I am delighted and humbled to share this message with you as your new president. Taking on the leadership of an organization as influential, respected and committed to our profession as CFA Montréal is far more than an honour. It is a responsibility that I embrace with enthusiasm, conviction and gratitude.
I chose to step into this role in order to contribute strategically to the vitality of our community, to strengthen our connections with our partners — employers, academic institutions and CFA Institute — and to highlight the expertise and engagement of our members. I am convinced that nurturing these relationships is what will allow us to create value on an ongoing basis.
My involvement with CFA Montréal dates back several years. I had the privilege of chairing the strategic committee as we were working on the Destination 2027 Plan, a vital group effort designed to chart a clear course forward for our society — one that enables us to shape the future of the profession while serving our members with the same level of excellence.
This plan will continue to be our lodestar, underpinned by four main pillars: strengthening our impact on the industry, providing a diversified learning portfolio, upholding the highest standards of governance and making our community even stronger and more inclusive. These goals will guide my priorities during my tenure, working closely with my fellow board members, our in-house team, our volunteers and our partners.
As profound technological, regulatory and social changes affect our industry, I am certain that the CFA designation will continue to be an enduring symbol of trust and a pathway to a rewarding financial career. But there will be challenges ahead as we seek to enhance its prestige. We will have to be more effective in letting people know about the many career options open to CFA charterholders. We will have to attract more next-generation candidates and more women. And we will have to debunk certain myths about our profession, including the fear of AI-induced obsolescence.* Today’s young professionals are looking for future-proof opportunities. As CFA Institute President Margaret Franklin recently said, “At CFA Institute, we firmly believe: AI can complement the investment process, but it cannot replace it. Human judgment. Ethics. Accountability. These are not optional; they’re foundational.” It is precisely this capacity to make informed, insightful decisions that means our role is more, not less, critical than ever before.
CFA Montréal plays an important part in the Quebec financial ecosystem, creating original content, showcasing our members’ expertise and actively contributing to a national strategy alongside CFA Societies Canada and CFA Institute. Together, we will strive to ensure CFA Montréal continues to lead the way for our entire community, for the charterholders of tomorrow and for the public at large.
We invite our members to join us in making a difference within our organization. You can start by sharing your ideas with us through our new suggestion box.
Thank you for your trust and your support. I look forward to exploring new horizons with you.
Julie-Andrée Côté, CFA
President, CFA Montréal
To hear Marg Franklin’s take on the potential impacts of AI on our profession, be sure to check out her interview on Bloomberg Television (starts at the 9:10 mark).
The Close - September 24, 2025
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