Sponsored by Calgary Economic Development.
Joel Schlesinger © Postmedia Content Works.
Fifty years in business says a lot. That’s certainly the case with one of Canada’s most successful independent asset managers, Calgary based Mawer Investment Management Ltd.
“We’ve weathered a lot of different market ups and downs over that time,” says Craig Senyk, board chair at Mawer Investment Management.
From the skyrocketing inflation of the 1970s to the 2008-09 financial crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic bear market, Mawer has grown its clients’ capital through many storms. The firm has had one guiding light through it all.
“I remember when I started in 1997, and founder Chuck Mawer said to me, ‘As long as you do the right thing, I never have to worry about our company’s future," says Senyk.
Since its founding in 1974, Mawer has consistently done the right thing. But this goes beyond delivering award winning investment performance. Serving some of Canada’s largest pension funds, wealthiest families and millions of working and retired Canadians, Mawer’s commitment extends to creating lasting value for its clients — shaping financial futures with integrity and expertise.
“Doing the right thing is also building a strong culture for our workers, one that attracts and retains the best employees,” Senyk says, adding Mawer has consistently been named one of Canada’s top workplaces. It also involves doing right by its ownership group, which in turn is also its workers, given Mawer is an employee-owned company. “Lastly, doing the right thing means giving back to our community,” says Senyk.
Mawer stands out as a Certified Caring Company, a designation that reflects its commitment to giving back by donating at least one per cent of pre-tax profits to the community. The company is also driven largely by its Calgary roots, which has allowed the firm to stay true to its values while navigating the complexities of the financial world.
“One of the biases in the wealth industry is groupthink, and so there is an advantage being away from Bay Street and Wall Street,” Senyk says.
Another key factor in Mawer’s success is its commitment to innovation, using artificial intelligence to enhance research and client services.
“As long as we keep doing the right thing, Mawer will continue building wealth for clients, our employees and community for the next 50 years,” Senyk says.
This feature was created by Content Works, Postmedia's commercial content division, on behalf of Calgary Economic Development.