DENVER, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The Investment Management ConsultantsAssociation, Inc. (IMCA) (http://www.imca.org), is offering a newdesignation, the Chartered Private Wealth Advisor or CPWA(SM). Candidateswho attain the designation will gain an advanced expertise in the lifecycle of wealth: accumulating, preserving and protecting, and distributingwealth. In keeping with IMCA's history of working with established businessschools, the Chartered Private Wealth Advisor designation will be offeredin partnership with University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business.IMCA also offers the Certified Investment Management Analyst/CIMA(R)designation in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania's WhartonSchool of Business and University of California at Berkeley's Haas Schoolof Business. The first self-study session will start this September followed by anin- person class in Spring 2008. "This is an advanced application-basedcurriculum designed for immediate integration into one's practice ofserving high net worth clients," says Richard Joyner, current chair ofIMCA's wealth management committee and president of private wealthmanagement for Tolleson Wealth Management in Dallas, TX. Joyner adds,"Faculty will include both university graduate school professors andexperienced practitioners, which is a big key to success for the student." The 2006 World Wealth Report compiled by Merrill Lynch and CapGeminiGroup, shows that in 2006, the U.S. population of individuals with at least$1 million in investable assets -- excluding their primary residences --rose 9.4%. "Wealth management as a field has grown exponentially and nodesignation has yet emerged that appropriately addresses serving thesophisticated needs of high-net-worth clients," says Edythe Pahl, ExecutiveDirector of IMCA. The topics covered include asset protection, executivecompensation plans, charitable planning and advanced estate and giftplanning. Ms. Pahl adds, "This is not another program in financialplanning. Other designations could be considered entry-level curriculum inrelation to this program. We have identified a need for advanced financialeducation designed for experienced financial advisors and consultants whowork with high net worth clients." The designation is achieved after a candidate successfully completes"four E's:" experience, education, examination and ethics. The experiencerequirement includes a comprehensive background check and five years ofclient-centered experience in financial services or related discipline. Theeducation requirement includes a six-month self-study period and one weekof classroom instruction at the University of Chicago Graduate School ofBusiness, plus 40 hours of continuing education every two years. Candidatesmust also successfully pass a three-hour comprehensive examination andadhere to the IMCA Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards ofPractice. The application process includes a background check. Thesestandards provide practical guidance to financial service professionals inthe course of conducting their practices and providing services to clients. For more information about the Chartered Private Wealth AdvisorDesignation, visit: http://www.imca.org/education/wealthmanagement. Founded in 1985 and located in Denver, Colorado, the InvestmentManagement Consultants Association, Inc. serves over 6,700 members and over5,000 CIMA designees. IMCA offers the only advanced designation designedspecifically for investment consultants, the Certified InvestmentManagement Analyst (CIMA) program. Since 2003, the number of IMCA membershas grown by 50%. IMCA hosts seven educational conferences each year,including this year's Advanced Wealth Management Conference November 5-6,2007 in Charlotte, NC. IMCA's conferences and certificate programs areattended by over 4,000 financial professionals every year.
