Loren Francis, Class of 1990
““I chose the University of Toronto because of its reputation and connections with the business community. The program, in combination with my CA/CPA designation, provided me with a skill set that put me ahead of numerous applicants for a position in investment banking. It certainly allowed me to develop a highly rewarding career path”
Loren Francis, Vice President & Principal, HighView Financial Group was a student in the University of Toronto’s first MBA in Professional Accounting (now MMPA) from 1998 to 1990. With a penchant for numbers, Loren was invited to a launch evening for the degree program and was attracted to the co-op component. “I’m a big believer in co-op programs,” says Loren who believes that her co-op at PriceWaterhouseCoopers during the program gave her relevant work experience and knowledge of what to expect when starting her career.
“I chose the University of Toronto because of its reputation and connections with the business community. The program, in combination with my CA/CPA designation, provided me with a skill set that put me ahead of numerous applicants for a position in investment banking. It certainly allowed me to develop a highly rewarding career path”.
Loren has been in the capital markets for most of her career. In her current role at HighView Financial, Loren is responsible for managing HNW and Foundation client relationships and developing new business opportunities, and she is a member of the firm’s Portfolio Strategy Committee which selects and oversees the investment managers on HighView’s platform. Loren has a particular interest in Responsible Investing and Social Impact.
Prior to joining HighView, Loren spent 8 years as a Portfolio Manager & VP with Barometer Capital, 4 years with Cumberland Private Wealth Management and over 12 years at CIBC where she focused on both private wealth management and investment banking. Loren’s experience includes working with clients on business succession planning, including the transition of a business, liquidity events and exit strategies, and implementing wealth management solutions. During her time in investment banking, Loren was involved in 15 initial public offerings and a number of merger and acquisition deals as well as numerous debt and equity issues for Canadian public companies.
Loren has been a guest speaker on many topics including wealth management, asset allocation, and pursuing your passion, and has been a keynote speaker for the CPAO on a number of occasions. Loren is currently on the Canadian Advisory Board of Right to Play, a global charity dedicated to protecting, educating and empowering children through play. Loren was previously a director on the board of the Oakville Hospital Foundation for 9 years during the time of the capital campaign and new Hospital build. She was also on the investment committee for the Community Foundation of Oakville and she is a past director, co-chair of fundraising and chair of the investment committee for Sheena’s Place, a registered charity offering hope and support for patients with eating disorders.
In addition to her MBA (in Accounting) and FCPA designation, Loren holds her Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation (Canadian Securities Institute) and obtained her BA in Geography from York University. Loren was awarded the FCPA designation in 2011.