As it continues to prepare the next generation of finance leaders for career success, Fisher’s internationally recognized Specialized Master in Finance (SMF) program has announced a new partnership with the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association.

In partnering with the association, Fisher joins 18 other academic institutions across the United States in providing students with expanded access to educational tools and a network of professionals in the hedge fund, private equity, real estate, endowment and foundations industries.

“We are delighted to collaborate with the CAIA Association to offer our students opportunities to differentiate themselves as dynamic leaders in the finance industry,” said Anil K. Makhija, dean and John W. Berry, Sr. Chair in Business at Fisher. “By partnering with the association, Fisher joins an illustrious list of institutions dedicated to fostering education and thought leadership in finance. The partnership also underscores our commitment to our SMF program, which continues to meet the needs and interests of prospective and current students at The Ohio State University.”

In 2018 rankings released by the Financial Times, Fisher’s SMF program ranked 51st in the world, 10th in the United States, and third among U.S. public institutions.

The partnership with the CAIA Association will provide eight Fisher students with scholarships to sit for the CAIA Charter, an internationally-recognized credential granted upon successful completion of a rigorous two-level exam series, combined with relevant work experience. Earning the CAIA Charter is the gateway to becoming a member of the CAIA Association, a global network of more than 8,400 alternative investment professionals located in more than 90 countries.

Along with Fisher, the CAIA Association announced partnerships with the University of North Carolina and American University.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with each of these fine schools,” said William J. Kelly, CEO of the CAIA Association. “I’ve had the chance to visit each of them in recent weeks to meet with the respective administrations, faculty and students, and I can tell we are all already well on our way to helping a fantastic new generation of alternative investment leaders build their knowledge base and prepare for an exciting future.”

The CAIA Association is the world leader in alternative investment education, offering the only education program uniquely designed for individuals specializing in institutional-quality alternative investments.