About CFA Montréal

Finance in action

CFA Montréal is a leader in the investment profession. As a proud partner of key players in Montréal's financial world, our association actively contributes to the growth, health and culture of collaboration in this dynamic ecosystem. CFA Montréal is part of the CFA Institute's global network.

Our association is made up of highly talented men and women. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation is the highest distinction in the financial sector. It is recognized worldwide and attests to the rigorous academic background and career path that prepared these professionals to face the most complex challenges and issues in finance and investment management.

  • Tenth largest CFA society in the world
  • 3,400 charterholders
  • More than 1,500 candidates registered for the exams
  • More than 5,000 participants in events each year
  • Ten CFA Institute Excellence Awards since 2013
  • Seventy years in the local community

Our mission

Contribute to the development of our members' skills and career progression and promote their expertise, the CFA® designation and its values of ethics and professional excellence.

Our vision

To be recognized for the expertise and influence of our members in the Montreal finance ecosystem and to represent a community of members committed to their association.

Our values

In addition to the values of ethics and professional excellence associated with the CFA® designation, CFA Montréal has adopted complementary values:

  • respect
  • boldness
  • collegiality
  • collaboration
  • integrity
  • humility

CFA Institute

CFA Institute sets the standards for the practices of investment professionals and administers the CFA® program, which leads to the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. The CFA Institute is made up of more than 170,000 investment experts in 160 markets. 

2024-2025 Board of directors

President
SANDY POIRÉ, CFA
CN Investment Division
Vice President
Julie-Andrée Côté, CFA
BlackRock
Treasurer
Jean-François Tremblay, CFA
Beneva
Secretary
JESSICA YOUNES-FRAIBERGER, CFA
Bloomwest Capital
Honorary President
CARL ROBERT, CFA
PSP Investments
Director
HIND ABDO, CFA
Facultas-Risques Services Conseils Inc.
Director
Lise Estelle Brault, CFA
KPMG
Director
MICHEL CHARRON, CFA
Aon
Director
Tamara Close, CFA
Petra Funds Group
Director
Daniel Conti, CFA
HarbourVest
Director
FRANÇOIS CRÉMET, CFA
CDPQ
Director
Danielle Filistin, CFA
Desjardins
Director
Karl W. Gagné, CFA
Sun Life Global Investments
Director
Haig Vanlian, CFA
Deloitte

CFA Montreal team

Executive Director
Jo-Ann Hajdamacha
jo-ann.hajdamacha@cfamontreal.org
Director of Communications
Caroline Soulas
caroline.soulas@cfamontreal.org
Director of Programs and Partnerships
Véronique Givois, MSc
veronique.givois@cfamontreal.org
Coordinator — Operations Support
Weldone Chhay
weldone.chhay@cfamontreal.org
Event coordinator
Cécile Pérocheau
cecile.perocheau@cfamontreal.org

STRATEGIC COMMITTEES

Audit Committee

Chair: Jean-François Tremblay, CFA

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Hind Abdo, CFA | Lise Estelle Brault, CFA | Michel Charron, CFA | Danielle Filistin, CFA | Karl W. Gagné, CFA

The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors with its duties and obligations regarding the quality and integrity of the organization’s financial reporting. It also contributes to external audit, internal monitoring, risk management and information security activities.

Governance Committee

Chair: Julie-Andrée Côté, CFA

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Daniel Conti, CFA | Karl W. Gagné, CFA | Sandy Poiré, CFA | Haig Vanlian, CFA 

The Governance Committee supports the Board of Directors in establishing governance based on the principles of efficiency, transparency and accountability. It is responsible for reviewing the structure, composition, mandate, performance and operations of the Board and its committees. Its goal is to ensure the best possible service for members in accordance with the ethical and professional standards of CFA Montréal and the CFA Institute.

Strategic Planning Committee

Chair: Jessica Younes-Fraiberger, CFA 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Tamara Close, CFA | François Crémet, CFA | Sandy Poiré, CFA | Carl Robert, CFA

This committee contributes to the strategic reflection process that underlies the development of the organization’s strategic plan. Once the direction, objectives and development focuses are identified, the committee works with senior management to implement the strategic plan, defining an annual action plan and KPIs.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES

Programming and Events Committee

Chair: Ioana Circo, CFA

Vice-Chair: Vincent Dostie, CFA

COMMITTEE MEMBERS  

Michel Charron, CFA | Ralph Daghfal, CFA | Jean-François Fortin, CFA | Stéphane Gagnon, CFA | Yusuke Khan, CFA | Christian Lachaussée, CFA | Meriem Mehdaoui, CFA | Mathieu Pineau-Pelletier, CFA | Sam Reda, CFA

This committee is responsible for supporting CFA® charterholders in their networking and ongoing training by offering a calendar of targeted activities based on members’ professional development and training needs. It also stays current on developments in the industry to update members on new trends, best practices and matters related to professional conduct.

Innovating in Finance Forum Committee

Chair: Carl Robert, CFA

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Hind Abdo, CFA | Lucy Chher, CFA | Patrick Doré, CFA | Patrick Ercolano, CFA | Jean-François Fortin, CFA | Jeanne Helluy, CFA | Yusuke Khan, CFA | Andy Kong | Meriem Mehdaoui, CFA | Pierre Perreault, CFA | Philippe Poulin, CFA | Georges Pyliotis, CFA | Sam Reda, CFA | Roukieta  Sawadogo, CFA | Vasilios Tsimiklis, CFA

This organizing committee establishes the orientations of the Innovating in Finance Forum which will take place in May 2024 and determines its programming. Inspired by upcoming trends in the finance and investment industry, the members of this committee determine the themes that will be covered, search for speakers and provide content allowing participants to deepen their knowledge and grow their professional network.

Mentoring Committee

Chair: Philippe Masin, CFA

Vice-Chairs: Alexander Corneau, CFA | Catherine Lévesque-Roussel, CFA | Sarah Owen, CFA

PAIRING COMMITTEE MEMBERS  

Jean-Michel Charrette, CFA | Nelson Cheung, CFA | Daniel Conti, CFA | Julie-Andrée Côté, CFA | Pierre Czyzowicz, CFA | Ludovic Duquette Dépatie, CFA | Patrick Fontaine | Mélissa La Haye, CFA | Meriem Mehdaoui, CFA | Mathieu St-Jean, CFA

The Mentoring Committee oversees a unique mentorship program. Participants are matched by the Pairing Committee following a rigorous selection process.

University Relations Committee

Chair: Lédéenne Chapleau, CFA

Vice-Chair: Omar Mourad, CFA

COMMITTEE MEMBERS  

Stéphanie Acciaioli, CFA | David Arbour, CFA | Alexis Boutin, CFA | Alexandre Cyr, CFA | Samuel Dubois, CFA | Yassine Elouafy, CFA | Frank Galiffi, CFA | Mengwei Gao, CFA | Aniss Garmassi, CFA | Marie Léa Girouard, CFA | Tatiana Hakim, CFA | Jordan Houle, CFA | Melissa La Haye, CFA | Chaeyoung Lee, CFA | Jonathan Lépine, CFA | Édouard Lévesque, CFA | Ioana Norocel, CFA | Tuo Fang Ren, CFA | Sandy Rose, CFA | Marc Sayegh, CFA | Clara Lanxu Zhang, CFA

The committee establishes and maintains contact with finance professors and student associations from the various Quebec universities. It encourages meetings between students and professionals and promotes the CFA program.

ESG Committee

Chair: Isabelle Laprise, CFA

Vice-Chair: Anne-Marie Monette

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Julia Ainsworth, CFA | Vincent Beaulieu, CFA | Patrice Boucher, CFA | Mylène Champagne | Michel Charron, CFA | François Crémet, CFA | Christian Felx, CFA | Philippe Lavigne, CFA | Maria Maisuradze, CFA | Réjean Nguyen, CFA | Cindy Talbot, CFA | Kenny Tang, CFA

The ESG Committee monitors relevant industry news and issues with regards to environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration and sustainable investing.  They develop training sessions and educational content for members to acquire and broaden ESG-related knowledge and skills. Occasionally, committee members are invited to contribute to the development of positions on specific ESG issues or initiatives within the investment industry. Members also provide advisory support and knowledge to CFA Montreal with respect to the implementation of internal practices related to environmental, social and governance criteria.

Fintech Committee

Chair: Christian Lachaussée, CFA

Vice-Chairs: Frédéric Béland, CFA | Irena Stefanovska, CFA

COMMITTEE MEMBERS  

Danny Ferrin, CFA | Jonathan Lépine, CFA | Simon Tremblay, CFA

This committee monitors the industry for developments in financial technology and organizes training to help members gain fintech knowledge and skills.

OUR STRATEGIC PARTNERS 

CFA Montreal has set itself ambitious strategic objectives to benefit members, employers, investors and the Montreal financial community. However, it would not be possible for us to achieve our growth and training objectives without the invaluable support of our partners in the Montreal finance industry and business community.

CFA Montreal is grateful for the support of the following partners. We thank them for their vital contribution to the realization of our mission, ambitions and activities.

Contact us at activity@cfamontreal.org if you are interested in being part of our strategic partners.

PLATINUM PARTNERSHIP

CAISSE DE DÉPÔT ET PLACEMENT DU QUÉBEC

CAISSE DE DÉPÔT ET PLACEMENT DU QUÉBEC

At CDPQ, we invest constructively to generate sustainable returns over the long term. As a global investment group managing funds for public pension and insurance plans, we work alongside our partners to build enterprises that drive performance and progress. We are active in the major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private debt. As at June 30, 2022, CDPQ’s net assets totalled CAD 391.6 billion. For more information, visit

cdpq.com, follow us on Twitter or consult our Facebook or LinkedIn pages.

CDPQ is a registered trademark owned by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and licensed for use by its subsidiaries.

GOLD PARTNERSHIP

Desjardins Global Asset Management (DGAM)

Desjardins Global Asset Management (DGAM)

Established in 1998, Desjardins Global Asset Management (DGAM) is one of Canada's largest institutional asset managers with in-house expertise in equity, fixed income and real assets (infrastructure, real estate) across a variety of investment vehicles. DGAM strongly believes in the power of expertise and the importance of education. They’re the foundation of our approach, which focuses on accessibility, discipline and innovation.

That’s why DGAM proudly supports the mission of the CFA Society of Montreal and its efforts to advance and promote financial expertise. The excellent work the Society does makes it a major player in promoting Montreal’s financial knowledge. Our presence as a partner of the Society demonstrates our commitment to encouraging high-level knowledge sharing and helping ensure the highest degree of financial expertise in Montreal and throughout Quebec.

Mackenzie Investments

Mackenzie Investments

We invest in our families, careers and relationships – but what if we were just as invested in our financial futures? We can’t realize our full potential if we sit on the sidelines, only think about the short term, or think we have to go it alone.

At Mackenzie, we want to create a more invested world, partnering with advisors to help investors become more knowledgeable, more educated and more invested so they can meet their full potential.

Our story started in 1967, with one advisor and one employee working together. Since then, partnership has been core to our culture and how we do business. We believe that when we work together in true partnership, we create the greatest impact for everyone.

PBY Capital / Canso Investment Counsel

PBY Capital / Canso Investment Counsel

PBY Capital was founded in 2020 to provide independent investment insights and expertise to family offices and other sophisticated investors. We aim to partner with a select group of portfolio managers to help our clients access best-in class investment strategies. Our first partner portfolio manager is specialty corporate credit manager, Canso Investment Counsel. Our tailored and collaborative approach allows us to develop a deep understanding of our clients’ unique needs and deliver the high-quality service they are entitled to. PBY’s commitment to continuously adapt our service to match our client’s ever evolving needs is what demonstrates our unwavering dedication to their success.

Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. was founded in 1997 and provides portfolio management services to Canadian institutional and private investors. We specialize in security selection for client portfolios. Our disciplined approach and proprietary research allow us to take advantage of investment opportunities and avoid overpriced investments. We do not depend on external rating agencies, nor do we fall prey to investment fashion or trends. We believe that disciplined investment management, applied consistently over long periods, delivers investment success.

PSP Investments

PSP Investments

PSP Investments is one of Canada's largest pension investment managers with C$243.7 billion of net assets as at March 31, 2023. It manages a diversified global portfolio composed of investments in public financial markets, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources and credit investments. Established in 1999, PSP Investments manages net contributions to the pension funds of Canada’s federal Public Service, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Reserve Force. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, PSP Investments has its principal business office in Montréal and offices in New York, London and Hong Kong. For more information, visit investpsp.com or follow PSP Investments on LinkedIn.

SILVER PARTNERSHIP

Addenda Capital

Addenda Capital

With more than $33 billion in assets under management, Addenda Capital is recognized as a leader in sustainable investing. From climate transition to impact investing to traditional strategies, our multi-asset solutions seek to provide enhanced returns for a clientele that is both institutional and private. At one point, we significantly enriched our investment process by integrating analysis of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Today, we are playing an active role in the shift toward a net-zero economy while staying true to our commitment: serving our clients and generating sustainable wealth for a better future.

FIERA CAPITAL

FIERA CAPITAL

Fiera Capital Corporation is an independent asset management firm with a growing global presence.

We deliver customized multi-asset solutions across public and private market asset classes to institutional, financial intermediary and private wealth clients across North America, Europe and key markets in Asia. We strive to be at the forefront of investment-management science and we are passionate about creating sustainable wealth for clients.

At Fiera Capital, we recognize that the investment landscape is constantly evolving. Our teams collaborate and seek to draw on the global industry’s most innovative and diverse offerings to craft strategies that meet the needs of every client, anywhere in the world. We have the ambition to extend our reach globally and the determination to provide the best solutions with excellence.

As a public company, we seek to adhere to the highest governance and risk management standards and operate with transparency and integrity to create value for our customers and our shareholders over the long term.

Fiera Capital trades under the ticker FSZ on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Trans-Canada Capital

Trans-Canada Capital

Trans-Canada Capital (TCC) is an asset management firm specializing in innovative investment strategies for institutional investors. Since 2009, the team has successfully managed the pension assets of Air Canada, one of the largest corporate pension plans in the country. Over the years, we have earned an enviable reputation by generating superior returns through strategies focusing on alpha generation in a rigorous risk-controlled framework. With C$27 billion in assets under management (inclusive of leverage), more than 100 investment professionals based in Montreal and Toronto, and a complete range of alternative solutions, TCC is well positioned to meet the needs of institutional investors seeking steady returns.

BRONZE PARTNERSHIP

Ardian

Ardian

Ardian is a world-leading private investment house, managing or advising $166bn of assets on behalf of more than 1,650 clients globally. Our broad expertise, spanning Private Equity, Real Assets and Credit, enables us to offer a wide range of investment opportunities and respond flexibly to our clients’ differing needs. Through Ardian Customized Solutions we create bespoke portfolios that allow institutional clients to specify the precise mix of assets they require and to gain access to funds managed by leading third-party sponsors. Private Wealth Solutions offers dedicated services and access solutions for private banks, family offices and private institutional investors worldwide. Ardian’s main shareholding group is its employees and we place great emphasis on developing its people and fostering a collaborative culture based on collective intelligence. Our 1,050+ employees, spread across 19 offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Middle East are strongly committed to the principles of Responsible Investment and are determined to make finance a force for good in society. Our goal is to deliver excellent investment performance combined with high ethical standards and social responsibility.

At Ardian we invest all of ourselves in building companies that last.

Beneva

Beneva

Created by the coming together of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance, Beneva is the largest insurance mutual in Canada with more than 3.5 million members and customers. Beneva employs over 5,000 dedicated employees: people looking out for people. Its human approach is rooted in mutualist values that are shared by its employees. With $25.1 billion in assets, Beneva positions itself as a major player in the insurance and financial services industry. Its head office is located in Quebec City.

BMO Asset Management

BMO Asset Management

BMO Asset Management is focused on helping our clients across Canada meet their investment goals, while also building a more sustainable and secure future for us all. Our clients include institutional investors stewarding large pools of capital, advisors who help clients plan and save for their future and individuals managing their own personal assets. Our investment capabilities span both active and passive and range from traditional asset classes, such as fixed income, equities, and multi-asset portfolios, to responsible investing, alternatives, ETFs and synthetic solutions.

Investing well, in a fast moving and interconnected world, requires both a global perspective and an appreciation of local circumstances. We are also committed to developing innovative investment solutions for the Canadian market. As a relationship-driven organization, we believe in maintaining ongoing and meaningful conversations with our clients to best understand their unique needs and goals. This value extends beyond the products and services that we provide as an asset management firm and we aim to achieve this by offering an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and service quality, drawing upon the skills and expertise of our highly experienced teams across the organization. BMO Asset Management was founded in 1982 and has C$145.32 billion in assets under management as of June 30th, 2023.

Finance Montréal

Finance Montréal

In finance, talent is a key ingredient for success. The professionals who hold the CFA ® designation are without question among the most talented in the Montreal financial services industry. They are exemplary ambassadors of our financial market and contribute greatly to the international stature of the city.

When Finance Montréal, Quebec’s financial hub, was created in 2010 by the major local financial institutions with the support of the Quebec government, the leaders who joined together to form it put the promotion of Quebec talent at the heart of its objectives. The partnership between Finance Montréal and CFA Montreal was a natural alliance, and it has continued to grow and flourish ever since. With its 24 Governor Members, 13 Associate Members and almost 100 volunteer professionals, many of whom hold the CFA ® designation, Finance Montréal fosters cooperation among a vast range of financial sector players to oversee the industry’s common interests and raise awareness of the financial specializations found in Montreal.

Global X Investments Canada Inc.

Global X Investments Canada Inc.

Global X Investments Canada Inc. is an innovative financial services company and offers one of the largest suites of exchange traded funds in Canada. The Global X product family includes a broadly diversified range of solutions for investors of all experience levels to meet their investment objectives in a variety of market conditions. Global X has more than $30 billion of assets under management and 108 ETFs listed on major Canadian stock exchanges. Global X is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mirae Asset Financial Group, which manages more than $800 billion of assets across 19 countries and global markets around the world.

National Bank Independent Network

National Bank Independent Network

National Bank Independent Network (NBIN) has been there since the beginning to help entrepreneurs achieve their vision.

We began as one of the first clearing services for independent advisors in Canada. Created in 1990, Correspondent Network was a division of the former First Marathon Securities Ltd. National Bank of Canada bought First Marathon in 1999 and launched the National Bank Correspondent Network.

The organization continued to grow to support Canada’s expanding network of independent advisors. In 2013, National Bank of Canada acquired TD Waterhouse Institutional Services, bringing new offerings to the mix. To better reflect our mandate, our current name was adopted in 2017.

Today, NBIN is proud to be one of the only providers in Canada offering the full breadth of back office services – from custody to trading to account reporting – all supported by the financial strength and security of National Bank of Canada. Our team of 200 professionals serves over 400 independent firms managing over $300B in Assets Under Administration.

Whether you are just starting out or have a well-established business, we have the experience and tools that allow you to achieve your vision, your way.

RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM)

RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM)

RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) is the asset management division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). and includes money managers PH&N Institutional and BlueBay Asset Management.  RBC GAM provides global investment management services and solutions to institutional, high-net-worth and individual investors.   The RBC GAM group of companies manages approximately $590 billion in assets and has approximately 1,500 employees located across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia.

We believe that being an active, engaged and responsible owner empowers us to enhance the long-term, sustainable performance of the portfolios we manage. Our 24 investment teams integrate environmental, social and governance factors into their decision-making processes.

In Canada, PH&N Institutional has a long-standing reputation for delivering thoughtful, relevant investment solutions and service to corporations, unions, communities, and not-for-profit organizations, combining PH&N Institutional’ s portfolio management expertise with RBC GAM’s global investment capabilities in all major asset classes.