About Ivan
Ivan Illán is a Forbes thought leader and bestselling personal finance author. Inspired by his late grandfather’s career as a leading economist, Ivan began investing at age 13. As Founder and Chief Investment Officer, he crafts the AWAIM® Investment Committee’s global macroeconomic forecasts and asset allocations for its ACGM Total Portfolio Solutions Suite™. Ivan’s economic commentary frequently appears in business media around the world. He is a Member of CFA Institute and holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) and Certified Fund Specialist (CFS®) credentials. Ivan earned a B.S. in Finance and a B.A. in Philosophy from Boston College.
Education
Bachelor's degree
Finance
Philosophy
Passed Level I of the CFA Program
Licenses
Series 63
Series 65
Series 7
Series 24
Life
Series 53
Investment Advisor Representative
Variable Contracts
Other Credentials
AIF®
IBF Designations
CFS®
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Certified Fund Specialist
Deep, practical knowledge of mutual funds, ETFs, and managed portfolios.
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At a Glance
IBF Designations
1
Member Since
2008
Other Credentials
1
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Practitioner-Reviewed education since 1988
Profile verified · March 2026
Understanding Credentials
What makes an IBF-designated advisor different?
1988
Established track record
Founded by a practicing financial advisor who believed designations should teach practical skills, not just theory.
CE
Ongoing requirement
IBF-designated advisors maintain credentials through continuous education, keeping knowledge current.
501(c)(3)
Nonprofit education
Focused on advisor education and professional development. Content reviewed by practicing advisors and SMEs.