Participant Testimonials

Learn more about the CHA Designation Program

Below are a number of testimonials direct from current and past participants within the CHA Designation Program. These quotes were not paid for, they offer insight into why others in similar situations are registering for this program.

Testimonial #1: Andy R. | Hedge Fund Manager

As a former Hedge Fund manager, looking to launch a new fund in the next year, I was intrigued by the prospect of increasing my knowledge and understanding of a variety of platforms, strategies, and new regulations that are likely to come through the CHA. I believe that this designation is a long overdue way to separate the wheat from the chaff in an industry that, while currently in a down cycle, will remain as an integral component for financial planning and asset allocation in the future. 

Testimonial #2: Technical Analyst For Wachovia | Sumeer Kapila, Level 1 CHA, CFA Level 3 Candidate

CHA designation is focused program. A program which details and provide inside information of hedge fund industry standards and strategies. The study guide provide you the rules of the game keeping you informed about the legal and regulatory perspective. This program helps you to keep the integrity of the market by raising industry standards. 

Testimonial #3: Job Title: Hedge Fund Manager

Why are you earning the CHA Designation? "I have been tracking the develop of this designation for several months now and now that I'm running my own hedge fund I need more of a broad base of hedge fund industry knowledge. In the past as a trader I have learned a lot about investing and alternative asset types but I'm completing this course to learn more about the structure and direction of the industry."

Testimonial #4 Job Title: Hedge Fund Manager (Partner)

"Among the critical reasons I joined a hedge fund are the minimization of bureaucracy, an innovation-friendly environment, and the community of intellectual and self-motivated individuals. To me, the Hedge Fund Group and now the CHA designation embody these principles and will come to represent a unique brand of individuals in the hedge fund space."

Testimonial #5: Marc Oliver

I have over 20+ years in the financial market industry with 15 securities licenses as well as other designation which includes FINRA Arbitration/ Mediation Panelist. Additionally, I am or have been a member of various industry related regulatory groups. Most notably, I have been on the Regulatory/ Compliance side in the financial Market for the last 11 years, having even served as Head of Compliance, with an emphasis towards providing regulatory oversight for trade compliance (Listed/ NASDAQ/ Program Trading). My objective going forward is to focus on Hedge Fund Compliance oversight and though I am currently pursuing my Juris Doctorate I believe that the CHA designation would give the proper foundation as well professional accreditation coupled with my current investment advisory experience for such a career transition.

Testimonial #6: Private Wealth Management Executive, CHA Level 1 Fall 2008

“The Hedge Fund Group stands at the forefront of our industry’s progressive growth, providing a designation which will prove invaluable and recognizable world-wide. With impeccable timing, the Chartered Head Fund Associate (CHA) designation is emerging into the best buyers’ market of our lifetimes. In this CFP and CFA jungle, mark yourself with the CHA and become a distinct industry leader. Treat yourself as an investment in an emerging market and enjoy reaping the rewards of your future. In the world of alternative investments, there’s no substitute for the CHA designation.”  

Testimonial #7: Dominic Di Bernardo - Student

I am taking this hedge fund certification program to expand my knowledge base of the hedge fund industry (There is little learned in school about this industry). I also believe that this designation will give me an edge over others trying to enter the industry. And lastly I believe that I will be able to gain valuable contacts through this programs website, other designation candidates, and anyone else that stands behind this designation.  

Testimonial #8: Professional Placement Agent for Hedge Funds

“The Hedge Fund Group (HFG) has been fabulous. They answer every question quickly, accurately and professionally. It’s this stuff that, quite simply, builds credibility. For once I'm actually studying something

Testimonial #9: Derivative/Technical analyst for a leading broking firm
The CHA program is of the best courses I could find in the market for someone who wants to enter the world of alternative investments. Not only is the course vigorous and up to date, but they also help you with access to industry recruiters for career advice and job opportunities. Another reason I registered was so that I could build my contacts in the investment world through the Hedge Fund Group. To me the value was in the complete package for a successful career in the field of alternative investments.

Testimonial #10: Algorithmic Trader for a Private Capital Group

I am an algorithmic trading software developer working for a capital firm. I have been doing just-in-time learning all the time, in an undisciplined fashion. I think the goal of achieving a CHA Designation would enforce a formal approach to my education in this dynamic field. Besides, in my readings, I am hitting areas and terms I did not know, like - Tranches etc. CHA Designation would give me the confidence of a firm background knowledge, in pursuing my career.

Testimonial #11: Bob Beller Executive Vice President at a Financial Advisory Firm

I’ve been involved in all aspects of the financial services industry over the past twenty-five years – legal and compliance, commodity pool owner and operator, hedge fund-of-funds principal and operator, domestic and international…you name it. If there’s anything I’ve learned over the years it’s that no business and no individual entrepreneur can sustain success over time without integrity and objective standards through which to measure core competence. Integrity comes from within. Objective standards are established by progressive thinkers. For me, the concept of CHA Designation is at the cutting edge of an industry that requires more uniform and measurable standards. That’s where I want to be for people I represent and that’s exactly what I want to pass along to people I mentor. Timing is everything. 

Testimonial #12: Jennifer Hrabik | Wealth Management Associate

Early on in my finance career I recognized I am very interested in alternatives and knew that learning more about this area would give me a competitive edge. I researched programs and found the CHA Designation to be the best as it also provides networking and mentor opportunities. It excites me that the program is new and I can be one of the first in the industry to earn this designation. I also like the two level approach. Level one provides a thorough overview of the hedge fund industry while level two focuses on training for a specific role. For someone just a few years into their career, level two is really helpful in narrowing down what you want to "major" in. 

Read a full description of the CHA Designation Program by clicking here.

The CHA Desigantion Program is guided by a Board of Advisors consisting of over 50 hedge funds, fund of hedge funds and industry consultants. Learn more about the Advisory Board