Certificate in Wealth Management (CWM) Syllabus & Subjects 2023: Semester-wise List, Top Colleges Syllabus PDF

Updated on Sep 5, 2024 05:09 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

Large investors and firms pool a lot of money in different financial instruments and appoint a wealth manager to manage their investment portfolio. Due to the rising awareness about investment, finance companies and banks hire wealth managers to help their customers. Therefore, wealth management is a lucrative field in India. To be a wealth manager, the students must complete a certificate programme in wealth management. CWM, i.e. Certificate in Wealth Management, is a popular course pursued by aspiring wealth managers. Also known as Chartered Wealth Manager, this course is offered by AAFM (American Academy of Financial Management) and is popular in over 150 countries. The students can opt for it as a full-time or part-time course at their convenience. 

Syllabus - Important Facts for CWM

  1. Subjects in CWM: CWM includes subjects like Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting, Retirement Planning, Investment Planning, Financial Services Marketing, etc.
  2. CWM Exam: CWM consists of two exams. The level one exam is the foundation course, covering the fundamental aspects of wealth management. It is a 2-hour exam with 100 marks. It contains 65 objective types of questions. The level two exam is Advanced Wealth Management, as it comprises the advanced concepts of wealth management. It is a 3-hour exam that consists of 85 MCQ questions for 160 marks. 
  3. Course Duration: CMW is to be completed within one year once the students register for it. Most candidates complete it after 5 to 6 months of registering for the programme.
  4. Eligibility: Anyone who has completed their 10+2 studies can enrol in the CMW course. However, one needs to have a graduate degree to be eligible to obtain the Charter. The graduation can be from any discipline. Though people with relevant work experience enrol in this course, students don't need work experience to apply for it.
  5. Course Materials: All the course materials required for grasping the contents of the syllabus are provided by AAFM. The students who register for this course get access to an online learning platform that includes study materials, mock tests, videos, PPTs, etc.
  6. Scope in India: According to Labour Statistics data, jobs related to wealth management will grow from 7% to 14%. The huge demand for professional bankers who offer private banking services has created a huge scope for wealth managers in India.

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List of Subjects in CWM

CWM subjects remain the same across institutes. Some of the core subjects included in the CWM syllabus are tabulated below.

Typical CWM Subjects

Subject Title 

Subject Details 

Overview of Indian and Global Financial System 

A basic idea of the Indian and Global financial market is provided through this subject. The origin of financial markets in India and the globe is explained in it. 

Concept of Wealth Management

An overview of financial statements, client interaction, managing cash flow, wealth management procedures, etc., is provided to the students through this subject. 

Life Cycle Management

The students learn to analyse investors' life cycles and how to help them with retirement planning. 

Measuring Investment Returns in Wealth Management

It would help the students calculate the investment returns to provide their clients with an accurate picture of different financial instruments. 

Investment Vehicles of Wealth Management

The instruments an investor can use to build a solid investment profile are explained in this subject. The students get knowledge to explain the legal, liquidity, income, and other aspects of different instruments to their future clients. 

Managing Investment Risk in Wealth Management

The returns post taxation of different instruments are key to deciding whether it is a lucrative investment or not. This subject enables the students to learn how to balance the risks of different investment portfolios. 

Indian Tax Laws 

It gives exposure to the Indian Tax Laws and their implications for the students. 

Legalities in Wealth Management

The legal aspects, including essential rules and statutes that can affect the finances of an investor, are explained in this subject. 

Role of Wealth Management in Banking

The working principles of banking and a thorough understanding of the banking sector are provided in this subject. 

Intergenerational Wealth Transfer and Tax Planning

The meaning and process of wealth transfer are discussed in this subject. It helps the students guide their future clients in tax planning and make them understand their legal heir after death. 

Equity Analysis 

The students learn about the equities and the risks and benefits associated with them. 

Use of Alternative Products in Wealth Management 

The students learn how to invest in alternative instruments to generate sufficient wealth. 

Use of Behavioural Finance in Wealth Management

The psychological and behavioural aspects that can affect the decision-making ability of an investor are discussed here. 

Real Estate Valuation and Analysis 

The students learn about the various aspects of real estate and how it can help clients diversify their investment profiles. 

Loan and Debt Management 

The students will get an overview of debt instruments and loans and how to apply for them in India. This subject also provides a detailed understanding of managing loans and debts. 

Portfolio Management Strategies 

Accessing the risks and managing them to provide maximum benefits to future clients is the sole purpose of this subject. 

Relationship Management by Wealth Manager

It talks about how wealth managers can find new clients and retain them by maintaining a steady professional relationship. 

International Taxation and Trust Planning

The tax structures of popular investment zones are discussed in this subject. Tax planning via Trust is also covered in it. 

Wealth Management Planning

An overview of the wealth management business is provided in this subject, along with key aspects like the organisation and distribution of business. 

Advanced Wealth Management 

The applications of all the above-mentioned units are given through this subject via a 6-step investment strategy. 

CWM Syllabus: In Detail

The syllabus for CWM is explained in the below table. It gives a brief overview of the subjects and their objectives. 

Level 

Level Name

Subject Title 

Subject Details 

Level 1

Foundation 

Overview of Indian and Global Financial System 

The basic features of financial markets that operate worldwide are covered in it. The students learn about International Financial Institutions, Monetary Systems, the Economy, etc., through this subject. 

Level 1

Foundation 

Concept of Wealth Management

The wealth management process, how to interact with clients, and other aspects of the wealth management industry are discussed in it.  

Level 1

Foundation 

Life Cycle Management

The students learn how to manage the life cycle of individuals to provide maximum financial security at retirement via this subject. 

Level 1

Foundation 

Measuring Investment Returns in Wealth Management

Calculation of returns through various digital tools, investment returns post taxation, and other aspects associated with the monetary gains of investments are covered in it. 

Level 1

Foundation 

Investment Vehicles of Wealth Management

The different investment plans and ideas that can help investors to attain their investment objectives are discussed in it. 

Level 1

Foundation 

Managing Investment Risk in Wealth Management

How to manage and mitigate risks to minimise chances of wealth deterioration and maximise the gains are explained in it. 

Level 1

Foundation 

Indian Tax Laws 

The taxation rules in India for individuals and businesses are discussed in this subject. 

Level 1

Foundation 

Legalities in Wealth Management

The legal aspects of managing wealth and business in India and across the prominent investment zones across the world are explained. 

Level 1

Foundation 

Role of Wealth Management in Banking

How banking processes are operated is explained in it. 

Level 1

Foundation 

Intergenerational Wealth Transfer and Tax Planning

The transfer of wealth and tax planning are essential aspects for any investor. The students learn everything related to these aspects through this subject. 

Level 2

Advanced 

Equity Analysis 

How equities can provide quick capital appreciation and how to use them for wealth generation are the fundamental objectives of this subject. 

Level 2

Advanced 

Use of Alternative Products in Wealth Management 

The students learn how to manage and use alternative financial instruments to generate enough wealth for their clients. 

Level 2

Advanced 

Use of Behavioural Finance in Wealth Management

Analysing the behavioural aspects and psychological factors that can influence the decisions of an investor is the key objective of this subject. 

Level 2

Advanced 

Real Estate Valuation and Analysis 

How real estate is a powerful wealth generation asset. 

Level 2

Advanced 

Loan and Debt Management 

How to manage loans and procure debts are covered in it. 

Level 2

Advanced 

Portfolio Management Strategies 

Different plans adopted by wealth managers to help their clients reach their investment goals in a particular period are explained in it. 

Level 2

Advanced 

Relationship Management by Wealth Manager

How to procure new clients and maintain relationships with existing ones are the key aspects of this subject. 

Level 2

Advanced 

International Taxation and Trust Planning

How the tax policies vary for different regions and how to use Trust Planning to manage tax planning are the fundamental objectives. 

Level 2

Advanced 

Wealth Management Planning

How to create a comprehensive investment plan to create enough wealth in a given period is discussed in it. 

Level 2

Advanced 

Advanced Wealth Management 

The advanced concepts related to wealth management and applications of fundamental theories and investment principles are covered in it. 

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Recommended Books for CWM Syllabus

Although AAWM provides all the study materials required to complete the CWM Certification, the students can refer to these reference books to expand their knowledge about wealth management. 

Subject 

Book Title 

Author 

Description 

Portfolio Management Strategies 

Capital Without Borders 

Brooke Harrington 

Tactics used by wealth managers to help elite investors grow and safeguard their wealth are discussed in this book. 

Concept of Wealth Management 

Richest Man in Babylon

George C Clason 

Basic ideas of wealth management and management of finances can be learnt from this book. 

Wealth Management Planning 

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy

Stanley Thomas 

How to create wealth and the dark secrets of the wealthy people in America are included in it. 

Portfolio Management Strategies 

The New Wealth Management 

Harold Evensky

Contemporary wealth management strategies are discussed in this book. 

Concept of Wealth Management 

A Wealth of Common Sense

Ben Carlson

How simple investment strategies can prove to be instrumental in creating wealth is explained in it. 

Managing Investment Risk in Wealth Management 

Private Wealth Management 

Jerry Rosenbloom and G. Victor Hallman 

How a wealth manager can diversify an investment portfolio by developing a strong understanding of financial planning is explained in it. 

Use of Alternative Products in Wealth Management 

Wealth Without Stocks or Mutual Funds

John Jamieson, Randy Glasbergen 

Wealth creation through non-conventional methods is the key takeaway from this book. 

Relationship Management by Wealth Manager 

Wealth Management Unwrapped 

Charlotte B. Beyer 

It talks about how to find a wealth manager. 

Portfolio Management Strategies 

The Total Money Makeover 

Dave Ramsey 

Money management, contingency fund management, and related concepts are discussed here. 

Advanced Wealth Management 

Wealth Management in the New Economy

Sarah E. Sleight and Norbert M. Mindel 

An overview of wealth management methods and strategies is provided in it. 

Entrance Exams for CWM

There are no entrance exams for CWM. However, the students who sign up for the Corporate Membership with AAFM India are eligible to apply for this course and get 3 years to complete the CWM certification. 

The other pathways are Compulsory Pathways and Experience Pathways. Both these pathways are for the students who have experience in working in the field of financial services. The students who have less than 3-year experience need to give both level 1 and level 2 exams. However, the students who have a relevant experience of more than 3 years need to undertake only the level 2 exam. 

Syllabus for Distance Programme in CWM 

AAFM India allows the students to enrol in the distance programme if they do not want to undertake the classroom training. The students can apply for the distance programme online and pay the registration fee of INR 25,000+GST online. The fees and syllabus for the regular course and distance programme are the same. Once registered with AAFM, the students must complete the course within one year. Upon failing to do so, the students need to renew their registration by paying INR 7080+GST. The syllabus for the CWM distance programme contains these subjects:

  • Wealth Management Basics 
  • Life Cycle Management 
  • Investment Vehicles of Wealth Management
  • Role of Wealth Management in Banking
  • Real Estate Valuation and Analysis 
  • Wealth Management Planning 
  • Portfolio Management Strategies 
  • Advanced Wealth Management 

Top Institutes Offering CWM Course

These are the top institutes for CWM in India. These are the authorised partners of AAFM India and have been selected based on their teaching facility and recruitment programmes. 

College/Institute/University 

Syllabus PDFs

AAFM India - Direct

To be uploaded soon

Professional Training Academy

To be uploaded soon

CPC Educare Private Limited 

To be uploaded soon

CISI

To be uploaded soon

FPA India Edu Pro Private Limited 

To be uploaded soon

Hedge School of Applied Economics 

To be uploaded soon

IIRWM

To be uploaded soon

Next Level Education Private Limited 

To be uploaded soon

OMLET

To be uploaded soon

Hi-Educare

To be uploaded soon

CWM Syllabus FAQs

Q: What does the CWM syllabus aim for?

A: The CWM syllabus aims to impart the knowledge and skills required to be a professional wealth manager. It trains the students to survive in the investment and wealth management sector. The CWM course imparts the real-world skills and expertise required to handle large investment portfolios.

Q: What are the learning outcomes of CWM?

A: The learning outcomes of CWM are listed below:
  • Learning the best international methods to grow wealth management skills 
  • Learning how to evaluate, diagnose, and plan wealth management requirements of super-rich clients 
  • Understanding the behaviour of clients and retaining them for decades
  • Learning how to apply wealth transfer, wealth protection, and wealth enhancement techniques

Q: Which are the key subjects taught at the CWM Foundation level?

A: The key subjects taught at the CWM Foundation level are mentioned below:
  • Introduction to Wealth Management
  • Investment Management and Planning
  • Products in Wealth Management 
  • Laws in Wealth Management 
  • Applied Wealth Management

Q: Which are the key subjects taught at CWM Advanced level?

A: The key subjects taught at CWM Advanced level are mentioned below:
  • Asset Classes in Wealth Management 
  • Managing Relationships in Wealth Management
  • Tools in Wealth Management
  • Wealth Management Practise 
  • Advanced Applications and Techniques in Wealth management

Q: Which are the study and learning resources provided by AAWM India?

A: The study and learning resources provided by AAWM India include:
  • Access to Online Content
  • Webinars (both recorded and live)
  • Question Bank 
  • Mock tests 
  • Sample question papers
  • Study reports that can be utilised to evaluate the performance of the students in the exam

Q: What does the CWM Curriculum include?

A: The CWM Curriculum consists of 20 units that are divided into Level 1 - Foundation Level and Level 2 - Advanced Level. The students need to go through these units by registering with an institute that is authorised by AAFM India. The students can prefer online or classroom training at their convenience.

Q: What does the Concept of Wealth Management include?

A: The Concept of Wealth Management unit includes all the basic ideas and meanings of wealth management. It describes how a wealth manager interacts and manages clients and their investment portfolio. It also describes the aspects of Wealth Management in terms of global scenarios and financial markets.

Q: What does the subject Managing Investment Risk in Wealth Management cover?

A: “Managing Investment Risk in Wealth Management” describes the various ways in which a wealth manager can mitigate the risks of an investment portfolio. It includes the tactics of integrating high-risk and low-risk investments with the sole purpose of protecting and enhancing the wealth of the investors.

Q: What are the Legalities in Wealth Management?

A: There are certain rules and laws that govern the wealth management industry in different countries. Wealth managers must know about these rules and laws to work in the interest of the families and businesses who have assigned their work to them.

Q: Which course is better, MBA in Financial Marketing or CWM?

A: CWM aims to develop an individual as a professional wealth manager. However, MBA in Financial Marketing gives an overview of the financial markets and related factors. Therefore, the students who want to work as financial analysts and other posts in the financial sector can pursue this course.

Q: What do Portfolio Management Strategies mean?

A: Portfolio Management Strategies describe the ways to manage an investment profile. It helps the wealth manager analyse various financial instruments' risk and return ratios. Therefore, it allows wealth managers to pick the best instruments and employ the smartest strategies to protect and grow the wealth of investors.

Q: What is Advanced Wealth Management?

A: Advanced Wealth Management refers to the advanced techniques a wealth manager uses to build an extensive wealth plan for an investor. The wealth manager must understand the applications of wealth management plans and portfolio management strategies to use the advanced tools of wealth management.

Q: What do the students learn through the CWM syllabus:

A: The students learn how to manage new and existing clients and develop new partnerships with businesses. They offer financial assistance to handle a client’s investment portfolio and learn how to maintain a steady relationship with them. They are also responsible for maintaining all the financial activities of an investor.

Q: Are there entrance exams for the CWM course?

A: No, there aren’t any entrance exams for the CWM course. The admissions are made on the basis of the number of seats available in a particular institute that offers CWM certification.

Popular Certificate in Wealth Management (CWM) Specializations

Following are the most popular Certificate in Wealth Management (CWM) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Certificate in Wealth Management (CWM) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Certificate in Wealth Management (CWM) Colleges in India. Learn more about these Certificate in Wealth Management (CWM) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
24.2 L
25 LPA
90 K
5.0
2 L - 10 L
3.75 - 7.25 LPA

Banking, Finance & Insurance Applications open. Apply Now

389 - 8.64 K
6.75 L
4.9
4 Courses
540 - 27.5 K
9.72 LPA

Popular Private Certificate in Wealth Management (CWM) Colleges in India

2 Courses
10.85 L
5.0
1.5 L - 12.54 L
4.5
8.6 L - 8.8 L
3.6 - 4.8 LPA
India 2019s Leading Research & Innovation Driven Private University.
2 Courses
7.75 L - 11.5 L
11.5 LPA
2.96 L - 4.47 L
3.8
2.35 L
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