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.

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.

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.

Each year, the University of Waterloo recognizes exceptional alumni from each faculty and school with Alumni Awards. Recipients from 2025, Troy Maxwell (BA ’89, MAcc ’89) and Adnan Khan (BAFM ’17, MAcc ’17), are highlighted for their professional achievements, leadership and community impact.

Visit the 2025 Alumni Awards page for a full list of recipients.

Jatinder Bassi (MAcc ’10), President of Echelon Insurance, reflects on continuous learning, leadership growth and the mindset shifts that supported his journey from accounting and finance roles to executive leadership.

In this Q&A, he shares practical career insights and advice for the next generation of business leaders.

As we wrap up 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the milestones, stories, and achievements that shaped the year at the School of Accounting and Finance.