Master of Finance Career Stories
The program is designed for motivated finance professionals who are looking to make the most of their career potential. Learn how these MFin students and graduates used the opportunities they gained at Rotman to achieve their professional best.
Christina Alexander, MFin ’17
Vice President, Corporate Derivatives Origination
Citibank Canada
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of Commerce, Queen's University
Prior Experience:
Vice President, Derivatives Solutions Group, Citibank Global Markets (New York)
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Rotman Highlights:
"My favourite part of the MFin experience is definitely the people - that includes not just my classmates, but also the professors, and the others in the Rotman community that all play a role in the MFin experience. Our small class is comprised of highly diverse working professionals, which naturally encourages good class discussions and an environment to develop relationships.
"One thing I didn't fully appreciate until I started the program was just how many fantastic speakers Rotman brings to campus - from all areas of business. All of a sudden, my inbox was flooded with invitations to see CEOs, politicians and world leaders, industry experts, nobel prize winners...the list goes on.
"I've attended sessions to see Tim Geithner and Ben Bernanke speak about the financial crisis, and also got to see one of my favourite authors speak about productivity and business. And if you're really in the mood to shake things up, I highly recommend the Halloween Dodgeball tournament and Charity Casino night."
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Elizabeth Ren, MFin ’17
Fund Accountant
SS&C Technologies
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of Commerce, University of Toronto
Prior Experience:
Financial Advisor, Scotiabank
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Rotman Highlights:
"The prestige of the school, the mind-blowing knowledge of the faculty and the delicate, forward-thinking design of the Rotman MFin program is unparallelled.
"Furthermore, I am surrounded by innovative, driven, sophisticated and open-minded working professionals. What I find priceless is the level of discussion that this brings, and the incredible networking opportunities amongst my peers."
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Jose Rivas, MFin ’17, CPA, CGA
Senior Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis
National Diabetes Trust
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Prior Education:
HBComm, Laurentian University
Prior Experience:
Senior Finance Manager, National Diabetes Trust
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Rotman Highlights:
"My Rotman MFin peers are an excellent cross-section of Toronto’s finance sector which enhances everyone’s learning experience since one or more of my classmates will add context to theory learned in the classroom.
"Moreover, one learns very quickly that the cohort will prove to be an invaluable network in the future; our classmates can provide insights on working culture, communicate job openings and vouch for our aptitudes should we have an interest in the organizations which they work in.
"I feel privileged to have such amazing access to passionate faculty members who are always available to expand on the subjects they teach. This is important since as working professionals we are looking for that direct link from theory to practice to better execute our day-to-day duties."
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Sabrina Wu, MFin ’17, FRM
Money Market Trader
Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of commerce, University of Toronto
Prior Experience:
Investment Associate, RBC Dominion Securities
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Rotman Highlights:
Selected as one of two Rotman delegates for the Trans-Pacific Partnership Tour of Japan
"The MFin curriculum is well-designed to bridge between academia and the real world. I truly enjoyed the various trading simulation cases built into the courses, giving me an in-depth look into various complex financial instruments."
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Tony Zhuang, MFin '17
Senior Analyst
Tangerine Bank
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of Mathematics, Financial Analysis & Risk Management, University of Waterloo
Bachelor of Mathematics, Statistics, University of Waterloo
Prior Experience:
Senior Risk Specialist, CIBC
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Rotman Highlights:
- Competing in the final round of National Investment Banking Competition in Vancouver, and learning from industry professionals
- Attending talks by renowned speakers such as Ben Bernanke, Paul Martin, and Mervyn King
- Applying what I learned in class the next day at work, when I had to take on sudden high urgency tasks
- Playing sports with my MFin classmates
"I was attracted by Rotman’s reputation, the Master of Finance program’s high calibre and diverse class profile, and the school's distinguished faculty."
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Srijan Agrawal, MFin ’16, Called to the Ontario Bar, '07
Director, Market Infrastructure
RBC, Toronto
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Prior Education:
LL.B. (University of Western Ontario); H.B.A. (Richard Ivey School of Business – UWO)
Prior Experience:
Senior Counsel, RBC Capital Markets, Toronto
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Rotman Highlights:
Pitching our sustainable investing idea to asset managers that cumulatively held billions of dollars of assets under management in the Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Competition.
Being a finalist in the Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investment Competition, London, UK and the NIBC Investment Banking Competition, Vancouver, BC.
"The Rotman MFin program is giving me the intellectual challenge that I wanted and is helping me to continue to grow professionally in financial services."
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Rene Cartier, MFin ’16, CPA, CA, CBV
Equity Research Associate
BMO Capital Markets
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Prior Education:
Hons. Bachelor of Business Administration
Schulich School of Business, York University
Prior Experience:
Equity Research Associate, UBS Securities Canada, Toronto
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Rotman Highlight:
Being a 2015 National Investment Banking Competition Finalist.
Being a part of the winning MFin soccer team.
"I chose the program partly because of the proximity to Toronto’s financial core, and also because the part-time flexibility allows me to continue working while I study."
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Stephanie Chow, MFin '16, CPA, CA
Investment Associate,
Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of Commerce, Finance
University of Toronto
Prior Experience:
Financial Analyst, Investor Relations, Tricon Capital Group
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Rotman Highlights:
"It is hard to describe in words what it feels like to be part of this network of passionate, energetic, dedicated, supportive, hard-working, and fun individuals who continue to encourage and motivate me to excel. In addition, Rotman does a great job in supporting gender diversity through the implementation of various initiatives to encourage more women to join the MFin and to instill a culture of inclusion."
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Michael Da Silva, MFin ’16, CFA, CIPM
Portfolio Analyst
Jones Collombin Investment Counsel, Toronto
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of Arts Studies Specialized Honours
York University
Prior Experience:
Portfolio/Performance Administrator
Jones Collombin Investment Counsel, Toronto
Investor and Dealer Services
Franklin Templeton Investments
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Rotman Highlights:
"My favorite part of the program is the discussions that we have in class. Having a diverse educated cohort, you gain perspectives from different areas of finance.
"As the classes are small, a camaraderie forms that continues outside the program. Breaks and meal times are integrated into the program structure; they're actually a great way to network while enjoying great food.
"You also have access to many other networking opportunities with alumni, the current cohort, prospective students and industry leaders.
"Career workshops, and access to a wide-ranging career portal will give you the breadth of information you need to help you advance in your career."
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Peter Meech, MFin ’16, CFA
Investment Associate
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Toronto
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of Mathematics
University of Waterloo
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Rotman Highlight:
Competing in the National Investment Banking Competition and Conference in Vancouver with 3 of my classmates.
Being a part of Richard Nesbitt’s mentoring program.
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Matthew Rossetti, MFin '16, CPA, CA
Senior Auditor
Deloitte Canada
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of Commerce, University of Toronto
Prior Experience:
Senior Accountant, BDO Canada
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Rotman Highlights:
Interacting with students from a range of professions and learning from a world class faculty who specialize in research and consulting. The lessons are directly applicable to analysis and trading strategies in the financial industry.
Quality teaching from world renowned professors and a modern facility in the heart of Toronto. The university atmosphere and campus provides an escape and refreshing break from the workplace.
"The program is more than earning designation; it fosters a community."
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Angel Liu, MFin '15, CPA, CA
Accounting and Finance Manager and Chief Compliance Officer
Brookfield Financial
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies
University of Western Ontario
Prior Experience:
Senior Associate,
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
Rotman Highlight:
Inaugural CFA Master of Finance Ethics Challenge Winner
FSAB MFin Student Representative
"I have learned and accomplished so much in the program. I love how the Rotman MFin supports my career aspirations, and its part-time structure that allows me to continue to work and meet my personal obligations."
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Michael Hayes, MFin '14, CFA
Director, Structuring & Credit Risk
BMO Corporate Finance Division, Toronto
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of Commerce,
University of Guelph
Prior Experience:
Senior Advisor, Office of the Vice Chair,
BMO Capital Markets, Toronto
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Rotman Highlight:
Simultaneously writing my wedding vows and completing my accounting assignment while flying back to Toronto.
"The program breadth and depth is truly exceptional, and it has allowed me to significantly accelerate my career trajectory into the U.S. capital markets."
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Neil Zheng, MFin'14, FSA
Founder & Managing Director
Lot & Mercantile
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of Commerce
University of Toronto
Prior Experience:
Associate Actuary, Corporate Development
Manulife Financial |
Rotman Highlight:
"As an MFin student, you gain a robust skill set and a depth of knowledge to excel in any field of finance. You also gain the confidence to discuss financial news and concepts with your colleagues and clients."
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Wen Lei, MFin '14, CFA
Manager, Asset and Liability Management
Manulife Financial, Toronto
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Prior Education:
Honours Bachelor of Business Administration
Schulich School of Business, York University
Prior Experience:
Manager, Equality Derivatives Trading
TD Securities Trading Risk Service
TD Bank Financial Group, Toronto
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Rotman Involvement:
Competed as a member of one of the 10 finalists teams from 156 teams in the National Investment Banking Competition in Vancouver.
“I chose the Rotman MFin program because it offered opportunities to learn from highly respected and well recognized professors, and from peers with diverse experiences in the financial industry.”
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Andre C. Lewis, MFin '14, CFA
Treasurer
PC Bank, Toronto
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Prior Education:
Honours BA, Management
University of Toronto
Prior Experience:
Director, Treasury
Manulife Bank/Manulife Financial, Toronto
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Rotman Highlight:
Being the referee of an intense table-tennis tournament of SPiN during our Spring class event.
“I chose the program because of the strength of the Rotman brand, the world-class faculty who teach the program, and the quality of my classmates, who are the future leaders of the finance industry.”
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Lindsay Sinclair, MFin '14, CFA
Vice-President, Rates Sales,
RBC Capital Markets, Toronto
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of Commerce
Queen's University
Prior Experience:
Associate, Interest Rate Derivative Sales
CIBC, Toronto
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Rotman Highlight:
Travelling to Vancouver with classmates to compete in the final rounds of the National Investment Banking Competition.
“The MFin program is an ideal extension of my education and recent work experience. It is the perfect way to expand my education and industry knowledge while maintaining a career I truly enjoy.”
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Hire Abdi, MFin '13
Associate, Corporate Banking, RBC Capital Markets
Prior Education:
Bachelor of Commerce - Major in Accounting, Ryerson University, Toronto
Previous Experience:
Manager - Fund Oversight, AGF Investments, Toronto
Fun Rotman Highlight:
Having my eight year old nephew as my study partner
"The Rotman School is in the global top ten for finance. As a finance professional, I like knowing that I'm learning from the best."
Sandy Lam, MFin '13, CPA, CA, CFA
Associate Director, Global Equity Derivatives
National Bank Financial, Toronto
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Prior Education:
Bachelor’s, Business Administration,
University of Toronto
Prior Experience:
Associate, Sales & Trading and Investment Banking Rotational Program
National Bank Financial, Toronto
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Rotman Highlight:
Beach volleyball with the competitively-minded.
In 2012, Sandy was the recipient of the Master of Finance Directors’ Continuing Scholarship and the National Bank Financial Women in Financial Markets Scholarship.
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“Because of its downtown Toronto location and top-ranked faculty, the Rotman MFin program is the obvious choice for finance professionals."
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Marissa Leung, MFin '13
Requirements Manager, TD Securities
Prior Education:
Bachelor's of Commerce, Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University, Montreal
Previous Experience:
Senior Business Analyst, Risk Technology, TD Securities, Toronto
Fun Rotman Highlight:
Learning the finer points of black jack at casino night. I might be ready for Vegas now
Josh Wardell, MFin '12
Associate Director, UBS
Prior Education:
Bachelor of Business Administration, Schulich School of Business, York University
Previous Experience:
Investment Banking Associate, UBS Investment Bank
Rotman Highlight:
A group road trip to Niagara Falls after completing the derivatives exam
Laurie-Anne Davison, MFin '12
Manager, Portfolio Advice & Investment Research, TD Wealth Management
Prior Education:
Bachelor’s, Arts, Administrative and Commercial Studies - Finance and Economics, University of Western Ontario, London
Prior Experience:
Senior Analyst, Fund Research & Portfolio Strategy, TD Wealth Management, Toronto
Rotman Highlight:
Having my daughter during the six-week break between summer and fall sessions
Katia Butrimova, MFin '12
Director, Trading Credit Risk, CIBC
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Prior Education:
Bachelor’s, Commerce, University of Toronto
Previous Experience:
Associate, CIBC Wholesale Banking
Analyst, CIBC Risk Management Development Program
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Rotman Highlight:
Group work with classmates who greatly enhanced the learning experience
"Ambitious professionals in finance will appreciate the rigour of the program, which teaches students to tackle the broadest and most sophisticated of finance problems."
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Richard Wong, MFin '12
Vice-President, Asset Securitization Group, TD Securities, Toronto
Prior Education:
Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Toronto Scarborough
Prior Experience:
Associate, Asset Securitization Group, TD Securities, Toronto
Rotman Highlight:
“Professor Hull singling me out in front of all my colleagues during his presentation about derivatives at TD Bank.”
In 2012, Richard was valedictorian to the Master of Finance class and the recipient of the Master of Finance Directors’ Award. He was also the first recipient of the Master of Finance Directors’ Continuing Scholarship.
“The course content is both sophisticated and practical, and goes beyond anything offered at the undergraduate level or even the CFA.”
Jay Lee, MFin '11, CFA
Executive Director, Equity Sales Group, Morgan Stanley Canada
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Prior Education:
Bachelor's, Arts and Economics, University of Toronto
Prior Experience:
Trader, Polar Securities
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Rotman Highlight:
Gaining theoretical expertise in finance at a world-class business school
"For those serious about taking their finance career to the next level, there's no better choice than the Rotman Master of Finance, which gives you the academic and applied training you need to become a future leader in the field."
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George Liu, MFin '10, CFA
Director, CIBC World Markets
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Applied Economics, Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering
Queen's University
Prior Experience:
Associate in Structuring, CIBC World Markets
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Rotman Highlight:
"I was keen to move from the 'back office' to the 'front office' at CIBC. The MFin program expanded my horizons, skill set, and enabled me to achieve my career objectives."
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Marlon Reid, MFin '10
Director, Regulatory Complaints, CIBC
Prior Education:
Bachelor of Administrative Studies, York University
Bachelor of Law (LLB), University of Ottawa
Prior Experience:
Vice-President, Treasury Credit – Investment Banking, TD Securities
"The theoretical and applied finance training of Rotman's MFin program provides the perfect complement to my existing skill set. The Rotman MFin will prepare me to be the leader I need to be."
Asher Chohan, MFin '10
Portfolio Manager / Financial Analyst, Hedge Funds, Saudi Aramco
Prior Education:
Bachelor of Commerce, Specialist Management and Economics, University of Toronto
Prior Experience:
Vice-President, DGAM
"The MFin degree has already impacted my career in a tangible way. When I started the program I was an Associate; my employer clearly appreciated the commitment I was making to developing my skill-set, and just before graduation I was promoted to Vice-President. I truly feel like a well-rounded finance professional who is well positioned to lead in the future."
Asher on how to Build your Network
Krati Chhajer, MFin '09
Director, Specialized Credit Group, Corporate Banking
CIBC Capital Markets
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Prior Education:
Bachelor of Commerce and Finance
University of Toronto
Prior Experience:
Senior Manager, Hedge Funds Risk Management, Scotiabank
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Rotman Highlight:
"As a Rotman MFin student, you are learning from the best. The School's professors have strong ties to the local financial community and have built a strong reputation for their expertise and industry experience."
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Deborah Ng, MFin '09 and Vijila Vijayasundaram, MFin '15
Deborah Ng, MFin '09, CFA
Director, Strategy and Head of Responsible Investing
Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
Prior Education:
Bachelor of Commerce, University of Toronto
Rotman Highlight:
Rotman MFin Directors Award
Rotman MFin Deans List with High Distinction
Valedictorian
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Vijila Vilajaysundaram, MFin '15
Senior Analyst, Market Risk,
BMO Capital Markets
Prior Education:
Bachelor of Mathematics/Business Administration, University of Waterloo
Rotman Highlight:
Having my first baby during the second year of the program
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