Competitive Advantage

The Student Investment Fund program has been able to build a competitive advantage in spite of being geographically displaced from the nation's financial heartland and its key players.

Over the years we have diligently pursued excellence, innovation and commitment to building expertise in investment education in Canada. Our students stand proudly able to compete with their peers across the country and around the globe. 

Students learn in the dedicated TMX Boardroom which is well-equipped with industry-standard financial software.

Financial institutions seek out graduates of the SIF program. Sponsorship of the Centre for Financial Studies by key players in the Canadian financial community is a testimony to the quality and relevance of our program and our commitment to excellence.

We believe our competitive advantage to be derived from the following factors:

  • The Stairway to Employability - a unique teaching method and innovative and relevant curricula prepares students for a career in the demanding financial industry.
  • Risk Controlled Active Management - students learn investing techniques used by sophisticated hedge funds.
  • Business Partnerships - sponsored by key players in the Canadian investment industry directly.
  • Business Contacts - students meet investment finance leaders onsite in key financial centres and industry professionals committed to the advancement of teaching the next generation of financial leaders present to our students in the TMX Group Boardroom, our financial learning lab.
  • Industry-standard Facilities - students learn in the dedicated TMX Boardroom which is well-equipped with industry-standard financial software and terminals and where BNN and CNBC are staples.
  • Diversity in a Team Environment - both domestic and international students are well-represented in the SIF program presenting a myriad of perspectives in a cooperative and safe learning environment. One of our other goals is to achieve greater female representation in the SIF program, reflecting similar initiative in the investment industry.
  • Business Competitions -- students representing the SIF program at national and international business competitions have consistently fared well, including three first place rankings at the Redifining Investment Strategy Education competition and winning the inaugural RBC Credit Risk Competition at Dalhousie University. Most recently a team of SIF students won the North American title of the CFA Institute's Global Investment Research Challenge in New York City, placing second overall.
  • Alumni network - maintaining close relationships with our alumni has allowed us to reap innumerable benefits including making inroads into the industry.