New leader
iStockphoto/BrianAJackson

Edmonton-based ATB Financial is launching a proprietary leader certification program in partnership with the University of Alberta.

The program aims to bridge the gap between academics and business acumen, a release said. With the program, “we are treating leadership as a practice,” said Curtis Stange, president and CEO of ATB Financial, in the release.

The program focuses on leading people, effectively using resources to lead in business and identifying and responding to change, said Tara Lockyer, chief people and communications officer with ATB, in an interview. The roughly 50 leaders in the bank’s wealth management business are among those eligible for the program and participants get credits applicable to Master of Business Administration programs, she said.

ATB, which is a Crown corporation of Alberta, saw total assets under administration in its wealth management business rise to $36.6 billion in its third quarter ended Dec. 31, 2024 — up 22% quarter over quarter — after acquiring Manitoba-based BCV Asset Management Inc.

Update on program for industry support roles

George Brown College’s year-old certificate program in operations and client management, sponsored by Cumberland Private Wealth Management Inc., grew in enrolment year over year. The program had 19 students in its first cohort and currently has 24, said Paul Gambell, executive vice-president of business strategy with Infinite Investment Systems Ltd. Gambell teaches one of the certificate’s courses, and Infinite provides scholarships and employment opportunities.