The Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA) is the leading professional association for investment consultants based in the United States. Founded in 1985, IMCA has over 16,000 members across 50 countries worldwide. IMCA offers education, certification, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the investment consulting profession. Some key facts about IMCA include:
IMCA sets standards for the investment consulting profession through its certification programs like the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) designations. These certifications demonstrate expertise in areas like portfolio management, asset allocation, and wealth management. IMCA members must adhere to strict ethical standards.
IMCA hosts several major conferences each year, bringing together investment consultants, financial advisors, industry experts, and other professionals. The Annual Conference is IMCA’s flagship event, while regional conferences like INSIGHTS and NEXUS focus on professional development and networking.
With over 16,000 members globally, IMCA has a large network of investment consultants to enable knowledge sharing and collaboration. Members represent independent registered investment advisors (RIAs), broker-dealers, banks, and other firms.
IMCA publishes reports and analyses on trends and issues relevant to investment consultants through its IMCA Knowledge Center. Topics range from practice management to impact investing and ESG integration.
Through its advocacy efforts, IMCA works to advance legislation and regulation that supports the interests of investment consultants and their clients. Areas of focus include fiduciary duty rules and retirement plan advisors.
Overall, IMCA serves as an essential resource for investment consultants at all stages of their careers. Its education, network, insights, and advocacy empower members to deliver skilled advice and excel professionally.
IMCA Sets Standards and Certification for Investment Consultants
One of IMCA’s core functions is setting professional standards for investment consultants through its certification programs. Its flagship credential is the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) designation, earned by completing an executive education program through a registered education provider.
The CIMA curriculum covers areas like asset allocation, portfolio construction, manager search and selection, risk management, and client communications. Candidates must pass a comprehensive online certification exam and meet experience requirements to earn the designation. CIMA helps demonstrate advanced technical expertise in investment consulting.
IMCA also offers the Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) designation for advisors who work with high-net-worth clients. Candidates complete coursework on topics like tax, estate, and retirement planning for wealthy clients. There is also a certification exam required.
In addition to initial certification, IMCA requires members to undergo 40 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their credentials. This ensures consultants stay current on the latest industry trends and regulations.
By establishing certification standards, IMCA has helped professionalize the field of investment consulting and provided credibility to practitioners. Employers often require CIMA or CPWA for investment consultant roles. The designations signal expertise and a commitment to ethical conduct when advising clients.
IMCA Hosts Leading Conferences for Investment Consultants
Conferences and events are a major part of IMCA’s member offerings. They provide opportunities for education, networking, and collaboration within the investment consultant community.
The IMCA Annual Conference, held each spring, is the association’s largest event attracting over 2,000 attendees. The multi-day agenda includes keynote presentations, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and an exhibit hall. Consultants earn continuing education credits while learning about the latest industry trends.
In the fall, IMCA hosts the INSIGHTS conference focused on practice management topics to help advisory firms grow and enhance their operations. Sessions cover areas like human capital, technology integration, marketing, and mergers and acquisitions.
The NEXUS conference held in winter caters to newer investment consultants looking to expand their skills and networks. The program focuses on foundational learning in areas like portfolio construction, risk management, and research analytics.
In addition to these national conferences, IMCA hosts numerous regional events throughout the year across major US cities. These local conferences provide convenient professional development and networking.
Overall, IMCA’s vast conference offerings give members frequent touchpoints to access industry knowledge, connect with peers, and advance their careers.
IMCA Provides an Extensive Network of Investment Consultant Peers
With over 16,000 members across 50 countries, IMCA offers an expansive network of investment consultant peers. The association’s membership includes:
– Independent registered investment advisors (RIAs)
– Investment consulting practices within large asset management firms
– Wealth management professionals at banks and broker-dealers
– CPA and accounting firms providing advisory services
– Institutional investment consultants supporting pensions, endowments, and foundations
This diverse membership facilitates knowledge sharing across different types of firms and business models. Through online forums and in-person conferences, IMCA enables members to exchange insights on the latest trends and best practices.
The association has 117 local member societies across North America that organize educational and networking events. These local chapters help members connect with other professionals in their geographic region.
IMCA also provides a searchable online directory of its members to facilitate networking based on location, specialty, and other criteria. Consultants can leverage these connections for career development and job opportunities.
For younger professionals, IMCA offers a mentorship program to pair experienced advisors with those newer to the field. This facilitates valuable guidance and relationship-building between generations of consultants.
IMCA Delivers Investment Consultant Insights Through Research and Publications
To help members stay current on important developments, IMCA produces a range of publications through its Knowledge Center. These include reports, surveys, white papers, and articles focused on practice management, investor trends, regulations, and other topics relevant to investment consultants.
For example, the annual IMCA Investment Consultant Compensation Report benchmarks the pay levels of investment consultants based on experience, role, firm type, and location. Members can use the findings to compare their own compensation.
Other recent reports have focused on subjects such as model portfolio usage, outsourced CIO services, ESG adoption, and DE&I programs. IMCA surveys its members to generate data-driven insights consultants can apply in their firms.
In addition to reports, IMCA publishes over 250 articles and tools annually through its Knowledge Center. Topics span practice management, human capital, portfolio construction, alternative investments, and wealth management.
These publications help consultants stay on top of important developments in their field. The insights can inform business strategy decisions and client service approaches. IMCA members gain access to all Knowledge Center content as a benefit of membership.
IMCA Advocates for the Interests of Investment Consultants
As the voice of the investment consultant profession, IMCA contributes to regulatory and legislative developments through its advocacy efforts. IMCA monitors proposed rules and policies to determine their impact on members.
Some of IMCA’s advocacy focus areas include:
– Fiduciary duty rulemaking by the Department of Labor and SEC to ensure advisors act in clients’ best interests
– Updating accredited investor standards to allow more investors access to private market opportunities
– Enhancing 401(k) plan advisor regulations to increase access to professional advice
– Improving investment disclosures and reducing conflicts of interest
IMCA submits comment letters to regulators sharing the perspective of investment consultants. It also meets with policymakers to provide expertise on crafting new rules.
In addition, IMCA works to advance state-level bills that support the interests of advisors and investors. Recent efforts have focused on raising standards for financial professionals and protecting seniors from potential abuse.
Through its advocacy involvement, IMCA helps shape an optimal regulatory environment so its members can continue delivering skilled consultative advice. The association gives consultants a voice in policy matters that impact their ability to serve clients.
In summary, the Investment Management Consultants Association serves as the leading association representing investment consultants across the United States and globally. It establishes professional standards through its CIMA and CPWA certifications. IMCA delivers extensive educational and networking opportunities through conferences and local chapters. The association also generates insights through publications and advocates for favorable policies impacting advisors. IMCA provides invaluable resources for investment consultants to enhance their expertise and advance their careers.