Donation from iA Financial Group boosts sustainable finance research at HEC Montréal
The HEC Montréal Foundation has announced a significant collaboration with iA Financial Group, marking a substantial progression in sustainable finance research at HEC Montréal.
iA Financial Group's $1m donation, spread over a 10-year period, will support the research activities of what will now be known as the iA Financial Group Chair in Sustainable Finance.
This investment aims to foster major advancements in sustainable finance research, including the development of innovative knowledge, specialist training, and knowledge transfer to the business community.
Michel Patry, president, and CEO of the HEC Montreal Foundation expressed gratitude for the support: “It is with a renewed sense of pride that I would like to thank iA Financial Group for its unwavering support of the school. By making such a generous commitment today to support research into sustainable finance, our long-standing partner is giving us the means to develop innovative solutions to meet the challenges facing society today.”
This partnership establishes a reference centre for sustainable finance in Quebec, significantly enhancing sustainable finance research at HEC Montréal.
The funding will bolster research into the effects of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors on investment performance and investor decision-making.
It also aims to train doctoral and master's students under the guidance of Iwan Meier, professor in the Department of Finance at HEC and Holder of the Chair in Sustainable Finance.
“iA Financial Group's 10-year donation is a clear demonstration of our shared ambition to make a significant contribution to the development of knowledge in this field. This long-term commitment ensures the continuity of our research efforts and our contribution to moving the financial sector towards more sustainable practices, both locally and internationally,” commented Meier.
Denis Ricard, president, and chief executive officer of iA Financial Group, said, “We're really pleased to be partnering with HEC Montréal to provide long-term support for the important work of the iA Financial Group Chair in Sustainable Finance. These two aspects of the project confirm our positioning towards the integration of ESG factors and sustainability at the heart of our decision-making processes.”
An event celebrating this partnership will be held at the Hélène-Desmarais building in the Montreal business district, with key stakeholders from iA Financial Group and HEC Montréal in attendance.
Media representatives are invited to join the event on Thursday, April 25, at 11:00 am, with mandatory registration for participants.
