THE OLD WEATHER ADAGE “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb” comes to mind when I think about the markets at the beginning of 2016. Here’s hoping spring brings all of us warm, sunny weather and less-volatile markets.

One of the best things about winter at CFA Society Toronto is the focus on both students and young financial professionals. It’s always a pleasure to see the enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and energy of the most recent group of charterholders and future CFA candidates.

On January 14, CFA Society Toronto partnered with CFA Institute to host the third annual Ethics Challenge. Student teams came from Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto), Schulich School of Business (York University), Smith School of Business (Queen’s University), and Telfer School of Management (University of Ottawa). Student teams researched an authentic financial industry ethical dilemma and presented their findings and suggested a course of action to a panel of volunteer practitioner judges, who provided guidance through the ethical grey areas. University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management team was named the 2016 winner.

Another bright spot in January was the Annual CFA Charter Recognition event. CFA Society Toronto’s board of directors and senior members celebrated this milestone accomplishment of the 250 newest members. New charterholders were addressed by keynote speaker John Bowman, CFA Institute’s Managing Director for the Americas. It’s always encouraging to welcome a new cohort of charterholders who have committed themselves to the pursuit of the most highly respected designation within the investment management profession. Congratulations!

This winter also marks the 10th anniversary of CFA Institute’s Research Challenge. The annual global competition provides university student teams with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis. Thirteen student teams in Ontario studied and analyzed Canadian Tire Corp. and wrote a research report explaining their buy, sell, or hold recommendations. Four teams—University of Toronto, Mississauga; University of Waterloo; University of Ottawa, Telfer School of Management; and Wilfrid Laurier University—were selected to move on to the local challenge finals in Toronto to present their findings to a panel of judges. The champion team will then head to the regional finals in Chicago in April.

We are grateful for the support of our members, volunteers, and partners in educating local students about the financial industry and guiding them in their chosen studies and careers.

Spring also marks the kickoff to conference season at CFA Society Toronto with the 2016 Annual Spring Pension Conference on March 31. Be sure to buy your tickets early—they go quickly!

And stay tuned for an engaging spring lineup of programs and events.