Sponsored by Calgary Economic Development.
Joel Schlesinger © Postmedia Content Works.
Originally published in the Calgary Herald on Oct. 29, 2024.
If the energy industry is the engine that powers Alberta’s economy, then ATB Financial is undoubtedly its fuel, providing the financing and specialized advice necessary to power its prosperity.
“Energy is indeed the heart of the province’s economy, but it’s really so much more than that,” says Hugh Sanderson, head of investment banking at ATB Capital Markets.
“Energy is important to all Canadians because it’s something we all use and rely on every minute of our lives.” That makes ATB’s role in providing financing for the province’s energy industry — be it oil and gas, or renewable energy like wind and solar — purposeful and important to the growth of the sector.
“Compared with Canada’s big banks, ATB is the only major financial institution based in Alberta,” Sanderson says. “It means that our decisions about the energy industry are made-in-Alberta decisions — we truly get it.” ATB Financials' Alberta focused approach means it has stood firm in its support of the province’s oil and gas industry while other financial institutions are shying away from the sector, he adds.
“We’ve supported the energy sector by about four billion dollars in the last four years alone.” While ATB’s ‘wheelhouse’ is working with mid-market oil and gas companies, it supports a wide variety of clients, from small businesses to the world’s largest energy firms, says Sanderson. “What differentiates us is the advice, expertise and capital we bring to the table.” ATB has a dedicated commercial banking team to support the sector.
As one of the leading capital markets groups in Canada for energy, its specialized team helps clients understand the impact of proposed asset acquisitions, while offering guidance on financing choices from loans to raising equity. Among the ATB’s growing roles is helping with the energy transition. “This transition needs a lot of capital to be successful,” Sanderson says.
“Some of that will come from ATB because we will lend the capital they need while some will come from other sources, and we advise clients on how to access that to their advantage.” Although this transition involves providing oil and gas companies with support and guidance to reduce their carbon footprint, another aspect is supporting Alberta’s growing sustainable energy industry — from carbon capture to wind and solar to nuclear and hydrogen.
Sanderson says ATB’s focus isn’t about building out aspects of one industry at the expense of the other. Its mission is about helping all facets of the industry to fuel Alberta’s economy towards a more sustainable future.
“Our job at ATB is really about supporting the growth of an increasingly diverse energy economy for the benefit of Alberta and Canada as a whole."
This feature was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Calgary Economic Development.