Ambition lives here: Reshaping the future of finance at DeGroote
July 30, 2025 ·
Contributed by: Redon Fazliu, Vice President, Operations, DeGroote Finance & Investment Council
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At the DeGroote School of Business, the DeGroote Finance & Investment Council (DFIC) has emerged as more than just a student club, it has become a recognized launchpad for Canada’s next generation of finance leaders.
Over the past three years, DFIC has transformed through a bold combination of technical rigor, inclusive programming, and authentic investing experience. The result? A platform where talent meets opportunity, and where students are empowered to shape not just their careers, but the future of the financial industry.
– Dustin Reid, Chief Strategist, Fixed Income, Mackenzie Investments
“Working with the driven students at DFIC who aspire to careers in asset management has been an exceptionally rewarding experience. Their curiosity and ambition are a constant source of inspiration, and I often walk away from our conversations having learned something myself.”
Leading the charge in experiential learning
A significant turning point came in May 2022, when DFIC launched the DSB-Fidelity Balanced Students Investment Fund. That fund changed everything. It gave our students real capital to manage and elevated the level of responsibility and learning across DFIC. Since inception, the fund has generated a total return of 55 per cent, and the group manages over $150,000 in assets.
The fund is more than a performance story; it’s a pedagogical breakthrough. Students pitch, defend, and monitor live investments, gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Bloomberg, Refinitiv and Excel.
Our newly implemented independent research model better aligns to the industry and brings a level of rigor that rivals professional environments. A rare opportunity to have an immersive experience in making real investment decisions and learning from the outcomes. This isn’t just simulation for our students, it’s stewardship.
– Reed Munsie, MBA ’02, Senior Principal, Private Equity, BCI
“I have greatly enjoyed collaborating with DFIC investment teams over the past few years and am consistently impressed by their thoughtful, technically rigorous approach to investment analysis and presentation. It is always a pleasure to work alongside such enthusiastic, talented, and intellectually curious students.”
Mentorship-driven programs that open doors
Behind DFIC’s outcomes is a deep investment in student development, starting as early as first year. The Analyst Academy and Women in Finance Accelerator (WFA), launched in 2021, and have become flagship pipelines for preparing high-potential students for careers in capital markets.
– Christina Wood, BCom ’09, Executive Director, FX Options Trading, CIBC Capital Markets
“DFIC provides engaging educational and real-world experiences for its members by partnering with leaders within the financial industry. It’s been a pleasure working with these students over the years. I find it an excellent pipeline for talent with a high success rate for long-term hires.”
DFIC’s programs offer immersive technical training, real investment cases, mock superday interviews, and personalized mentorship from industry professionals. This early action development has allowed many students to land phenomenal internships and full-time roles.
Redefining inclusion in finance
One of the areas we are most proud of is how far we have come in making the finance space more inclusive. The WFA is now in its third year and continues to grow. This year, 50 per cent of our portfolio managers identified as female, and the program has played a pivotal role in that progress.
Alongside this, we offer year-round programming, mentorship, and events to further female advancement and interest in the capital markets.
– David Wong, BCom ’98, Chief Investment Officer, Managing Director & Head, Total Investment Solutions, CIBC Asset Management
“I have been very impressed with the professionalism and engagement displayed by the participants in the DFIC program. Having been involved in the Women in Finance events, the DFIC leadership team has opened many doors for young women interested in a finance career. This is a wonderful program that creates tremendous value in attracting and preparing our next generation of finance professionals.”
Community and the future ahead
Our focus on accessibility and innovation goes beyond mentorship. This year, we expanded our Quantitative Strategies group and focused on integrating more STEM students to support industry demand.
The Council now operates with more rigor and accountability than ever before. Students work in smaller, focused teams and are held responsible through real-time industry feedback and formal investment reviews to help sharpen quality and decision-making.
We have also grown our presence off-campus. Our 11th Annual Bay Street Mixer brought together more than 150 students, alumni, and finance professionals in downtown Toronto.
We hosted speaker sessions with industry leaders, office visits in Toronto, networking sessions, and collaborated with many of the Canadian Investment Banks and Asset Managers, as well as non-profit organizations such as VersaFi.
– Sophie Bartlett, Advisor, Early Careers Talent Acquisition, CPP Investments
“DFIC’s events are thoughtfully designed and clearly focused on developing the next generation of finance talent. It’s been a privilege to contribute through networking events and panel discussions.”
Anchored in alumni, driven by students
The strength of DFIC lies in its community. Alumni continue to mentor, fundraise, and hire from the very programs they once participated in.
As we look ahead, DFIC is preparing to move into the new McLean Centre for Collaborative Discovery. It is a new space and also a symbol of what’s next. With expanded programs, stronger alumni engagement, and deeper integration into the DeGroote experience, DFIC is positioning itself as a long-term leader in student-led experiential learning.
The work isn’t done, but the momentum is real. And for the hundreds of students who have found confidence, mentorship, and direction through DFIC, that impact will last well beyond their time at McMaster.
Read the 2024-2025 DeGroote Finance & Investment Council Annual Report
