First Two "100 Women in Hedge Funds/CAIA Scholars" Earn CAIA Charter

AMHERST, Mass., June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Foundation, sponsored by the CAIA Association, today announced that two members of the inaugural class of "100 Women in Hedge Funds/CAIA Scholars" have completed the CAIA Program. The scholarship initiative, offered by the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Institute through the generous sponsorship of Pacific Alternative Asset Management Company, LLC (PAAMCO), was established to attract and reward rising female talent in the alternative investment field.  Kaoutar Sbiyaa, Product Specialist at Rothschild & Cie France, and Indre Dargyte, Senior Associate at Laven Partners UK, are the first two recipients of scholarship program to earn the CAIA Charter, the leading alternative investment credential.

"We are pleased to honor our first two scholars to graduate from the CAIA Program," said Judy Posnikoff, co-founder and managing director of PAAMCO.  "These two women are talented professionals and we are thrilled to support their journey to further their education in alternative investments."

The mission of the CAIA Foundation is to increase knowledge and talent in the alternative investment industry. Leading organizations, such as 100 Women in Hedge Funds and PAAMCO, have shown their support for this goal, as well as their recognition of the value of the CAIA Program, by partnering with the CAIA Foundation to effect tangible, positive change in alternative investment education. Establishing scholarship programs enables individuals who might otherwise not have access to the CAIA Program the ability to deepen their knowledge of alternative investments.  

"While we are proud to be part of this effort to increase educational opportunities for talented up-and-coming professionals in the alternative investment field, it is important to point out that the ultimate beneficiary of the 100 Women in Hedge Funds/CAIA Scholars Program is the investor," said Thomas A. Porter, President of the CAIA Foundation. "Our partner, 100 Women in Hedge Funds, is helping to ensure—with the support of PAAMCO—that the best and brightest in the field get the education they need to make a meaningful difference in their careers and for their clients."

The scholarship program seeks to support women with a demonstrated record of active involvement in the 100 Women in Hedge Funds and broader alternative investment communities. 

"Ms. Sbiyaa and Ms. Dargyte are shining examples of how the CAIA Foundation is meeting its mission of increasing talent in this investment sector," said Mr. Porter.

"The CAIA Designation demonstrates mastery of alternative investments and its tools.  I wanted to confirm my adherence to the highest standards of professional conduct to allow the best practices for my company's clients," said Ms. Sbiyaa.  Ms. Dargyte added, "Our job is to protect investors by making sure that they can rely on appropriate guidance when making investment decisions. The CAIA Charter will assist me in fulfilling this role."

The CAIA Association, this year celebrating its tenth anniversary, welcomes both women into their fellowship of more than 5,700 members worldwide.

The "100 Women in Hedge Funds/CAIA Scholars" program is open to 10 individuals, per year, who have an interest in pursuing a career in alternative investment management, with a specific focus on portfolio management. Each scholarship covers enrollment and registration fees for CAIA Level I and Level II exams, the CAIA Knowledge Series textbooks from Wiley Publishing and Institutional Investor, the Schweser CAIA Level I Premium Instruction Study Solution, and a one-year membership in the CAIA Association, and has a value of more than $5,000.

About the CAIA Association and the CAIA Foundation

The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association^® is the global benchmark for alternative investment education. It grants the CAIA Charter upon successful completion of two levels of qualifying exams combined with relevant professional experience; sponsors research and publications; connects alternative investments experts around the world; and advocates for the highest standards in professional conduct. The CAIA Association has more than 5,700 members in 75 countries and 15 affiliated chapters. More information can be found at CAIA.org. The CAIA Foundation partners with industry-leading organizations to increase knowledge and talent in the field of alternative investments. The Foundation's website is http://foundation.caia.org.

About 100 Women in Hedge Funds
100 Women in Hedge Funds is a global, practitioner-driven non-profit organization serving over 10,000 alternative investment management investors and professionals through educational, professional leverage and philanthropic initiatives. Formed in 2001, 100 Women in Hedge Funds has hosted more than 250 events globally, connected more than 250 senior women through Peer Advisory Groups and raised close to $20 million for philanthropic causes in the areas of women's health, education and mentoring. For more information about 100 Women in Hedge Funds, please visit www.100womeninhedgefunds.org.

About PAAMCO

Pacific Alternative Asset Management Company is a hedge fund of funds dedicated to offering strategic investment solutions to large, sophisticated institutional investors. Based in Irvine, California, PAAMCO was started in March 2000, has a global headcount of 130, and offices in London and Singapore. The firm's portfolio management team has both a strong academic background and years of experience in working with institutions and analyzing and creating multi-strategy portfolios of hedge funds.

SOURCE Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association