On Thursday, September 19, 2024, approximately 1,000 finance and investment professionals gathered at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for CFA Society Toronto’s 67th Annual Investment Dinner, the largest of its kind in Canada. This event brought
together Canada’s leading professionals in finance and investment. It offered a forum for discussing critical issues under the theme of "Geopolitics and Macro Risks: Implications for Investors in a Multi-Polar World."
Leading up to the event, the Society received messages from Premier Doug Ford and Mayor Olivia Chow, who highlighted the vital role CFA Society Toronto members play on the global financial stage and praised CFA Society Toronto for hosting this opportunity
for attendees to network with colleagues and industry mentors, discuss important economic issues, and support the professional and business development of our community members.
Engaging Keynote Speaker: Henry (Hank) M. Paulson Jr.
The centrepiece of the evening was an exceptional and engaging keynote fireside chat, featuring Henry (Hank) M. Paulson Jr., Founder and Chairman of the Paulson Institute and former US Secretary of the Treasury. Moderated by Blair Jacobson, Partner and
Co-Head of European Credit at Ares Management, the discussion explored critical issues that shape global financial and economic arenas.
(From left to right: Blair Jacobson, Partner and Co-Head of European Credit at Ares Management and
Henry (Hank) M. Paulson Jr., Founder and Chairman of the Paulson Institute and former US Secretary of the Treasury.)
With an extensive career that has included roles such as Executive Chairman of TPG Rise Climate and CEO of Goldman Sachs, Paulson shared invaluable insights and perspectives on geopolitical tensions, the implications of climate change, and practical mindsets
and strategies for managing financial crises in today’s dynamic geopolitical climate. While the specifics of his remarks are protected under Chatham House Rules,[1] the candid and frank discussion provided a rare opportunity for attendees to hear from a leader experienced in navigating tumultuous economic times to gain a deeper understanding
of geopolitical dynamics, macroeconomic policies, and the integration of financial policies with environmental sustainability.
Celebrating award winners
The following awards were also presented at the event:
2024 Hillsdale Investment Management – CFA Society Toronto Research Award
Awarded to Kodjovi Assoe, PhD, CFA (Université du Québec à Montréal), Najah Attig, PhD, and Oumar Sy, PhD (Dalhousie University) for their groundbreaking paper,
"Navigating Canada’s Factor Zoo." Their research, which meticulously evaluated various factors from 1991 to 2022, offers exceptional insights into asset-pricing models and significantly influences the understanding of Canadian capital markets.
The team received a CA$10,000 cash prize in recognition of their innovative work.
Click here to read more about
their paper.
(Winners of the 2024 Hillsdale Investment Management – CFA Society Toronto Research Award)
Benchmark Prediction Contest Award
Presented to Viren Patel, CPA, CA, from Brookfield Infrastructure Partners for his outstanding market forecasts. The varied results from this year's predictions highlighted the inherent complexities of forecasting, humorously reminding
us of the challenges that make the work of financial professionals both rewarding and stimulating.
(From left to right: Brian Madden, CFA Society Toronto Board Chair – Benchmark Prediction Contest Winner, Viren Patel)
Networking and professional growth
The dinner and dessert cocktail reception provided ample networking opportunities, allowing industry veterans and emerging professionals to exchange ideas and discuss future collaborations. These interactions underscore the Society’s role as a catalyst
for community building and professional and business development within Toronto's investment and financial services sector.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
CFA Society Toronto gratefully acknowledges the sponsors of the 67th Annual Investment Dinner, whose support helped make this event possible:
Congratulations to all our award recipients and a heartfelt thank you to our attendees, speakers, and sponsors for making the 67th Annual Investment Dinner a resounding success. Your engagement is crucial in driving our community forward.
Looking Ahead
With the insights and connections gained from this year’s dinner, attendees are already looking forward to next year's event. CFA Society Toronto continues to set the stage for exploring significant financial issues, promising another year of enriching
discussions and professional advancement.
Stay tuned for details about next year’s Annual Investment Dinner, and be sure to join us for our programming throughout the year as we continue to delve into critical topics that shape the global financial and investment landscape.