CISDM places the Isenberg School in the forefront of academic institutions that conduct research into derivatives, alternative investments and risk management. CISDM is home to the CISDM-Morningstar Hedge Fund Database—the world's oldest hedge fund database—and co-founded the CAIA Association.
Our databases and research platforms power leading academic studies and industry practice in alternative investments worldwide. CISDM members gain access to infrastructure unavailable anywhere else.
Markets, Elections, and Portfolio Strategy in an Era of Geopolitical Risk
Friday, October 23, 2026 | 10:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. | University of Massachusetts Amherst's Charles River Campus
A full-day gathering of leading academics and practitioners on how geopolitical risk, elections, and macroeconomic shifts are reshaping portfolio strategy, featuring a keynote from MIT's Andrew W. Lo, faculty research talks, an industry panel, and a 2026 U.S. midterm election outlook.
CISDM played a role in the founding of the CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) Association in 2002. Today, CAIA Association is the leading professional body for alternative investment education and credentialing. The organization supports the global investment industry by offering the CAIA Charter and a portfolio of education, research, and thought-leadership initiatives. More than 14,000 Members across 100+ countries form the world’s most energized community of alternative investment professionals dedicated to advancing professional standards and promoting better investment outcomes
CAIA Academic Partner Program Scholarships are available to eligible students at its Academic Partner institutions.
CISDM’s Board of Advisors brings together experienced leaders from academia and the investment industry who provide strategic perspective and guidance to support the Center’s research, education, and industry engagement.
Learn more about the members of the CISDM Board of Advisors and the expertise they bring to the Center.
Center for International Securities and Derivatives Markets (CISDM)
Isenberg School of Management
The University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003
CISDM maintains relationships with leading academic, research, and industry organizations that support the exchange of research, ideas, and expertise across alternative investments and financial markets.
Our collaborations and affiliations connect CISDM with a broader global network of researchers, practitioners, and institutional investors.
Whether you are applying straight from an undergraduate program, switching your career focus, or seeking to deepen your knowledge of finance, Isenberg's Master of Finance will prepare you for high-impact roles in the financial industry. The 9-15 month program is designed for those who wish to apply their quantitative skills to real-world financial decision making through rigorous coursework, hands-on projects, and close engagement with industry-relevant tools and practices.