Bundesverband Alternative Investments e.V. (BAI)

Laura Merlini is a senior financial industry professional with a strong interest in education and governance. Laura currently serves as Managing Director for EMEA at the CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) Association and has 20 years of experience in the European alternative investments industry. During her previous role at Fortis Prime Fund Solutions in Milan, Madrid, and Geneva, Laura advised on the areas of fund set-up, administration, banking, and custody. She earned the CAIA charter in 2007 and has been an active CAIA proponent and member-volunteer, being the co-founder of the CAIA Iberia Chapter (based in Madrid) in 2008 and leading the CAIA Switzerland Chapter in Geneva since 2010. Furthermore, she chaired the 100 Women in Finance Educational Committee in Geneva from 2016 to 2018. Laura earned a BA in Business Administration at Bocconi University in Milan, received the CEMS MIM (Community of European Management Schools) MSc in International Management in 2002 and is a member of the inaugural class (2014) of the Executive Master in Positive Psychology, Leadership, and Strategy form IE in Madrid in 2014. She is a Certified Investment Fund Director by the CIFD Institute, she was a member of the UN PRI HF Advisory Committee, and sits on the board of Agave Advisors, an independent wealth management company in Geneva. Moreover, Laura is a certified sommelier and enjoys travelling to discover new terroirs.