Culture & Community

For AIMCo clients with multi-billion dollar investment portfolios, investment returns are of the utmost importance. They have a natural curiosity about the underlying portfolio assets that impact the returns. That’s why AIMCo invited clients to a two-day event in Toronto in April 2024 to visit some of their investment assets in person.

The group was treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of Yorkdale Shopping Centre, learning about mall operations and growth plans from the management team. They saw other properties from their Mortgage and Real Estate portfolios and met personnel, investment partners
and asset management teams who are all part of the AIMCo ecosystem.

“Touring the properties that form the security of our clients’ investments is one of the best parts of my job. Seeing how an asset is utilized day-to-day provides us with context to the property value,” said Sarah Esler, AIMCo’s Head of Mortgages.

“Sharing the experience with clients who were keen to learn about the properties and the underlying investment strategies was a highlight of the year.”

The accolades keep coming for AIMCo’s dynamic workplace culture. AIMCo was named one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People for the second year running and remains on the list of Alberta’s Top Employers.

It’s no surprise to employee David Chin. After completing a stint as a summer student, he jumped at the offer of a full-time role with the firm in Edmonton. Six years later, he’s an associate portfolio manager on the Public Equities team.

“One of the things I like most about AIMCo is that even early on, you have the ability to be involved in the investment decision-making process, and that’s been really helpful for me,” he said. “You’re also given access to senior investment leaders to hear about their experiences and insights, which is a great way to learn.”

After growing up in Edmonton and completing his bachelor of commerce at the University of Alberta, Chin was keen to grow his career where he has established roots.

“It’s a big win for me to have a career in finance at a high-caliber investment manager with a deep connection to the province I call home.”

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May of 2024 was the perfect time for AIMCo’s newest employee resource group to make its debut. As Asian Heritage month was marked in Canada, the Asian Community for Empowerment and Support — ACES for short — was born.

The group aims to provide a network for Asian employees and supportive colleagues to connect, share resources and support one another’s personal and career growth. According to an internal survey, more than 40% of employees at AIMCo identify as being of Asian descent.  The group’s membership is growing, and upwards of 200 people from across the organization joined the launch event to hear from a guest speaker who shared wisdom on building a successful career in finance.

Co-Chairs Cathy Cheng, Yabin Tu and Fei Zhou wanted to be part of something that would strengthen connections among AIMCo employees.

“Our people are really the spirit of our culture here, and having an engaged team will only improve the work we are able to do for our clients,” said Zhou, a principal on the Infrastructure team.

Tu, a principal working in Private Debt & Loan, sees her involvement as a way to develop professionally, as well.

“It’s an opportunity for me to develop leadership, communication and organizational skills in a way that is really fulfilling — by delivering something to the AIMCo community and helping make our culture more cohesive.”

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When it comes to financial literacy, getting the right information to the right person at the right time can be the difference between financial precarity and stability. From kids to seniors and urban centres to rural regions, those who are financially vulnerable have distinct financial education needs at different points in their lives.

“At AIMCo, we know the immense value of a secure financial future — it’s what we strive for every day for our clients and their beneficiaries,” said Amit Prakash, AIMCo’s Chief Fiduciary Management Officer and AIMCo Foundation for Financial Education Board Director. “It’s also the focus of our work on behalf of all Albertans through the Foundation.”

In 2024, the Foundation expanded its reach to new regions and audiences. Thanks to accelerated fundraising success paired with an emphasis on broad impact, the Foundation welcomed 8 new community partners to its ranks, distributing more than $380,000 to a total of 20 Alberta-based financial literacy initiatives — a record annual high for the Foundation.

From funding programming for underserved audiences, including seniors and people with disabilities, to ensuring accessible financial education for people living in areas like Hinton and Vulcan County, the Foundation is proudly working alongside community partners to ensure all Albertans have what they need to improve their financial health and security.

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