The Center for Investment and Wealth Management (CIWM)

Why focus on investment and wealth management?

An increasing percentage of the U.S. population is entering retirement, and this shifting demographic is transforming industries. A need now exists to help families adequately provide financial support for retired family members, while planning the transfer of wealth to the next generation. These issues represent the investment and wealth management challenges now facing the country.

An exciting and dynamic industry is emerging to provide portfolio and wealth management, including services, advice, and products estimated to be worth more than $3 trillion.

As a topic not adequately studied or taught in most business schools, the Merage School Center for Investment and Wealth Management embraces the complexities of creation, management, and intergenerational transfer of wealth. We will draw on expertise from business leaders and university scholars as we mentor, teach, and advise students and the community. The Center will provide the impetus for discussion and study of critical industry issues. It will emerge as a thought leader and source of innovative analysis for new methodologies and strategies. It will also provide careful analysis and critique of existing practices — a hub of activity, research, networking, and application for a vital international industry.

Investment and wealth management issues include: financial institutions, portfolio management strategies (needs analysis, risk profiling, investment advice), insurance, real estate, financial planning (inheritance and trust management, fiduciary services), and tax advice.

For more information about CIWM, please read our White Paper.

Programs and Activities

An investment and wealth management focus is available to Merage MBA and undergraduate students. The first year of the MBA curriculum provides solid grounding in basic business education, including marketing, finance, accounting, strategy, operations and decision technologies, organization, and information technology. During the second year, students are able to specialize their degree with elective courses focused on investment and wealth management.

A focus on teaching responsibility regarding non-profit or charitable activity will be a part of the curriculum and will include the roles of philanthropy and family foundations, outright and planned gifts, and gifts of stocks, bonds, and real estate.

The Center has already collaborated with experts in the field to create a one-week wealth management skills retreat for young adults, designed as a hands-on, interactive experience in financial and life skills knowledge. We are also developing publications, a conference, and a series of short executive programs that address topics crucial to practitioners.

Center Programs include:

Research

The Center will produce research that both adds to the base of knowledge in investment and wealth management and provides relevant source material for the professional community. Study topics will emanate from issues confronting the practitioner, as well as foundational issues arising from theoretical approaches.

Opportunities for Involvement

CIWM offers several opportunities for involvement. These include: