CFA Institute Launches New Private Markets and Alternative Investments Certificate

CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, has launched a Private Markets and Alternative Investments Certificate. Built on globally recognized CFA Program content, it provides foundational-level knowledge across alternative investments.

The Private Markets and Alternative Investments Certificate is suitable for new entrants to the industry who aspire to work for a General Partner (GP) firm or other alternatives specialist, existing investors or asset owners who seek to allocate investments to private markets or alternative investments, and consultants working with General Partner or Limited Partner firms who wish to understand the investment landscape and industry terminology for the benefit of their clients.

The Certificate is a five-course, self-paced online program with a foundational curriculum that is enhanced with additional practitioner insights and perspectives. It equips learners with essential knowledge on private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, commodities, and hedge funds. 

The five courses are:

• Course 1: Introduction to Private Markets and Alternative Investments 
• Course 2: Private Equity and Private Credit Investments  
• Course 3: Real Estate and Infrastructure Investments 
• Course 4: Commodities and Natural Resources Investments 
• Course 5: Hedge Fund Investments 

Richard Fernand, Head of Certificate Management at CFA Institute comments:

“The investment landscape is constantly changing, and CFA Institute recognizes the importance of adapting to the needs of an ever-evolving, dynamic and diverse investment profession and client needs. The development of the Private Markets and Alternative Investments Certificate acknowledges both this increasingly important investment specialism and the changing demands of candidates looking to develop as they pursue a successful career in the alternatives industry. This certificate, together with the release of the CFA Program LIII Private Markets Pathway, demonstrates CFA Institute’s commitment to developing high quality educational opportunities in the alternatives space.

“The Private Markets and Alternative Investments Certificate offers strong foundational learning and practical content providing candidates with increased confidence and enhanced credibility within their organizations. We plan in the near future to release more advanced certificates that will provide learners with a ladder up to more advanced skills. The course aims to develop a learner’s ability to think critically, ask insightful questions, and innovate within the private markets and alternative investments space, introducing foundational concepts, tools, and techniques needed to open doors, further their careers, and benefit clients.”

Private Markets and Alternative Investments Certificate