Chartered Asset Manager

Key Takeaways

• The CAM certification program enhances knowledge in asset management knowledge, best practices, and responsibilities.
• It has five key courses, including financial strategy and investment management.
• The Global Academy of Finance and Management awards the CAM certification.
• CAM graduates can use the CAM or Registered Financial Specialist (RFS) designation.
• A Chartered Asset Manager (CAM) is a financial professional who receives an accredited certification that validates knowledge in asset management. The CAM designation equips professionals to define good asset management practices and understand roles, responsibilities, and best practices in the field. The Global Academy of Finance and Management (GAFM) offers this certification.
• The CAM program for accreditation consists of five courses that cover key topics like financial strategy, investment management, risk management, and asset management strategies. Upon completion, individuals receive the CAM certification and can use the title CAM or Registered Financial Specialist (RFS), depending on jurisdiction rules.

Understanding the Chartered Asset Manager Certification

The Chartered Asset Manager (CAM) program is a highly intensive program for professionals with three or more years of financial planning experience consists of the following five courses.

Fundamentals of Asset Management and Financial Strategy is an introduction to the asset management process and skills required for any competent Chartered Asset Manager. This course explores how to develop an asset management practice: including the current economic environment, regulation, reporting, compliance, etc.

Key Modules of the CAM Certification Program

CAM certification can be broken down into several key modules of study. These include Investment Management and Managed Funds, Key Financial Decisions, Risk Management, Asset Management Strategies, and Case Studies.

Investment Management and Managed Funds addresses risk and return, formulas for analyzing investment strategies, and modern portfolio theories.

The Key Financial Decisions module focuses on capital budgeting, dividend policies, and capital structure policy from both the market and political perspectives.

Risk Management explains the risks individuals and businesses face and how to successfully develop a plan for spotting and minimizing them.

Asset Management Strategies and Case Studies deviates from the other courses by having students actively participate in the class. The goal is to develop their own asset management plans and present them to their peers.

Benefits of Earning the CAM Designation

Those who complete the courses receive the academic designation of Chartered Asset Manager. Additionally, anyone who is registered with the Global Academy of Finance and Management (GAFM) can use one of two designations on a resume or business card: either CAM or Registered Financial Specialist (RFS). The reason, according to the GAFM, is that a handful of legal jurisdictions forbid certain professionals from using the word certified after their name.1

The following are attributes the GAFM says candidates will be able to accomplish with the CAM designation:1

Define the elements of good asset management practice.

Identify the roles and responsibilities of the asset.

Distinguish "best practices" in reporting and monitoring.

Debate the pros and cons of managing your own portfolio.

Add GAFM membership and certification to your resume.

Be published on the GAFM site as a certified member.

The GAFM is a worldwide institution that offers candidates certification to improve their knowledge and credentials in financial management. The GAFM Board of Standards was originally founded in 1996 through a merger between the Founders Advisory Committee of the Original Tax and Estate Planning Law Review and the American Academy of Financial Management & Analysts.