Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM)

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.

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.

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.

In addition to the educational requirements, you must:

• Sign off on the Code of Ethics and the work experience requirements (your work experience will be verified by sending an email to the verifier you name on your application)
• Certify you’ve read and will abide by the Certification Mark Licence Agreement
• Pay your application fee online

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

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

• Have 3 years of relevant work experience
• Sign a Code of Ethics
• Sign a Certification Mark Licence Agreement
• Pay an application/licence fee

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.

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:

• Sign off on the Code of Ethics and the work experience requirements (your work experience will be verified automatically by sending an email to the verifier you name on your application)
• Certify you’ve read and will abide by the Certification Mark Licence Agreement
• Pay your application fee online

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.

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.

• 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

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

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

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

• Complete CE requirements
• Agree to the CIWM Code of Ethics
• Agree to the CIWM Certification Mark Licence Agreement
• Pay your application fee online

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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)

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

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 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:

• Prove CE requirements have been met
• Pay a $50 administration fee
• Agree to the CIWM Code of Ethics and Certification Mark Licence Agreement

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.

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.