Home

homepage_1.jpg

Welcome to the
Manitoba Chapter

About RMA

Founded in 1914, The Risk Management Association (RMA) is a not-for-profit, member-driven professional association whose sole purpose is to advance the use of sound risk principles in the financial services industry. RMA promotes an enterprise approach to risk management that focuses on credit risk, market risk, and operational risk.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, RMA has 1,600 institutional members that include banks of all sizes as well as nonbank financial institutions. They are represented in the Association by 31,000 individuals located throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia/Pacific.

Interested in getting involved with RMA and this Chapter? Go to www.rmahq.org/membership to find out how.

About the Chapter

The Manitoba Chapter, like all RMA chapters, is organized and run by volunteer members. We strongly encourage current or prospective members to become involved in shaping the future direction of the chapter by contacting any of the current officers or committee chairs. We would also be happy to discuss the many benefits that can be derived from membership in RMA.

RMA Board Members

President                                             Allison Pell
1st Vice President &                           Michelle Lepp

        Financial Oversight Chair

Past President                                     Nathalie Davy
Treasurer                                             Rielle Chwartacki
Secretary                                             Walter Adjogbor
Membership Chair                              Erica Ong
Programs Chair                                   Dan Carevic
Young Professional Chair                   Jens Giesbrecht
Women in Finance Char                     Katrina Johnson
Communication Chair                        Julie Ediger
Education Chair(s)                              Lina Castellano

                                                            Charles Gonzales

Sponsorship Chair                              Whitney Boiteau

General Board Members

Joe Healey

Patrick Keating
Todd Lawrence

RMA Announcements

Join us for the RMA’s Governance, Compliance, and Operational Resiliency (GCOR) XVIII Virtual Conference

Join us virtually on June 18-21, 2024

In today’s rapidly changing world, managing operational risk is a necessity not an option. As your professional association, RMA takes great pride in developing practical, thoughtful, and timely programs designed to enhance your skills and increase your value to your institution. GCOR is the only governance, compliance, and operational resiliency conference developed by the industry, for the industry.

For inquiries into our all-access institutional pricing, contact your Relationship Manager 

Sponsors

Please visit out sponsors' websites by clicking on the logos, below

THANK YOU TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSOR 







GOLD SPONSORS

 

SILVER SPONSORS







Chapter Events

It has been another great season and RMA Manitoba looks forward to welcoming you to our last breakfast session for this year on a new and emerging topic – Climate Risk Management.

We will be hearing from the Manager of Environmental Sustainability at ACU, Dennis Cunningham.  Dennis will take us through various future state climate scenarios and what may be in store for the prairies.  In addition to sharing the potential impacts on both federally regulated financial institutions and provincially regulated lenders such as credit unions, he will show us the current tools and modelling that can help us predict which locations and businesses may have higher risk exposure. We will also review current and emerging compliance frameworks, including potential legislation and developments at OSFI.

 

From the OSFI website: Climate change and the global response to the threats it poses have the potential to significantly impact the safety and soundness of federally regulated financial institutions (FRFIs), and the financial system more broadly. 

 

Join us to learn more about how to best prepare your clients and your own organizations.  The topic is relevant to both client facing employees and those in credit risk management roles. 

Sponsor:   Thank you to Taylor McCaffery for sponsoring this event!

Event details are as follows:

  1. Topic: Climate Risk Management
  2. Date and Time: April 16, 2024 - breakfast 7:30 am CST; presentation 8 am CST
  3. Duration: 45 minutes, with a 15-minute Q and A session to follow
  4. Location: Winnipeg Winter Club (200 River Avenue, Winnipeg, MB)
  5. Cost: $20 for Members; $30 for Non-Members
    1. Members are registered RMA Associates, including employees of Institutional Members that have signed up for Associate Membership, Professional Members, Students and Academic Professional Members, and Government Agency Employee Members
    2. Non-members would include any guests that do not have an RMA Membership

Click Here for Registration Link

Presenter:

Dennis Cunningham, Manager of Environmental Sustainability at ACU

Dennis grew up in Halifax, and as a child in the Maritimes, his environmental beliefs were first developed. Today, halfway across the country as the Manager of Environmental Sustainability at ACU, this lifelong passion is put into action every day, helping reduce the credit union’s environmental footprint. The programs Dennis has spearheaded over the years have had a far-reaching impact on ACU partner organizations, Winnipeg neighbourhoods and individuals also trying to be a little greener.

Past Events

*********************************************

RMA Manitoba is excited to invite you to our March 19th breakfast Session – A Global Economic Forecast from EDC.

 Join us to get EDC’s take on current and near-future conditions, and to participate in a lively conversation about the economic issues that concern and interest you, including:

  •  EDC Economics’ latest analysis on the international business environment, including growth for key economies, commodity prices, interest rates and exchange rates
  • The prospects for recovery in both developed and emerging markets
  • How rapidly changing global events are shaping the global economic outlook

Registration Link

Event details are as follows:

  1. Topic: Global Economic Forecast
  2. Date and Time: March 19, 2024 - breakfast 7:30 am CST; presentation 8 am CST
  3. Duration: 45 minutes, with a 15-minute Q and A session to follow
  4. Location: Winnipeg Winter Club (200 River Avenue, Winnipeg, MB)
  5. Cost: $20 for Members; $30 for Non-Members

§  Members are registered RMA Associates, including employees of Institutional Members that have signed up for Associate Membership, Professional Members, Students and Academic Professional Members, and Government Agency Employee Members

§  Non-members would include any guests that do not have an RMA Membership

Event Sponsor:   Big Thank you to Dynamic Capital Equipment Finance for sponsoring this event.

Presenter:

Ross Prusakowski

Ross Prusakowski is the Director of Export Development Canada’s Country & Sector Intelligence team (CSI). CSI is responsible for country and sector risk analysis and highlighting risks and opportunities in the global economy to EDC and our customers and partners.

During more than a decade with EDC, Ross has led EDC Economics forecasting committee, served as the analyst for Canada, countries in the Middle East and North Africa as well as the energy, aerospace, and forestry sectors.   Prior to joining EDC, Ross previously worked as an economist for the Conference Board of Canada working on energy, environment, and transportation policy issues and as an economist with the Government of Alberta’s Department of Finance. Ross holds a master’s degree in economics from the University of Ottawa as well as an undergraduate degree in economics and history from the University of Alberta.

**************************************************

RMA Manitoba invites you to join us at our RMA-YP Young Professionals networking event on February 29th from 4:30 - 7:00 pm at Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill.

This event caters to professionals with ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE (bankers, accountants, lawyers, appraisers, and those dealing directly with commercial business clients)

Registration is limited, so please register today and share this invitation with any colleagues who may be interested in attending. 

Our generous sponsor for this event is Lazer Grant LLP.

Event Details: 

  • · Date: February 29th
  • · Time: 4:30 – 7:00 PM CST 
  • · Location: Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill. (233 Hargrave St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P1)
  • · Food: Appetizers will be provided along with 1 drink ticket per guest. Cash bar will also be available.
  • · Cost: FREE, but attendees must register through Eventbrite.
  • · Sponsor: Lazer Grant LLP

Please register by February 23rd via our Eventbrite link:  Registration Link

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Jens Giesbrecht (jens.giesbrecht@roynat.com) or Rielle Chwartacki (rielle.chwartacki@cibc.com)

We look forward to seeing you there.

******************************************

Happy New Year!

RMA Manitoba is pleased to invite you to our first breakfast session for 2024 - Lowering Risk by Raising Emotional Intelligence.

While we often think of risk in terms of physical, financial, or legal risk; we need to pay equal attention to the realities of social, emotional, and psychological risk.  When we ignore these factors; performance and job satisfaction decrease, while realities such as stress, burnout, absenteeism, and turnover all increase.

One of the critical core competencies to develop to guard against these outcomes is Emotional Intelligence.  Dubbed the “greatest predictor of career success,” Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in oneself and others.  Emotionally intelligent people can manage stress, give and receive feedback, resolve conflict, solve problems, collaborate with others, and create a more positive work environment.

In this session, participants will gain an understanding of the concept of Emotional Intelligence, why it matters, and which strategies to use to develop this area in themselves, others in their workplace and in client interactions.  

Follow the link below to get your tickets today!  Space is limited so don’t wait!

Registration Link

Event details are as follows:

  1. Topic: Lowering Risk by Raising Emotional Intelligence
  2. Date and Time: February 13, 2024 - breakfast 7:30 am CST; presentation 8 am CST
  3. Duration: 45 minutes, with a 15-minute Q and A session to follow
  4. Location: Winnipeg Winter Club (200 River Avenue, Winnipeg, MB)
  5. Cost: $20 for Members; $30 for Non-Members
    1. Members are registered RMA Associates, including employees of Institutional Members that have signed up for Associate Membership, Professional Members, Students and Academic Professional Members, and Government Agency Employee Members
    2. Non-members would include any guests that do not have an RMA Membership

EVENT SPONSOR:  Big Thank you to Fillmore Riley LLP for sponsoring this event.

 Presenter:

ACHIEVE Trainer:  Dan Doerksen

Dan is a communicator, leader, strategist, and perpetual learner who focuses his curiosity and energy towards helping individuals and organizations thrive. He has a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and 15 years of leadership experience coaching and investing in people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Dan is passionate about helping organizations realize their vision and discover what it means to create workplaces where people like to work. His skillset and experience include working in the areas of organizational structure, effective communication, growth strategies, evaluation and assessment, leading change, and empowering the younger generation of workers. Dan believes that continuous growth and learning are essential components for both individual and organizational success. Clients appreciate him for his fun, warm, and engaging presence, along with the strategic and analytical mind that he brings to his work.

 

*********************************************

Looking for a New Year’s Resolution? How about feeling amazing in what you wear to work each day in the body you have NOW!"

Join us for our Women in Finance event where Sunayna Gupta will guide you through updated business attire wardrobe staples and how to maximize them outside of the boardroom and work in the body you have now using fabulous pieces from Mad About Style. Sponsored by EDC and hosted at Mad About Style boutique, this event will fill up your shopping bag with networking connections, styling advice, and retail therapy.

Event date:  Tuesday January 30, 2024

Tickets:  $20

Time:  5-8pm, 5:30 program start time

Location:  Mad About Style Boutique, 538 Academy Rd, Winnipeg MB

Sponsored by EDC – Export Development Canada – Thank you EDC!

Appetizers & cocktails/mocktails included.

Space is limited to 40 people – reserve your ticket today!  Women in Finance Registration Link 

About Sunayna:

Sunayna is a Mama of two, dentist/owner of the all female dental practice Niverville Heritage Dental Centre, children's book author, personal shopper/stylist with House of Nayna, and owner of the ecommerce women's apparel shop, Nayna.  Yes, she really does love teeth and style equally! She specializes in teaching the EVERYDAY woman how to love and dress their body the way it is NOW.  Sunayna loves showing women how to maximize their wardrobe, what staples every wardrobe should have, and so much more.  Her services include personal shopping, wardrobe consulting, private shopping parties as well as teaching her very own Master classes.  Follow her at @houseofnaynawpg and check out her website at www.houseofnayna.ca

About Mad About Style:

Our boutique is in the charming neighbourhood of River Heights on Academy Road in Winnipeg, but you'll find our styles on women everywhere thanks to their online store. Our bright shop is always filled with new arrivals and a friendly team who cannot wait to help style you from head to toe. Whether you're searching for a single piece for a special event or need help refreshing your entire wardrobe, we want to be your first stop. Our buying team thoughtfully selects each piece to create collections with a mix of new trends, feminine styles, and classic wardrobe staples.

About EDC:

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the world stage.  We equip them with the tools they need – the trade knowledge, financial solutions, equity, insurance, and connections – to grow their business with confidence. This in turn, creates jobs and increases prosperity at home.

*********************************************

Past Events:

RMA Manitoba invites you to our next breakfast event – Cybersecurity – Risks and Safeguards. 

As business becomes increasingly reliant on technology, it is important for business owners, lenders, advisors, and service providers to understand the associated data security and cybersecurity risks and the safeguards that organizations should be considering to mitigate these risks. Danielle Graff will share tips and stories from the privacy and cybersecurity incidents she has been involved in to help organizations improve their privacy and cybersecurity preparedness.

This topic is relevant to all sizes of business and all industries.  Join us for an enlightening morning and come away better prepared to discuss cybersecurity with your clients and within your own organization.

Space is limited to 100 guests, register today:   Cybersecurity Risks and Safeguards Ticket Link

Event details are as follows:

  • Topic: Cybersecurity – Risks and Safeguards
  • Date and Time: November 28, 2023 - breakfast 7:30 am CST; presentation 8 am CST
  • Duration: 45 minutes, with a 15-minute Q and A session to follow
  • Location: Winnipeg Winter Club (200 River Avenue, Winnipeg, MB)
  • Cost: $20 for Members; $30 for Non-Members
    • Members are registered RMA Associates, including employees of Institutional Members that have signed up for Associate Membership, Professional Members, Students and Academic Professional Members, and Government Agency Employee Members
    • Non-members would include any guests that do not have an RMA Membership
  • Sponsor:   Big Thank you to MLT Aikins for sponsoring this event.

Presenter:

Danielle Graff is a Partner at MLT Aikins in Winnipeg and leads the firm’s Innovation, Data & Technology practice. Danielle regularly provides advice in connection with transactions involving technology, including licensing and technology transfers, outsourcing arrangements and data risks, and related procurement projects.

*******************************************

We are pleased to invite you to our second breakfast of the season - Horror Stories in Banking.

Although bankers never intentionally advance loans that are expected to go bad, sometimes the inevitable happens. Come hear our panel of experts from the legal, financial advisory, and special financing fields share their insights on strategies and approaches to be employed when a borrower is experiencing financial distress.

Space is limited to 100 guests, register today at Eventbrite registration

This event has been generously sponsored by Deloitte LLP.

Event details are as follows:

  • Topic: Legal, financial advisory, and special financing fields share their insights on strategies and approaches to be employed when a borrower is experiencing financial distress
  • Presenters: Healey Consulting Services, BMO Financial Group, TDS Financial Services, Deloitte LLP
  • Date and Time: October 24, 2023 - breakfast 7:30 am CST; presentation 8 am CST
  • Duration: 45 minutes, with a 15-minute Q and A session to follow
  • Location: Winnipeg Winter Club (200 River Avenue, Winnipeg, MB)
  • Cost: $20 for Members; $30 for Non-Members
    • Members are registered RMA Associates, including employees of Institutional Members that have signed up for Associate Membership, Professional Members, Students and Academic Professional Members, and Government Agency Employee Members
    • Non-members would include any guests that do not have an RMA Membership

Sponsor:   Deloitte LLP




Facilitator:
Joe Healy

Joe is the president of Healey Consulting Services Inc., undertaking strategic finance projects for clients, including fractional CFO, financial advisory, and workout services. He was previously the managing partner of a Big Four professional services firm. Joe has over 25 years of experience restructuring, operating and selling companies via insolvency proceedings on behalf of various secured lenders. In addition to his restructuring experience, Joe advises clients on mergers, acquisition and divestiture mandates.

In the community, Joe serves on the 2023 Campaign Cabinet for the United Way of Winnipeg. In lieu of his usual hefty speaker fee, Joe has asked that everyone in attendance contribute to our United Way campaign to help build a better Winnipeg.


Presenters:
Mathan Kumar:

Mathan has been in the financial industry in both retail and commercial for the past 26 years. Banks he has worked with include Canada Trust, RBC, ICICI Bank and BMO. He has been with BMO going on 19 years. He started his career with BMO in Calgary as a Financial Services Manager in 2006 and move to Toronto shortly thereafter as a Business Relationship Manager in 2007. He spent some time in the commercial sales role and managing a portfolio for approx. 3 years before moving to an HQ role as a Product Manager. During his role in HQ, he had taken a Transition Manager role to roll out their new lending platform across Canada. Upon completion of the roll out, he joined their SAMU (Special Accounts Management Unit) in 2013. He worked in SAMU Toronto for 2 years before moving to Chicago as a VP of Training SAMU for North America, which included streamlining training and processes both north and south of the border. In 2018 he moved back to Winnipeg as an Account Manager in SAMU covering the prairies market

Bruce Taylor

Bruce is a partner with TDS who practices in the areas of financial services, corporate restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy law, including advice regarding corporate debt restructuring and recovery strategies, Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act arrangements and Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act proposals; loans, loan recovery, and enforcement; related shareholder, director, employee, environmental and other issues; lender liability, bankruptcy and receivership generally.

Brent Warga

Brent is a partner of Deloitte LLP and a Senior-Vice President of Deloitte Restructuring Inc. Brent leads Deloitte’s corporate restructuring practice for Manitoba and Saskatchewan and has over 18 years of restructuring experience. Brent is a Chartered Professional Accountant, a Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Practitioner, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, and a Certified Fraud Examiner.

Brent specializes in the restructuring and turnaround of financially troubled companies through formal and informal restructuring avenues and performance enhancement initiatives. Brent has completed numerous bankruptcies, proposals, receiverships, business reviews, and turnarounds for companies in the aerospace, energy and resources, manufacturing, real estate, agriculture, construction, and retail sectors. Brent also gets involved in the monitoring of the financial, strategic, and operational results of various companies on behalf of secured creditors and other interested parties.

*********************************************

RMA Manitoba invites you to join us at our RMA-YP Young Professionals in-person networking event on October 12th from 4:30 - 7:00 pm at LOCAL Public Eatery Garry Street.

This event caters to professionals with ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE (bankers, accountants, lawyers, appraisers, and those dealing directly with commercial business clients).

Registration is limited, so please register today. 

Our generous sponsor for this event is Postma Consulting.


 Event Details: 

  • Date: October 12th
  • Time: 4:30 – 7:00 PM CST 
  • Location: LOCAL Public Eatery Garry Street. (274 Garry St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1H3)
  • Food: Appetizers will be provided along with 1 drink ticket per guest. Cash bar will also be available.
  • Cost: FREE, but attendees must register through Eventbrite.
  • Sponsor: Postma Consulting

 

Please register by October 10th via our Eventbrite link: Registration Link

 If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Jens Giesbrecht (jens.giesbrecht@roynat.com) or Rielle Chwartacki (rielle.chwartacki@cibc.com)

 Note:  This invite was sent out in advance to RMA Members allowing first priority on registration. For information on membership please visit Membership Information or speak to an RMA Manitoba Board Member.

We look forward to seeing you there!

*********************************************

We are pleased to welcome you back to the 2023-2024 season of the RMA Manitoba Chapter.  We are launching our season with a highly anticipated and insightful discussion - the Real Estate Update on September 26th at 730 AM.

Presented by Colliers International, you will gain a high-level overview of market activity for various asset types for Winnipeg and Surrounding areas.  You will also have the opportunity to ask your questions to the panel of experts in the Q & A session.

Space is limited to 100 guests, register today: Real Estate update ticket link

Event details are as follows:

  • Topic: Commercial Real Estate Market Update
  • Presenters: Colliers International (see bios below)
  • Date and Time: September 26, 2023 - breakfast 7:30 am CST; presentation 8 am CST
  • Duration: 45 minutes, with a 15-minute Q and A session to follow
  • Location: Winnipeg Winter Club (200 River Avenue, Winnipeg, MB)
  • Cost: $20 for Members; $30 for Non-Members
    • Members are registered RMA Associates, including employees of Institutional Members that have signed up for Associate Membership, Professional Members, Students and Academic Professional Members, and Government Agency Employee Members
    • Non-members would include any guests that do not have an RMA Membership

Sponsor:    Appraisal Institute of Canada (Manitoba)

PRESENTER BIOS: 

Dan Chubey is the Managing Director, Winnipeg brokerage responsible for leading the sales advisor team as well as oversees operations, recruitment and strategic business development. Dan played an active role integrating the Colliers Winnipeg office with Colliers International and his focus is on leveraging our strong systems and technology to build for future growth.

Dan joined Colliers International in September 2018 after a 15-year career with global brewing leader ABI where his previous roles saw him as a Director with leadership responsibility for the commercial business units of British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba. His focus was on the development of high performing, engaged teams that grew market share while also prioritizing key financial metrics including top line and EBITDA growth.


Tom Derrett joined Colliers in June 2008 after spending 10 years in several Sales and Marketing roles with Labatt Breweries. Tom’s experience with this global company allowed him to work in multiple markets across Canada gaining an extensive knowledge of the consultative selling process. Tom looks forward to creating value with his clients by meeting their immediate and future real estate needs.

Since joining Colliers, Tom has worked exclusively in the industrial market where he specializes in the sales and the leasing of user and investment properties along with the sale of land.  Servicing both local and global clients, Tom and his industrial team have completed over 17 million square feet in transactions along with over 575 acres in land sales over the past 14 years.

Sean Kliewer entered the real estate brokerage industry in 2011 after completing a B.A. (Hons.) at the University of Toronto.  Since joining Colliers International, Sean has completed office transactions totaling over 1 million square feet.   He has also been a panelist at Winnipeg Real Estate Forum and a repeat columnist in BOMA’s annual building directory.

Building off his academic background and collegiate athletics, his hard work and dedication have driven Sean to be a successful leader in the commercial real estate industry.  Over the past several years, Sean has built a strong reputation for providing his clients with the highest level of service. Using his knowledge of the Winnipeg office market combined with creative, business-driven real estate strategies, Sean has been able to assist clients on a wide variety of real estate needs both locally and nationally. Sean prides himself on a professional approach, client satisfaction and developing long term relationships.

Sean is also committed to the enhancement of the local real estate market as a member of the WinnipegREALTORS® Commercial Division and has been active in the community as a volunteer coach in the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League from 2012 to 2016.

Melissa Duff, as a member of the Retail Team in the Winnipeg office, Melissa works as a Licensed Retail Specialist. She is responsible for transaction management, development of marketing materials and managing the team’s property listings.

With an extensive background in the hospitality industry, she is quick to connect with clients and eager to build professional relationships.

Matt Odger is an advisor specializing in development and the sale of income-producing industrial, retail, office, and multifamily assets. He joined brokerage 2017 in both a sales and leasing capacity and has previous experience in property management.

Matt has strong connections throughout the Winnipeg market, with clients ranging from sole proprietorships to REITs and institutional investors. He stays current on property availabilities, market research, investment fundamentals, and financial markets as a whole.




_____________________________________________________________________

Don't forget to renew your annual membership a http://www.rmahq.org/membership-types/ .


Breakfast Meeting location: Winnipeg Winter Club, 200 River Avenue

Time: 8:00am - 9:00am
Cost: $20 Members / $30 Non-Members (includes buffet breakfast)
RSVP: 

If you are interested in being a Keynote Speaker, please contact Dan Carevic at DCarevic@acu.ca

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Watch for upcoming details regarding the RMA Young Professionals and RMA Women in Finance events throughout the year. These are a great opportunity to expand your business network by meeting other professionals!​​​