News

The School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) brought together over 100 donors, alumni, students and faculty at the 2026 SAF Alumni Excellence Gala for an evening celebrating achievement, leadership and community.

The gala honoured the outstanding achievements and milestones earned across the SAF community over the past year — from alumni making their mark at the highest levels of their fields, to students representing Waterloo on the world stage in competition against the best and brightest universities globally.

Adnan Khan (MAcc ’17), co-founder and co-CEO of Viva Talent, is being recognized with the School of Accounting and Finance’s 2025 Leader to Watch Award. From launching his first social venture as a student to building a global talent platform, Khan’s work is rooted in expanding access to opportunity.

A committed member of the SAF community, Khan continues to give back through mentorship and support for student initiatives. His journey reflects a belief in the power of relationships, curiosity and creating pathways for others to succeed.

New research from Kaishu Wu, Professor at the School of Accouting and Finance, explores how political connections can influence the penalties companies face in foreign bribery cases.

Analyzing 151 U.S. enforcement cases over 25 years, the study raises broader questions about fairness and transparency in anti-corruption law.

From first-generation student to senior RBC leader, Troy Maxwell (MAcc ’89) has spent his career driving results and helping organizations evolve. In recognition of his contributions to the banking industry and his ongoing support of the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), he has received the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award.

Throughout his career, Maxwell has championed mentorship, broad thinking and continuous learning — values shaped during his time at Waterloo. Today, he continues to give back to SAF and its students, helping to inspire the next generation of finance leaders.

University of Waterloo students have won the global CFA Institute Research Challenge, outperforming teams from 1,200 universities worldwide and securing the university’s third global title in a decade.

In partnership with the Waterloo Region District School Board’s Black Brilliance initiative, the University of Waterloo’s School of Accounting and Finance welcomed secondary school students and teachers to campus for an immersive day exploring business education.

Through mentorship, hands-on activities and conversations with faculty, students and entrepreneurs, the visit aimed to make pathways in business, finance and entrepreneurship feel visible, accessible and welcoming.

The University of Waterloo’s School of Accounting and Finance has achieved its highest‑ever international research ranking, placing third worldwide in the 2025 Brigham Young University (BYU) Accounting Rankings — ahead of institutions such as Cornell University.

The milestone reflects sustained, award‑winning research that helps organizations better understand how incentives, performance metrics and systems influence real human behaviour at work.

Three School of Accounting and Finance alumni — Francesca Loreto (MAcc ’16), Jacqueline Sue (MAcc ’19) and Akash Kapoor (MAcc ‘14) — have been named among CPA Ontario’s 2025 Emerging Leaders, recognized for their early career impact and commitment to uplifting others.

Their journeys reflect a shared dedication to mentorship, community leadership, and shaping what’s next for the profession.

Blake Phillips, Director of the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), joined Velocity in welcoming The Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions).

During the visit, Phillips highlighted the value of SAF's Student Venture Fund, which gives students the valuable opportunity to engage directly with entrepreneurship and venture capital while they’re still in school.

Patricia O’Malley (LLD ’16) was appointed to the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.

She is a globally respected leader in financial reporting, having played a pivotal role in the development and international adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards.