IIAC Blog

March 31, 2021 by Ian Russell

Investment Industry SRO Forum

The Boards of Directors of the Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC), the Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC), and the Federation of Mutual Fund Dealers (FMFD) established the Investment Industry SRO Forum in January of this year to consider the potential outcomes of the CSA SRO Framework Consultation. The Associations felt it was important for the investment industry to collaborate to provide regulators with a broad industry view on how to improve self-regulation through consolidation. Our overarching objective is to improve the investor experience and strengthen investor protection.

Forum members agreed that self-regulation is critical to the Canadian capital markets and that investors are best served by one national SRO that has an operating model flexible enough to accommodate all categories of dealer and advisor registrants.

The Forum made its submission to the CSA today. Its recommendations are high-level, strategic, and practical; they focus on governance, policy, and operating efficiencies. The Forum also asserted that the SRO consolidation process needs to proceed as quickly as possible and that the considerable assets of both the current SROs should be leveraged to the fullest extent.

Forum members also issued a joint news release today. A joint (IIAC, IFIC, FMFD) webinar will be held on April 13. More information to come.

March 16, 2021 by Ian Russell

IIAC seeks nominations for the 2021 IIAC Top Under 40 Award

The IIAC Top Under 40 Award recognizes and celebrates the new generation of highly motivated and talented young professionals whose drive, dedication, personal and professional qualities and accomplishments have brought distinction to the investment/financial industry.

The caliber of past nominees and Award recipients has been truly excellent and portends a bright future for the securities industry. Their passion for the investment business and commitment to giving back is worthy of acclaim. We are calling on members of the public to put forth the names of outstanding individuals for consideration for this year’s Award. Submit your nomination by clicking HERE. Please note that nominations will be accepted until 5:00 pm ET on June 4, 2021.

Information on the eligibility and selection criteria, and the nomination process, is available here.

Help us recognize the outstanding efforts of our industry’s younger generation. Be sure to submit your nomination by June 4.

February 23, 2021 by Ian Russell

Congratulations to Michael Dignam, President, Canadian Securities Processing Solutions, on his 40th Anniversary at Broadridge Financial Solutions

Michael joined ADP Brokerage Services 40 years ago, just as the Canadian business was starting up. He was involved from the outset in the digitalization of the industry, including implementations across the country. As President, Mike has presided over a tripling of growth of the Canadian business, greatly fueled by key acquisitions he initiated and championed. Please join us in congratulating Michael on his monumental achievements. We look forward to his future successes at Broadridge.

January 22, 2021 by Ian Russell

Ontario Capital Markets Modernization Taskforce Delivers Final Report

The Taskforce submitted its final report to the Minister of Finance, which includes 74 policy recommendations. These recommendations are intended to modernize Ontario’s capital markets and drive innovation, competition and diversity.

The final report contains recommendations on improving regulatory structure to enhance governance; improving competitiveness through regulatory measures; ensuring a level playing field between large and small market players; improving the proxy system, corporate governance and the process of mergers and acquisitions; fostering innovation; and modernizing enforcement and enhancing investor protection.

The Modernization Taskforce has introduced a range of innovative remedies to improve the vitality of Ontario capital markets and strengthen the intermediation of capital from investors to small and large businesses. Through its recommendations, the Taskforce will reinforce the ongoing efforts of securities regulators in the province, and jurisdictions elsewhere, to streamline regulation and lower the regulatory burden, considering the significant bearing of Ontario markets in national markets and the multi jurisdictional nature of Canadian securities regulation. The outcome will be strengthened investor protections and confidence, and increased capital formation, in Ontario and across the country. The Taskforce has made a timely and effective contribution to the post-pandemic economic recovery.

The IIAC will thoroughly review the Report and provide a detailed commentary.

 

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December 14, 2020 by Ian Russell

Joseph Bakish the 2020 IIAC Top Under 40 Award Winner

We’re thrilled to announce that Joseph Bakish, Director, Wealth Management, Portfolio Manager and Investment Advisor at Richardson Wealth, is the 2020 winner of the IIAC Top Under 40 Award. Congratulations, Joseph!

Read the press release here.

We’d also like to congratulate our finalists Anna Hilberry, National Bank Financial Wealth Management, and Kate Murdoch, BMO Nesbitt Burns.

Thank you to our judges, and to our generous sponsor, Investment Executive/Finance et investissement.

Click here to read the congratulatory letter from Investment Executive/Finance et investissement.

Proudly sponsored by Investment Executive and Finance et Investissement

   

 

November 4, 2020 by Ian Russell

IIAC Top Under 40 Award

Congratulations to all our Top Under 40 Award Nominees. Our selection committee is hard at work reviewing each nomination to determine our top 3 finalists to be announced later this year.

The IIAC Top Under 40 Award recognizes and celebrates the new generation of highly motivated and talented young professionals whose drive, dedication, personal and professional qualities and accomplishments have brought distinction to the investment/financial industry.

Click here to see this year’s nominees.

Proudly sponsored by Investment Executive and Finance et Investissement

September 25, 2020 by Ian Russell

COVID-19 Information

The IIAC has created a dedicated COVID-19 webpage to keep members apprised of information on the pandemic. The webpage houses links to materials issued by the federal, provincial and municipal governments, international agencies, public health authorities, regulators, exchanges and the IIAC. It is being updated on an ongoing basis.

May 21, 2020 by Ian Russell

IIAC seeks nominations for the 2020 IIAC Top Under 40 Award – Deadline Extended

The IIAC Top Under 40 Award recognizes and celebrates the new generation of highly motivated and talented young professionals whose drive, dedication, personal and professional qualities and accomplishments have brought distinction to the investment/financial industry.

The caliber of past nominees and Award recipients has been truly excellent and portends a bright future for the securities industry. Their passion for the investment business and commitment to giving back is worthy of acclaim. We are calling on members of the public to put forth the names of outstanding individuals for consideration for this year’s Award. Submit your nomination by clicking HERE.

Please note the deadline has been extended and nominations will now be accepted until 5:00 pm ET on August 28, 2020.

Information on the eligibility and selection criteria, and the nomination process, is available here.

Help us recognize the outstanding efforts of our industry’s younger generation. Be sure to submit your nomination by August 28th.

May 14, 2020 by Ian Russell

Remembering Robert Gouinlock (1929 – 2020)

In Memoriam: It is with deep regret we observe the passing of Robert Gouinlock.

Robert was a respected and accomplished member of the investment community, and often consulted for his expertise. He was a participant on many industry committees and a founding Governor of the Canadian Securities Institute.

Robert first joined his father at Bell Gouinlock (which later merged with Pemberton Houston Willoughby) where he spent most of his career. In 1989, when Pemberton was absorbed into RBC Dominion Securities, Robert discovered the joy of working with people as an investment adviser. He served as Chair of the Investment Committee of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto and was proud to be a recipient of the Order of the Diocese of Toronto.

Robert retired in 2001.

The IIAC wishes to express their deepest condolences to Robert’s family.

May 6, 2020 by Ian Russell

Remembering Benoit Lauzé (1964 – 2020)

In Memoriam: It is with profound sadness we observe the passing of Benoit Lauzé, after a long struggle with cancer.

Benoit was a much-admired member of the investment community, and a respected member of the IIAC Board of Directors. His presence will be profoundly missed.

Benoit spent much of his career at CIBC Wood Gundy in Toronto. After a move back to Montreal, he joined the Investment Banking Department of CIBC, gradually assuming different leadership roles, before returning to Toronto as Head of CIBC’s Equity Capital Markets desk.

In both his professional and personal life Benoit was known for his enthusiasm and passion, his keen mind, and his collaborative ways.

His contributions to the functioning of the IIAC board will continue to be felt in the ongoing camaraderie and dedication of its members.

The IIAC wishes to express their deepest condolences to Benoit’s family.