoted to improving investment outcomes. The association focuses on educating investment professionals about alternative assets — including private equity, private debt, hedge funds, real assets, digital assets, and funds of funds — while fostering a member-driven community that advances the intellectual boundaries of investing. CAIA also places strong emphasis on ethical standards, requiring all members to adhere to its published ethical principles, and aims to cultivate a global network committed to serving clients in their pursuit of improving both financial and societal outcomes.

CAIA Association operates as a nonprofit organisation governed by a Board of Directors representing diverse geographies and sectors within the alternative investment industry. The association maintains regional operations covering the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and EMEA, with over 100 academic and association partnerships globally. Its 35 member-driven chapters are located in major financial centres worldwide. The association publishes an annual content agenda, hosts approximately 250 events per year, and works toward long-term strategic objectives outlined in its Vision 2035 plan.

CAIA’s flagship credential is the CAIA Charter, a globally recognised designation granted upon successful completion of two rigorous examination levels combined with relevant professional experience. The association also offers CAIA.nxt™, a growing suite of targeted microcredentials covering areas such as infrastructure, private equity, real estate, digital assets, private debt, portfolio implementation, and the total portfolio approach. Additional member resources include the Chronicles of an Allocator newsletter, the Capital Decanted podcast, thought leadership publications, webcasts, and a robust annual events programme. CFA charterholders may access a stackable credential programme that allows a Level I exam waiver, enabling faster completion of the CAIA Charter.