Business valuation capability

Yes and no.

While these designations and others often mean that the bearer has done some type of advanced training, unfortunately, they don't necessarily mean that the person is the best qualified - or even that they are particularly competent at what they do. Nor is it necessary for a qualified business valuator to have any kind of designation at all.

Many merger and acquisition (M&A) and investment banking firms have individuals performing mega-merger deals who have no alphabet soup designations at all. What really matters is the valuator's personal ability, individual skills, experience and reputation.

All of these factors can usually be determined through reference checks from satisfied clients, which you should do without fail.