Investments & Wealth Institute Updates CIMA Certification to Reflect Evolving Wealth Management Landscape

The Investments & Wealth Institute has unveiled updates to its Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification program, marking a pivotal step in aligning the certification with the latest advancements in wealth management. Effective August 1, 2024, these changes underscore the Institute's dedication to maintaining the CIMA certification's relevance and rigor in the face of a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Central to the updates is an enhanced curriculum that delves into contemporary topics such as model portfolios, target-date funds, ETFs, and index funds management. Additionally, the program will now place a stronger emphasis on alternative investments, private markets, and the nuances of behavioral finance and global macroeconomic trends. This comprehensive overhaul is based on a detailed job task analysis study, ensuring that the curriculum reflects the current knowledge and skills required by top-tier financial and investment consulting professionals.

James LaFleur, Chair of the CIMA Certification Commission, highlighted the updates' focus on equipping practitioners with a deeper understanding of portfolio management and client-oriented strategies. The revisions aim to fortify the ethical foundations and professional standards of investment and wealth management, ensuring that CIMA certified professionals can offer objective, informed advice tailored to individual and institutional investors' needs.

The Investments & Wealth Institute's initiative to refresh the CIMA certification program reaffirms its commitment to excellence in financial education. By addressing the dynamic nature of wealth management, the Institute not only enhances the value of the CIMA certification but also solidifies its role as a leading educator and standard-setter for financial advisors worldwide.