The Investment Management Consultants Association announced that it has changed its name to the Investments and Wealth Institute and expanded its educational offerings.
“Our new name — the Investments and Wealth Institute — more accurately reflects who we are and what we do, as well as elevates the Institute’s mission by recognizing the contributions we’ve made to the professions body of knowledge and our commitment to increase public trust and improve outcomes for investors,” says Scott Thayer, chairman of the Greenwood Village, Col.-based Investments and Wealth Institute’s board of directors, in a statement.
The Investments and Wealth Institute assures that members can expect the same education programs, as well as new courses and an increase of live and online opportunities. A new website is expected to launch later this year.
“This rebrand refocuses our identity toward our primary objective, which is to develop and certify ethical, competent professionals to provide clients with comprehensive strategies and advice on how to navigate their investments and how to grow, preserve and transfer wealth,” adds Sean Walters, the Investments and Wealth Institute’s CEO, in a statement.
As part of the Investments and Wealth Institute’s new programming, it has expanded its collaboration with the Yale School of Management to introduce an online program for the certified private wealth advisor (CPWA) certification in early 2018.
The CPWA certification is a wealth-management credential designed for professionals working with high net-worth clients. The certification will enable financial advisors to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in private wealth management. This includes navigating family dynamics and behavioural biases, and developing sophisticated tax, investment and asset protection strategies for closely held business owners, executives and high net-worth individuals in retirement and legacy planning.
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business will still continue to offer a program for CPWA certification.
The Investments and Wealth Institute has also announced that it has acquired the retirement management advisor (RMA) designation from the Retirement Income Industry Association.
The RMA designation provides a distinct approach to retirement income planning by focusing on a client-centred fiduciary model called the Procedural Prudence Map. The program gives advisors tools, techniques and methodologies to help guide the decision-making process in supporting retirement income needs while also complying with the industry’s increasing regulations.
Lastly, the Investments and Wealth Institute has released research findings from a study entitled The Value of CIMA Certification to an Advisor’s Practice, which examines how the certified investment management analyst (CIMA) certification correlates with career satisfaction and advisor success.
Notably, more than 60% of CIMA-certified professionals surveyed said the certification has made a significant impact on their knowledge of investment management, confidence advising high net-worth clients, and ability to manage client investments.
More details regarding the research findings can be found on the firm’s news release.