SEVERAL YEARS AGO, when I was studying public relations (PR) at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), I was struck by the intrinsic link between reputation management, branding, and trust and ethics. The profession of PR is often referred to synonymously with terms like “spin doctor,” so it is crucial to ensure that your work in PR, and any industry, helps elevate your profession and embodies what you want to be known for.

Trust and ethics have always been at the heart of the CFA curriculum, and every day charterholders globally work to embody the brand they are known for. 

In this issue of The Analyst, in the theme of trust and ethics, we examine the evolution of the CFA Program, including a look at the most significant changes to the curriculum since its inception in 1963. We also explore CFA Institute’s series of reports, The Future of Work in Investment Management, analyzing industry sentiments on working from home beyond the pandemic and how investment management roles and teams are expected to develop and change.

As we face the realities of the largest age cohort in Canada (the baby boomers) aging, we examine what the Canadian financial industry is doing to protect aging clients from financial exploitation.

Coverage of this spring’s Annual Pension Conference dives into six key factors expected to influence the future of Canada’s largest pension funds, and our charterholder profile highlights CFA Society Toronto’s CEO, Fred Pinto, CFA, following his first year at the helm.

This issue also celebrates the 2023 Hillsdale Investment Management – CFA Society Toronto Research Award winners and their study of currency forwards in international equity funds, including the variety of uses, noteworthy effects, and potential “money left on the table.”

We also report important information about the substantial accounting change, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 17 Insurance Contracts, and why this change matters to financial statement users. 

Our online exclusive will go live mid-December and features this past October’s Annual Investment Dinner with keynote speaker Ajay Agrawal, founder of Toronto’s Creative Destruction Lab and co-author of the best-selling business books, Prediction Machines  and Power and Prediction.

As we reflect on this year, and plan our goals for next, I wish you all a restful holiday season and a happy New Year.