What began as a local initiative has grown into a national program, as Ivey welcomed its largest and most geographically diverse Women in Asset Management cohort yet – 49 students from 11 universities – to increase the representation of women in asset management.
The 2026 cohort includes 29 students from Western University and 20 from 10 other institutions across the country: Dalhousie University, McGill University, McMaster University, Queen's University, Schulich School of Business, the University of British Columbia, the University of Calgary, the University of Guelph, the University of Toronto, and Wilfrid Laurier University. The program kicked off with a networking workshop and welcome reception on April 30, with classes beginning May 1
A growing national platform
Launched in 2022, the Women in Asset Management (WAM) program expanded nationally in 2023 and has continued to grow by connecting students with training, mentorship, and paid work experience in Canada's asset management industry.
For Saurin Patel, WAM's program director and associate professor of finance, this year's cohort signals how far the program has come since its launch, bringing together talent from across the country and creating pathways into an industry that benefits from broader representation.
“This truly pan-Canadian cohort reflects the continued growth of the program – and the diversity of talent emerging across the country ready to be a part of the Canadian asset management industry,” he said. “It embodies the diversity, ambition, and leadership that will shape the industry for years to come.”
Training, mentorship, and experience
The free, 14-week program combines four weeks of in-class learning at Ivey with a 10- to 12-week paid internship at a Canadian asset management firm. The curriculum covers technical skills, industry knowledge, and career preparation. Core topics include financial modelling, portfolio management, negotiation, professional communications, and networking. Participants also benefit from mentorship opportunities, industry connections, and access to a growing alumni community of women building careers across the sector.
Thank you to our sponsors
Ivey is proud to partner with industry leaders to expand access to careers in asset management while strengthening the industry's future talent pipeline in Canada. Sponsors include:
Benefactor-level: RBC Global Asset Management and Scotia Global Asset Management
Leader-level: BMO Global Asset Management, CIBC Global Asset Management Inc., and Mackenzie Investments.
Partner-level: AIMCo, Brookfield, CI Financial, CPP Investments, Fengate Asset Management, Fiera Capital, HOOPP, Intact, OMERS, Polar, Sun Life Global Investments/SLC Management, and UPP.
