Our Volunteers in Action: Getting to Know Our Fintech Committee with Frédéric Béland, CFA

Frédéric Béland joined CFA Montréal’s Fintech Committee in 2020, not long after the pandemic first struck. He was initially inspired to sign up as a volunteer to be able to build his professional network while lockdown measures were in effect. Over time, however, his involvement has shifted as he has developed a growing interest in exploring specific ideas and sharing them with the rest of the community.

Following is an interview with Frédéric. Read on to learn more about how he got where he is today and what his committee does for the Montreal financial industry

 

Tell us a little more about CFA Montréal’s Fintech Committee.

The Fintech Committee was created five years ago. Our members are, by nature, a very curious bunch and enjoy sharing what they learn with others. We monitor the industry for developments in financial technology and organize training to help members gain fintech-related knowledge and skills. We also contribute to professional development.

We were very interested in cryptoassets when we started out. But over time, we have expanded our focus to include things like data science, artificial intelligence and the Python programming language — basically, any area of finance or investment where technology plays a decisive role.

What prompted you to volunteer with the Fintech Committee?

When I joined the Fintech Committee, it was impossible to do any in-person networking because of the pandemic. So volunteering seemed like a great way to stay connected with other professionals. It didn’t take long for me to gravitate toward the educational aspect of the Fintech Committee. I figured out I could be particularly useful as an ideas person. Volunteering with the committee has helped me stay up to date and enrich my own practice. But it has also been a way of contributing to the entire CFA community’s professional development needs. In other words, my reasons for volunteering changed when I understood the full potential of this opportunity.

How would you describe the role your committee plays in the professional development of CFA charterholders?

Helping my fellow CFA charterholders learn and develop new skills is a concrete way of contributing to the financial community. The educational aspect is central to the Fintech Committee, which is part of an extremely dynamic ecosystem. There’s a lot of high-level expertise in technology and e-business here in Montreal, due in part to the various provincial government incentives that are in place, like the e-business development tax credit (TCEB).

The combined and complementary expertise of the Fintech Committee members is undoubtedly one of the best things about it. We are constantly looking for ways to help our peers keep pace with this ever-changing industry.

What is one of the initiatives you are particularly proud of?

The Python courses we have been hosting for the past two years are one of our proudest achievements. We’ve arranged them in collaboration with the École de technologie supérieure, and there are two different levels: an introduction to Python and then an advanced class where you can apply the techniques you have learned.

I’m also very proud of how engaged our committee is. They’re incredibly organized and proactive. Time crunches are often an issue when you’re working with volunteers. Even though each event we plan takes a lot of work, everybody chips in, based on their respective interests and knowledge.

Last but certainly not least, given the gender inequality that persists in much of the finance and investment world, I am very proud of the fact that our committee membership is actually gender-balanced.

What would you say to anyone who would like to join the Fintech Committee?

The knowledge and skills of our members may vary, but what we all share is curiosity and an openness to new ideas. That’s what I think is the most important aspect.

A passion for learning is what makes the experience even more rewarding. If I look at my own situation, I changed jobs in 2021. My involvement in the Fintech Committee was very helpful in giving me a leg up over other applicants. The job entailed a major educational component and a familiarity with technology. And I got it! My employer is happy to see me continue to serve on the committee, since it’s a great place to pick up new information.

 

Interested in getting involved with a dynamic, forward-looking association? There are lots of ways you can contribute to CFA Montréal. Be sure to let us know how you’d like to make a difference by filling out this form: https://www.cfamontreal.org/en/get-involved.