Chartered Asset Manager (CAM)

What Is a Chartered Asset Manager?

A Chartered Asset Manager (CAM) is a financial professional who completes an accredited certification program developed for those who need to be knowledgeable about asset management but not necessarily on a day-to-day basis.

Understanding Chartered Asset Manager (CAM)

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.

Investment Management & 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.

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 to use the word certified after their name.

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

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 Founders Advisory Committee of the Original Tax and Estate Planning Law Review and American Academy of Financial Management & Analysts.