In our recent member survey, many of you shared that one of CFA Montréal’s most distinctive contributions is promoting the value and visibility of the CFA designation. Nearly one-third of respondents identified this as the primary benefit of membership, while a similar proportion believe it is one of the most important roles our society should play. This feedback aligns closely with our mission and the priorities established by our Board of Directors. Promoting, elevating, and strengthening recognition of CFA charterholders’ expertise is an ongoing effort. Much of this work happens behind the scenes and does not always produce immediate or visible results. Yet its impact is very real.
Did you know that 17 journalists attended CFA Montréal events this year? Their participation generated 67 mentions in Québec media outlets. Every interaction with the media provides an opportunity to showcase not only our society, but also the expertise, professionalism, and rigor that characterize CFA professionals. Their interest reflects the credibility our community holds among the public, decision-makers, and the financial industry.
June also marked a significant milestone for the visibility of our profession. Our annual Forecast Dinner brought together more than 850 participants, making it one of the largest showcases of our network. Seeing so many members and industry professionals gathered in one place is always a source of inspiration and motivation.
I hope you felt the same sense of pride I did when you saw the recent advertisements promoting the CFA designation in La Presse and Les Affaires. This initiative, developed in collaboration with our colleagues at CFA Québec, demonstrates what we can accomplish when we unite around a common objective. If you have not seen them yet, keep an eye out—our ambassadors will continue to appear in media placements over the coming weeks.
Beyond these highly visible initiatives, we continue to pursue partnerships that help increase awareness of our profession. One example is our participation in the Choose Finance (Choisis la finance)campaign, an initiative led by Finance Montréal that introduces young people to the many career opportunities available in our industry. Through our three-year commitment to this campaign, we are helping raise awareness of a dynamic profession that is sometimes overlooked or misunderstood.
I also had the privilege of serving as Honorary Chair of the Bourstad Challenge, organized by CIRANO. This remarkable initiative allows thousands of students to gain hands-on exposure to financial markets by managing a simulated $200,000 investment portfolio over several months. CFA Montréal has proudly supported and sponsored this program for many years because it promotes financial literacy and inspires the next generation of professionals to explore careers in our industry. It is another excellent example of how collaboration allows us to extend our reach and engage key audiences through high-quality initiatives.
Our relationships within Montréal’s financial ecosystem are invaluable and create meaningful opportunities for our members. We invest significant effort in nurturing these partnerships because they ultimately help us serve you better. In fact, you will soon see the results of new collaborations with JA Québec and the AFFQ, both of which feature CFA Montréal members in educational video series.
I cannot speak about the strength of our partnerships without acknowledging the tremendous support of our sponsors. Their commitment plays a direct role in making many of our initiatives possible.
Having trusted partners is strategic. That is why we place great importance on maintaining these relationships and supporting their initiatives whenever opportunities arise.
Whether targeting the public, media, students, or finance professionals, all of these initiatives serve the same purpose: advancing awareness and recognition of our profession. Through the survey, you told us this mission matters to you. It is also central to the work of our team, which is committed to showcasing the expertise and contributions of our members. As we conclude another successful membership year and prepare for the next, I would like to thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your commitment to our community.
As we wrap up another busy year of community activities and begin the next one, I would like to thank you for your trust, your commitment, and your dedication to our community.
I wish you a wonderful summer and look forward to reconnecting with you in September.
Julie-Andrée Côté, CFA
President of CFA Montréal
Latest news
