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
  • 3,200 charterholders
  • More than 2,500 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. 

2022-2023 Board of directors

President
ODRÉE DUCHARME, CFA
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
Past President



CFA Societies Canada Board Member
CARL ROBERT, CFA
PSP Investments
Vice-President
SANDY POIRÉ, CFA
CN Investment Division
Treasurer
THOMAS GAGNÉ, CFA
Desjardins
Secretary
JEAN-BASTIEN AUGER, CFA
PSP Investments
Director
Lise Estelle Brault, CFA
Autorité des marchés financiers
Director
MICHEL CHARRON, CFA
Aon
Director
Tamara Close, CFA
Close Group Consulting
Director
Julie-Andrée Côté, CFA
BlackRock
Director
JULIE DUCHARME, CFA
PH&N
Director
LUDOVIC DUMAS, CFA
Claridge
Director
Jean-François Tremblay, CFA
Beneva
Director
Haig Vanlian, CFA
Deloitte
Director
JESSICA YOUNES-FRAIBERGER, CFA
Bloomwest Capital

CFA Montreal team

Executive Director
Jo-Ann Hajdamacha
jo-ann.hajdamacha@cfamontreal.org
Member and Candidate Service Manager
Denise Nimara
denise.nimara@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

STRATEGIC COMMITTEES

Audit Committee

Chair: Thomas Gagné, CFA

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Lise Estelle Brault, CFA | Michel Charron, CFA | Ludovic Dumas, CFA | Jean-François Tremblay, CFA | Haig Vanlian, CFA | Jessica Younes-Fraiberger, 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: Sandy Poiré, CFA

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Lise Estelle Brault, CFA | Odrée Ducharme, CFA | Jean-François Tremblay, 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: Jean-Bastien Auger, CFA

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Tamara Close, CFA | Julie-Andrée Côté, CFA  | Julie Ducharme, CFA | Odrée Ducharme, 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: Nissrine Marouk, CFA

COMMITTEE MEMBERS  

Michel Charron, CFA | Ioana Circo, CFA | Ralph Daghfal, CFA | Jean-François Fortin, CFA | Stéphane Gagnon, CFA | Yusuke Khan, CFA | Isabelle Laprise, CFA | Meriem Mehdaoui, CFA | David Pellerin, CFA | Mathieu Pineau-Pelletier, CFA | Sam Reda, CFA | Irena Stefanovska, CFA | Miville Tremblay, 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.

Mentoring Committee

Chair: Philippe Masin, CFA | Vice-Chairs : Alexander Corneau, CFA, Catherine Lévesque-Roussel, CFA and Sarah Owen, CFA

PAIRING COMMITTEE MEMBERS  

Jean-Michel Charrette, CFA | Nelson Cheung, CFA | Daniel Conti, CFA | Julie-Andrée Côté, CFA | Brian Cyr, 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: Danielle Filistin, CFA | Vice-chairs : Lédéenne Chapleau, CFA and Mengwei Gao, CFA

COMMITTEE MEMBERS  

Stéphanie Acciaioli, CFA | Alexis Boutin, CFA | Yassine Elouafy, CFA | Frank Galiffi, CFA | Marie Léa Girouard, CFA |  Tatiana Hakim, CFA | Jordan Houle, CFA | Melissa La Haye, CFA | Omar Mourad, CFA | Sukyong Yang, 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 :  Ann-Marie Monette

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Vincent Beaulieu, CFA | Patrice Boucher, CFA | Mylène Champagne | Michel Charron, CFA |  François Crémet, CFA | Charles Fortier, CFA | Julien Laberge | Maria Maisuradze, CFA |  Réjean Nguyen, 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: Frédéric Béland, CFA | Vice-chairs : Irena Stefanovska, CFA and Christian Lachaussée, CFA   

COMMITTEE MEMBERS  

Mariane Bastien, CFA | Jonathan Bérubé, CFA | Jonathan Lépine, CFA | Myriam Senhi, 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.

PRESENTER

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Optimum Asset Management

Optimum Asset Management

Optimum Asset Management is a firm that focuses on quantitative and credit analysis, and that combines micro and macroeconomic analysis. We redefine investment strategies by combining the high technicality of our experts with our business intelligence technology, while incorporating responsible investment principles into our portfolio management.

Our strategies are elaborated both to design the future and to meet today’s needs. We work closely with our clients to provide enlightening advice that meets their specific needs, regardless of the complexity. Our strategies are based on a proprietary intelligence technology, stemming from research and in-house development, to optimize our portfolio management operations. This technology gives us a distinct advantage in that it allows us to quickly assess the intrinsic value of securities and make the most of attractive investment opportunities in real time.

With a track record of over 35 years of tradition, client focus and excellence, we have assembled a team of professionals with a very high level of expertise from various spheres of the financial and technological industries. By combining our talents with those of our sister companies Optimum Gestion Financière S.A. in France and Optimum Quantvest Corporation in the United States, the presence of our teams in three countries gives us privileged access to different markets.