Laura Merlini

Laura Merlini, CAIA, CIFD, is Managing Director, EMEA, at the CAIA Association. Since 2012, she has led CAIA’s strategic growth across the region, bringing deep expertise in alternative investments, governance, stakeholder engagement, and market development. Laura began her career at Fortis Bank in Milan, Madrid, and Geneva, focusing on strategy and international expansion. A long-standing contributor to the CAIA community, she co-founded the Iberia Chapter and co-heads the Switzerland Chapter. She serves on the CIFD Advisory Board and as a Non-Executive Director at Agave Advisors. A frequent speaker on alternatives, governance, and responsible investing, Laura is also a strong advocate for ethics, inclusion, and diverse leadership in finance. She draws inspiration from opera, art, and wine, cultural expressions she believes enrich perspective and leadership.