AMHERST, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA), the global professional body for the alternative investment industry, is today announcing that Nick Pollard has joined the organization’s leadership team as Managing Director of Asia Pacific (APAC).
This strategic addition to the team comes as the APAC market emerges as a critical hub for alternative investments, with institutional demand for private capital and diversified strategies continuing to rise. The Asia-Pacific region is home to 4.3 billion people, accounting for approximately 60% of the world’s population, and is set to contribute 60% of global growth this year. The region's rapid urbanization, favorable demographics, and the rise in private wealth are creating a buoyant environment for alternative investments. Additionally, APAC includes four of the five most populous countries in the world—India, China, Indonesia, and Pakistan—all vying to incentivize further onshoring of asset management activity, making it a key area of focus for global financial markets.
The appointment of Mr. Pollard underscores CAIA’s commitment to ensuring that stakeholders across this dynamic region have access to the highest quality education and ethical standards, essential for navigating this evolving investment landscape.
He brings over 15 years of experience in international finance within the APAC region, coupled with a successful seven-year tenure leading the CFA Institute in Asia. The significant demographic change across the region is expected to catalyze massive long-term demand for private capital investments including infrastructure, real assets, private equity, venture capital, and private credit. Thus, Mr. Pollard’s extensive background in business development, paired with a deep passion for training, makes him an invaluable asset as CAIA continues to expand its footprint in this key market.
"Nick’s demonstrated leadership is well suited to craft and execute a new strategic blueprint for Asia Pacific to ensure we take advantage of and serve the population, economic, regulatory, and investment industry tailwinds for that vibrant region,” said John L. Bowman, President and incoming CEO of CAIA Association.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for CAIA as they anticipate significant growth in the APAC region. According to the McKinsey Global Institute (Asia on the Cusp of a New Era, September 2023), Asia is emerging as the world’s new "majority," with the region already leading in GDP growth, manufacturing value added, and technology patents granted. The rise in alternative investment strategies and a shifting investor landscape make it essential that market participants are well-equipped with the knowledge and ethical grounding needed to navigate this evolving environment successfully.
“Accelerating the growth of CAIA’s global footprint in regional pockets of extraordinary opportunity is one of our top long-term priorities over the next decade, and Nick is uniquely qualified to lead these efforts across the APAC region,” added Mr. Bowman.
“There is no better time than now to focus on expanding CAIA’s presence in the APAC region. In my experience, APAC investors and investment professionals place huge value on the deep knowledge and global recognition that comes with the CAIA credential. As the industry grows, so will market appetite, and I’m thrilled to be joining CAIA and leading this long-term vision across Asia,” Mr. Pollard said.
About CAIA Association
The CAIA Association, a global professional body, pioneers a new era in investment management. At the forefront of the shifting of alternative investment asset classes from 'alternative' to mainstream, CAIA embraces diverse expertise and interdisciplinary knowledge essential for responsible capital allocation and client stewardship. A Member-driven organization representing professionals in more than 100 countries, the organization seeks to prepare investors for a dynamic future, disrupting traditions, creating opportunities, and fostering long-term sustainability. To learn more about the CAIA Association and how to become part of a professional network that is shaping the future of investing, please visit https://caia.org/.
