Property News Update
Reita (www.reita.org) – the education and awareness campaign for property investment and REITs and The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), today announced they are working together on the extension of the diploma level investment paper to include property investment as an asset class. Dave Butler, head of external affairs at Reita, said: “Education is at the heart of Reita’s mission and in 2007 we carried out research which showed almost 60% of advisers were interested in qualifications in property investment[1]. Accordingly we assembled a steering committee of Reita members and others across the property and investment communities to look at the areas that need to be covered. As a result of this, we have established the essential knowledge and topics for those giving advice on property investment. We are really pleased now to be able to work with the CII to take this further. “Over the coming months we look forward to developing a syllabus and learning materials which will allow advisers to confidently and safely address the performance characteristics and risks of property as an asset class and not just as a set of products.” CII deputy director general, Bob Bullivant, said: “The emergence of property as a distinct asset class and its performance over recent years has presented advisers with challenges which are important for us to address. Reita’s involvement in the development of appropriate training and qualifications is proving invaluable in helping us extend our diploma to include a relevant property investment syllabus and exam structure – which ideally will be introduced early next year.” Over the past year, Reita has continued to grow its membership which now includes 12 of the biggest quoted REITs and property companies, 10 of the leading fund managers, the London Stock Exchange, eleven investment banks and advisers, legal firm DLA Piper, the British Property Federation and the Investment Property Forum. The reita.org portal provides expert knowledge, education and tools for professional financial advisers, other financial specialists and private investors, and represents the UK’s first dedicated educational resource for information on REITs and quoted property investment. Its success has been recognised through various awards including ‘Property Industry Innovation of the Year’ (Property Week) and ‘Best Online Educational Initiative for Financial Advisers’ (IFA Online).
