The Rotman Master of Financial Risk Management (MFRM) program’s close industry connection with Bay Street is key to our students’ current and future success. Nowhere is this connection more clearly demonstrated than through our Financial Risk Management Advisory Board. Chaired by Richard Nesbitt, CEO of the Global Risk Institute, Adjunct Professor of Finance at Rotman and former COO CIBC, the board consists of notable members from the financial risk management industry as well as world-renowned Rotman professors.

MFRM students from our inaugural cohort got the exciting opportunity to meet and network with these financial risk management industry leaders at a reception held on October 12, 2016. In attendance were the members of the board, as well as over 20 industry sponsors including Canada’s largest banks, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Great West Life to name a few.

Exciting Conversations

Students and professionals met and discussed various aspects of the program, the latest industry developments, and proposed topics for the students’ upcoming Risk Management Projects. The integrated project is a nine week assignment where MFRM students are connected with an industry professional to analyze, solve and provide recommendations to complicated, real world risk problems.

We overheard fascinating discussions about blockchain and technology disruptions as well as the latest trends in the financial risk industry. With one month of the MFRM program completed, the conversations quickly became two-way discussions. Students heard insights from professionals, and shared their informed opinions which showcased their knowledge of that industry that quickly impressed board members and industry professionals alike.

The event was a huge success. It went on much longer than anticipated because of all the enthusiasm and excitement generated. As individuals seeking to break into the industry, students in the MFRM program gained terrific and fresh insights. Industry leaders were thrilled to have attended this event and enjoyed it as much as the students.

Lasting Connections

In the intensive 8-month MFRM program, students will not only gain the technical knowledge and skills required to succeed, they will also have chances to make great and lasting connections with senior financial risk management leaders. Students will be able to leverage both these resources and much more to plan for their own career in the future.

Carolyn Wright, Assistant Director of Career Services for the MFRM program who attended the reception observed that “it was great seeing our students take advantage of all the opportunities that this program offers.”

The Master of Financial Risk Management is a full time program designed to prepare ambitious young professionals for careers in risk management and finance.