Certified International Multi-Asset Strategist (CIMAS) Program

CIMAS is a rigorous, executive‑level certification in multi‑asset investing—built for asset managers, allocators, sovereign funds, family offices, and industry specialists who want breadth and depth across the entire portfolio. The program spans 12 modules (48 lectures) and pairs a flexible online academy with immersive, in‑person sessions in Abu Dhabi, London, New York, and Hong Kong, creating a truly international learning and networking experience.

• Whole‑portfolio mastery: From strategic asset allocation and public markets to private equity, private credit, real assets, hedge funds, commodities/FX, digital assets, and governance/fiduciary oversight—CIMAS is designed to sharpen decisions across every sleeve of capital.
• Truly global by design: Faculty and speakers drawn from premier universities and top practitioners (family offices and sovereign wealth funds), taught across four financial hubs to build cross‑border perspective and relationships.
• Applied learning that sticks: Case method, practitioner panels, curated learning groups, and structured pre/post work translate theory into real‑world execution.
• High‑impact flexibility: 12 in‑person lectures plus 36 virtual sessions with on‑demand access—so you stay on track without sacrificing rigor.
• Enduring network & signal: Join a curated peer community and earn a Respada‑curated certification that signals cross‑asset competence to global counterparts. 

Earning the CIMAS designation signals advanced expertise in multi-asset portfolio strategy, which can significantly enhance your professional credibility. The program provides exposure to institutional-level investment best practices and tools to mitigate risk and drive results, empowering you to make better strategic decisions for your organization. Graduates also gain access to Respada’s family office network, potentially opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships.

Networking is a core part of the CIMAS experience. You will join a vibrant global community of family business leaders, investors, and next-generation professionals, building lasting relationships as you learn together. In-person sessions in Abu Dhabi, London, New York, and Hong Kong provide an international perspective and ample chances to connect with peers, faculty, and industry experts – an invaluable professional network that endures beyond the program.

Respada is an invitation-only global platform renowned for its high-caliber family office network and collaborative ecosystem. Our executive education programs are tailored to deliver transformational impact, equipping participants with skills that drive real-world results. By choosing Respada, you gain not only a world-class education through CIMAS but also access to an elite community and resources that extend well beyond the classroom. (Visit the CIMAS page to apply now, or contact our team to discuss how the program aligns with your goals.)

CIMAS runs for approximately 10 months, spanning four academic modules delivered in major financial centers around the world. For example, the 2026 cohort begins in February and concludes in November, with in-person sessions in Abu Dhabi, London, New York, and Hong Kong marking the Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall modules respectively. Throughout the year, participants engage with online lectures and coursework between these sessions to complete all 12 modules of the curriculum.

CIMAS is managed through a coordinated hybrid model that balances online learning with periodic in-person workshops on different continents. A dedicated program team synchronizes the content and schedule, ensuring a seamless experience as the cohort moves through each module. The Respada Online Academy keeps everyone connected with on-demand materials and live webinars between the in-person sessions, so the program maintains continuity and quality despite its global scale.

The in-person workshops are generally scheduled on weekdays. For instance, in the 2026 program the sessions in Abu Dhabi and London take place on Thursday dates. All session dates are announced well in advance, and any virtual webinars are often arranged considering participants’ time zones – sometimes on evenings or weekends – to maximize convenience for a global audience.

While highly recommended for the full networking and immersive learning experience, attending the in-person workshops is not mandatory. The program provides a robust online component with recorded lectures and course materials for any session you might miss. This means you can still complete the certification requirements remotely if you cannot travel, though we encourage in-person participation whenever possible to get the most value.

Yes. CIMAS is designed as a hybrid program, so you may pursue the certification via the online platform if you cannot attend the face-to-face sessions. All course lectures, discussions, and materials are made available through Respada’s Online Academy for on-demand access, allowing you to engage with the content and faculty virtually. Even in an online-only track, you will be fully supported and can interact with peers and instructors through webinars and discussion forums.

Yes. While CIMAS is designed as an integrated 12‑module (48‑lecture) sequence, you may enroll in individual modules or workshops on an à‑la‑carte basis. Participants who complete one or a select few modules can earn a micro‑certification; the full certification is awarded upon completion of the entire program.

Yes. You may attend any single‑city, in‑person workshop on an à‑la‑carte basis. Please note that workshop‑only participation does not confer the CIMAS certification. You’ll still gain expert‑led learning, high‑caliber networking, and opportunities to collaborate with peers on cases and projects. Workshops are hosted across Abu Dhabi, London, New York, and Hong Kong and complement the broader 12‑module CIMAS curriculum.

Yes, there are assessments to ensure you grasp the material. Throughout the program, you will complete assignments and possibly quizzes or tests via the Respada Education Portal. These evaluations are designed to reinforce learning and measure your understanding of key concepts in each module. Ultimately, successful completion of all modules and any required assessments is necessary to earn the CIMAS certification.

Admission to CIMAS involves a two-step process. First, you submit an application (or eligibility form) for review, where our admissions committee evaluates your professional experience and academic background. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are approved, you will receive an invitation code to proceed with enrollment. Visit the CIMAS application page to get started on your admission process.

Applicants should have a solid academic foundation and relevant work experience in finance, investing, or family office management. Each candidate’s profile is reviewed to ensure they have the appropriate background to contribute to and benefit from an advanced program like CIMAS. Generally, this means having a bachelor’s degree (or higher) and professional experience in investment management, wealth management, or a related field, but the admissions team will assess each application on a holistic basis.

Yes. We welcome referrals of qualified candidates through a nomination process. On the CIMAS application page, you can nominate a candidate by providing their details and a brief recommendation explaining why they would be a good fit for the program. Our admissions team will reach out to referred candidates to guide them through the next steps if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Respada understands that financing an executive program is a significant commitment, and we do offer flexibility in payment. Participants may arrange to pay the CIMAS program fee in scheduled installments rather than a lump sum. We work with each admitted candidate to set up a suitable payment plan if needed – please contact our program coordinator to discuss installment options that work for you.

Details about cancellations and refunds are provided in the enrollment agreement. In general, because space is limited and the program is highly curated, refunds after the course start are limited. However, we are committed to participant satisfaction – if you have serious concerns, we encourage you to contact our program coordinator to discuss your situation, and we will work with you to find an appropriate solution in line with our policies.

The CIMAS faculty consists of distinguished academics and seasoned industry practitioners from around the globe. Instructors include professors from world-class institutions and veteran executives from leading family offices and investment firms. They are carefully selected for their subject-matter expertise and teaching excellence, ensuring the curriculum balances academic rigor with real-world relevance.

The Governance Council provides oversight and strategic guidance for the CIMAS program. This council—typically composed of senior figures from academia and the industry—reviews curriculum standards, faculty appointments, and program policies to ensure CIMAS maintains the highest quality. In essence, the Governance Council safeguards the academic integrity and relevance of the certification, so that participants and their organizations can trust its value.

The Global Allocation Framework (GAF) is Respada’s pioneering data-driven platform for family office investors, designed to help identify top asset managers and inform portfolio allocation decisions. CIMAS complements GAF by equipping participants with the multi-asset strategy knowledge and skills to effectively use such advanced tools in practice. While GAF is a platform for discovering and evaluating investment opportunities, the CIMAS program prepares you to leverage insights from frameworks like GAF in formulating robust investment strategies. In short, CIMAS is an educational pathway that enhances your ability to benefit from Respada’s GAF and other resources.

While CIMAS is not a formal job placement program, it does offer strong career support indirectly. Graduates receive a prestigious certification that is recognized among Respada’s member family offices and in the wider private investment community. Upon successful completion, you’ll gain access to Respada’s exclusive network and events, which can lead to career opportunities, partnerships, or mentorship. In addition, Respada’s ecosystem (including initiatives like the Hermes job portal for family office positions) can be a valuable resource as you navigate new opportunities.

Yes. When you finish CIMAS, you become part of Respada’s alumni and member community, and the learning relationships don’t end at graduation. The program’s culture encourages ongoing engagement – many alumni stay in touch with faculty and continue discussions through Respada events or online forums. In fact, continuous learning through collaboration with the Respada community is a hallmark of our approach so you should feel welcome to reach out to instructors or peers for guidance even after the course is over.

Absolutely. The CIMAS experience is highly interactive – each module features live discussions, case studies, and Q&A sessions where you can engage directly with faculty. We encourage participants to ask questions during lectures and panel discussions, and there are dedicated times for clarifying concepts. Moreover, the online platform includes discussion boards or chat features, so you can raise questions between sessions as well. Our instructors and support team are accessible and committed to addressing all your doubts to ensure you have a clear understanding of the material.