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Becoming a CIWM

Why should I pursue the Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM) designation?

The CIWM designation equips you with the skills to manage the complex wealth management needs of high-net-worth clients. The designation, co-granted by CSI and the Association of International Wealth Management (AIWM), has international recognition and portability. Those who earn the CIWM in Canada automatically become members of the AIWM – creating endless career opportunities for you anywhere in the world. When you earn the CIWM, you also become one of over 2500 financial professionals to hold this designation around the world.

What is the Association of International Wealth Management (AIWM)?

The Association of International Wealth Management (AIWM) is a not-for-profit association based in Switzerland dedicated to encouraging, promoting and strengthening global education in private banking and wealth management. It has set a globally recognized standard for wealth management professionals. AIWM launched the CIWM designation in 2004. Through the partnership with CSI, it co-grants the CIWM in North America.

What are the educational requirements for the CIWM?

To earn the CIWM designation in Canada, you must complete the Dealing with High Net Worth Clients Program and the CIWM Certification. You must hold an approved financial planning or portfolio management designation or have completed CSI’s Wealth Management Essentials course. Learn more about the educational requirements for CIWM.

What are the non-educational requirements for the CIWM?

In addition to the educational requirements, you must:

Learn more about the non-educational requirements for the CIWM.

How do I apply for the CIWM directly online?

First, CSI will confirm that you have completed the educational requirements. Then you will be prompted to:

I've met the requirements for education, but not for work experience. What do I do?

You will not be granted the CIWM designation unless you meet ALL requirements. You have 5 years from when you successfully completed the CIWM Certification Examination to apply for the designation.

How do I apply for the CIWM?

You can apply for the CIWM directly online. First, CSI will confirm that you have completed the course requirements. Then you will be prompted to:

How much does the application cost?

The initial application fee includes your licence fee for the year. The annual renewal fee is $325. (You will receive a discount if you hold multiple CSI designations in good standing.) Check with your employer to find out if they offer any subsidy arrangements.

How will I know when I've been granted the designation?

Yes. The certificate will be mailed to you and typically arrives 4 – 6 weeks from when you were granted the designation. You can also purchase a frame designed exclusively for the CIWM designation.

What types of benefits do CSI and AIWM provide for CIWM designation holders?

  • National promotion and advertising campaigns that create awareness of the CIWM designation, including opportunities to be featured in campaigns
  • Listing in the CIWM Directory, which helps clients find you and verify your credentials
  • Listing in AIWM’s global CIWM directory
  • Affiliate membership with AIWM, giving you opportunities for international networking
  • Access to:
    • CIWM trademark designation letters:
      the right to use in marketing materials to promote your credentials
    • CIWM Portal login:
      unlock online resources, publications and customizable marketing materials
    • CIWM LinkedIn Membership Network:
      Access to the member’s only international CIWM networking group on LinkedIn
    • Exclusive webinars:
      stay on top of the latest industry topics

How do I access my benefits?

The benefits are behind the CIWM Login at www.ciwm.ca. When we announce any exclusive webinars, we will notify you by email.

By becoming an affiliate member of the AIWM do I have to pay 2 membership fees?

No. Your annual fee includes your AIWM affiliate membership fee. There are no extra fees.

Maintaining My Designation

What are the requirements to maintain my CIWM designation?

To maintain your CIWM, you must do the following every year:

What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for the CIWM?

To maintain your CIWM designation, you must complete a minimum of 12 hours of CE each calendar year. See the Maintenance Requirements section of the CIWM Portal for details.

What is the CE cycle for the CIWM?

CE for the CIWM designation runs on a calendar-year basis. That means if you were granted your CIWM in 2015, you have until the end of the next FULL calendar year (December 31, 2016) to fulfil your CE requirements.

Do my CE hours have to be completed through CSI or can I get them elsewhere?

At this time, there are no restrictions on doing CE through CSI or an external provider (e.g., your workplace). Visit the full course catalogue and select a course to see how much CE each course provides.

How will CSI determine if I've completed the CE credits required to maintain my designation in good standing?

When renewing your licence, you’re required to declare completion of your CE hours. A percentage of renewal applicants will be audited for proof of completion of the CE requirements.

What is CSI's auditing process for CE hours?

CSI conducts periodic audits of the CE hours required to maintain your designation. Make sure you keep a record of your hours for at least 2 years. More information on the auditing process is available under the Professional Conduct section of the CIWM website.

Licence Renewal Process

How often do I have to renew my licence?

All CIWMs must renew their licence annually by their anniversary date (the date the designation was originally granted).

Will CSI send me a renewal notice on an annual basis?

You will receive email notices 4 weeks and 1 week prior to expiry to remind you to renew your licence.

Is there a discount on renewals if I hold more than one CSI credential in good standing?

CSI is pleased to offer a tiered discount structure for those who hold multiple credentials (FCSI®, PFP®, CIM®, CIWM, MTI®) in good standing.

  • 2 CSI credentials in good standing: $50 off the renewal of each credential ($275 each)
  • 3 CSI credentials in good standing: $100 off the renewal of each credential ($225 each)
  • 4 CSI credentials in good standing: $150 off the renewal of each credential ($175 each)

How do I renew my CIWM licence?

You can renew your licence online via the Student Login. Click on the “My Credentials” tab and then select “Renew Now.”

What happens if I do not renew my licence?

CIWMs who do not renew are declared to be “not in good standing.” You’ll receive a letter stating that you’re no longer eligible to use the CIWM trademarks. If you continue to use the trademarks, then legal action may be taken. Those who do not renew will also be removed from the CIWM Directory and will no longer be able to access any benefits.

What happens if I let my designation lapse?

What you need to know:
CIWMs are given the opportunity to reactivate their license after a lapse of up to 5 years. If your designation has lapsed for more than 5 years, you’ll be required to re-take and successfully complete CIWM Certification Examination as the SW360 is no longer available. If the lapse is 5 years or less, you can reactivate by completing the following steps:

As of January 1, 2018, if you have not renewed within 12 months of your license renewal date, you will be required to pay a late fee of $50, a reinstatement fee of $375 and the standard annual renewal fee of $325. You will also be asked to prove completion of your CE requirements for all the years of non-renewal. This will require you to submit transcripts showing course completion dates as well as course outlines.

Customer Service

Why is my CIWM wall certificate in English when I selected French as my preferred language?

Your CIWM wall certificate only comes in English. The Association of International Wealth Management has chosen to grant certificates in English only for consistency. A consistent name helps with brand recognition and increases the merit of your designation around the world.

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