Veripi Ngapurue is not only the first Namibian woman to obtain the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (Caia) designation, she also joins an elite group of only four people in the industry with this designation.
The trailblazer says the Caia designation is well recognised within the global finance and investment community.
“It is awarded to professionals who demonstrate a deep understanding of alternative investments, like hedge funds, private equity and real estate commodities.
“They must pass two rigorous exams, the first on the fundamentals of alternative investments, and the second covering advanced topics in the field,” she says.
Ngapurue says the designation makes her part of an elite group committed to excellence in alternative investing.
“It’s testament to my dedication to learning, as well as to maintaining high standards of professionalism and ethics in the industry. I am now eligible to join the Caia Association, which connects over 13 000 members worldwide,” she says.
Ngapurue, a former Constancia Private School pupil, says: “My journey to this milestone was not easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. I first attempted the Caia Level I exam unsuccessfully in 2019.
I used that experience to build confidence and gain more industry knowledge.
“In 2023, I passed the exam and set sights on Level II exam in September 2024.”
The University of Cape Town alumnus holds a BCom degree in economics and finance, and a BCom honours in financial analysis and portfolio management.
‘EMPOWERING AND REWARDING’
“I began my career at a non-banking finance institution, but I wasn’t passionate about this field.
The work was routine and repetitive. I was then introduced to the emerging alternative investment industry, and found it incredibly exciting and dynamic.”
This involved a lot of problem-solving and offered endless learning opportunities, she says, adding that Caia certification holders can adapt to an evolving market and provide exceptional client service.
“In Namibia, where the alternative investment market is developing, the certification sets a benchmark for industry standards to ensure quality practices and supporting sustainable growth.
“With the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) proposing stricter requirements for portfolio managers in the private equity space, one stipulation is that they must hold a CFA or Caia charter,” she noted.
This proposal would ensure professionals meet regulatory standards and maintain high levels of expertise in managing alternative investment portfolios, Ngapurue says.
As the first woman to achieve this certification in Namibia, she says colleagues in the male-dominated sector accepted her well.
“Joining an all-male team at IJG Capital was initially intimidating. However, the gentlemen in my department welcomed me with respect and appreciated the journey I had travelled.
“Similarly, at Temo Capital, I felt welcome and supported. Both organisations valued the contributions women made to the industry, making my experiences there empowering and rewarding,” she says.
Ngapurue says the best way to empower others, especially young women, is to inspire confidence in them and provide them tools and support to break into male-dominated fields.
“I believe in creating opportunities for mentorship and guidance. By sharing my own journey experiences, I hope to show that perseverance and hard work can lead to meaningful achievement.
“My advice is that a career in this field doesn’t necessarily require a specific background in finance. An analyst in alternative investments must wear many hats, including that of accounting, engineering, law, mathematics, property, healthcare and information technology.
“Any of these disciplines can excel in this space, as they all rely on problem solving and critical thinking.
It can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you consider opportunities like carried interest, where team members can share in the investment profits.”
Ngapurue says in the next 10 years she sees herself thriving in the industry.
“I aspire to be a partner and shareholder in a private equity fund, not just an employee.
It would be truly satisfying to see more women not only working in the industry, but also owning stakes in the companies they contribute to.”
– email:matthew@namibian.com.na
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