Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM) Designation

The number of affluent Canadians has doubled over the past decade and many of these individuals are nearing or have already transitioned into retirement.

Private banking/wealth management is one of the fastest growing sectors within the financial services industry. Global wealth has been rapidly increasing and is expected to grow at a steady pace in the years to come. Never before has there been such a demand for expert wealth managers. Today's high net worth clients want sound advice from someone who understands their complex and changing needs.

To meet this demand CSI has partnered with the Swiss-based Association of International Wealth Management (AIWM) to offer a strategic wealth designation program that meets the changing needs of today's financial services industry. As the global standard for strategic wealth management, the path to the Certified International Wealth Manager designation includes courses and certifications to help you grow your relationships with today's high net worth clients.

HOW THE CIWM WILL HELP

The CIWM is designed to prepare students to manage the complex requirements of affluent clients. Upon successful completion of the CIWM Certification Exam candidates are eligible to apply for the Certified International Wealth Manager designation and be ready to:

• Build and manage client relationships that result in a successful partnership
• Establish and implement wealth accumulation and management strategies
• Collaborate with clients to preserve wealth and optimize the conversion of assets into income
• Develop and implement a wealth transfer plan that reflects client wishes
• Coordinate and monitor a team of experts to provide a fully integrated, well-rounded wealth management service
• Apply business marketing techniques to build a successful practice

Your learning path to achieving the CIWM Designation

The learning pathways for the CIWM have changed. CSI will continue to recognize the historical pathway to CIWM for students who have completed the CIWM learning path courses by May 8, 2019, but has introduced a new pathway which will be the standard route going forward.

Students  who have completed the CIWM learning path by May 8, 2019, will have the option of either writing the Strategic Wealth 360 or the new CIWM Certification Exam. The SW 360 will be offered until that assessment is replaced by the CIWM Certification Exam in the fall of 2019. 

Historical Pathway

New Pathway

Dealing with High Net Worth Clients Program

Please note that enrolment in the Dealing with High Net Worth Clients Program is open to anyone. There are no pre-requisites.

The Dealing with High Net Worth Clients program, consists of the following five courses:

Each course consists of a series of modules (6 to 10 modules depending on the course) covering specialized topics within that competency domain. The modules range in length from 0.5 to 6 hours. Each module concludes with an online test. Completion of that test earns the learner multi-jurisdictional CE credits.  Students thus earn CE credits incrementally as they work their way through the course. Completion of all online tests within a course earns the learner a course completion notice along with a micro-certificate which is represented to the student in the form of a digital badge.

For more information on the composition of the Dealing with High Net Worth Clients Program click here.

CIWM Certification Exam

To be eligible for enrolment in the CIWM Certification Exam, you must meet the pre-requisite requirements and complete the Dealing with High Net Worth Clients Program.

• The pre-requisite requirements:
• Candidates must hold either a Financial Planning (PFP, CFP, CLU or IQPF) or Investment Management (CIM or CFA) designation, or
• have completed CSI's Wealth Management Essentials (WME) Course

• In addition to meeting the pre-requisite requirements, candidates must complete the Dealing with High Net Worth Clients Program (which comprises the education path) or equivalents to be eligible to register for the CIWM Certification Exam.

The educational path must be completed not more than 5 years prior to application to write the CIWM Certification Examination. Exemptions can be granted for courses offered by other education providers.

Individuals must apply for the CIWM designation within 5 years of successfully completing the CIWM Certification Examination.

Experience Requirement to Earn the CIWM Designation

Candidates applying for the CIWM Designation, must have at least 3 years of experience working directly with, or in support of, the wealth management needs of retail clients.

Assessments

Because of the experience and pre-requisite requirements, CIWM candidates are already mature students. The assessment methodology will reflect this. Candidates working their way through the CIWM learning path (Dealing with High Net Worth Clients Program) will be subject to online quizzes only.

CIWM candidates who are eligible for the CIWM Certification Exam will be subject to an assessment that tests their ability to apply knowledge rather than memorize it. As well, the assessment can be completed remotely (candidates can do it from home) rather than having to come into a testing center.

Equivalents/Exemptions

*External Designation Recognitions are subject to CSI's External Designation Recognition policy and fee.

Who Should Enrol

The CIWM designation program is designed for individuals with experience in the financial services advisory professions, working within a securities or mutual fund dealers, bank, or a financial planning organization in the capacity of:

• Investment advisors
• Financial advisors
• Financial planners
• Private bankers
• Mutual fund representatives
• Life insurance specialists