CFLA Annual National Conference

Workshop Speakers

St John's, Newfoundland & Labrador

Ahead of our 2024 Annual Conference, we are excited to introduce the inspiring workshop speakers!

 

Workshop #1

Maximizing your Anti Money-Laundering Investment

David Paquette, Equifax

David is a bilingual Fraud & Identity Consultant specialized in Compliance, Anti Money-Laundering and financial crimes with 15 years of experience within the Canadian financial industry. At Equifax, David is part of a team of analytic consultants that provide data and analytics expertise to help customers solve complex business problems related to fraud.

 

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Workshop #2

Automation in Action: Driving Operational Efficiency to Reduce Losses and Increase Revenue

Cheryl Woodburn, Provenir

Cheryl serves as Country Manager for Canada at Provenir, a global leader in data and AI-powered risk decisioning software. Cheryl has over 25 years of experience in global software, analytics, data and technology markets. Prior to joining Provenir, she served as Vice President, Sales at Equifax and has held senior leadership roles at FICO and IBM. Cheryl is a sought-after public speaker, frequently seen discussing topics such as data, strategy, fraud, and risk mitigation.

 

Clare Colledge, RegHub Systems

As the President of RegHub, Clare is responsible for the operations of the company running all facets of the business.  She brings 30 years of experience in the financial registry services industry.  Her proven experience and leadership have focused on developing and delivering technology-driven business services, providing outstanding customer service and driving profitable revenue growth. She has been a driving influence with registry government operations across Canada. 

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Workshop #3 

What’s New in Law

Shaun Parekh, Miller Thomson LLP

Shaun Parekh primarily practices in the financial services and structured finance & securitization groups. He is an advisor to a number of Schedule I and II banks, non-bank lenders, and borrowers on domestic and international secured lending files. His private practice experience spans various types of transactions, including bilateral and syndicated arrangements, securitizations, cash-flow lending, equipment leasing, asset-based lending, floorplan financing and other specialty areas. Shaun also spent a number of years as Vice President, Legal Counsel at a global rating agency where he provided advice on private and public securitization transactions. His work covered many asset classes that support the Canadian market for asset-backed securities and asset-backed commercial paper, including but not limited to residential mortgages, auto loans and leases, equipment loans and leases, and covered bonds.

Adam Jackson, Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP

Adam Jackson is a Partner in the Financial Services Group in the Toronto office of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. His practice primarily focuses on securitization and asset-based lending/leasing transactions. Adam advises equipment lessors and lessees on the establishment of lending/leasing programs for motor vehicles and other types of equipment. He also advises financial institutions, captive finance companies and equipment lessors on inventory finance and the securitization of fleet and consumer leases and loans. In 2023, Adam has been recognized for Asset Securitization and Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, for Asset-Based Lending and Structured Finance Law by The Best Lawyers in Canada, and for Securitization by Chambers Canada.

 

Francois Joubert, Savoie Joubert

François was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1987 after having graduated from the University of Montreal Law (B.C.L.). François is one of the founding partners of Savoie-Joubert Law firm and over the years, his dedication and hard work have helped and expand the firm’s clientele, while ensuring that all clients continue to benefit from first rate service. His availability to clients and his desire to satisfy the client have been the keys to his success. Over the last few years, François has participated in the development of important decisions rendered by the Quebec Court of Appeal in recognizing the rights of the creditors holding real rights in securitized assets, whether financed or leased, in insurance claims.

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Workshop #4

The Power of AI in Asset Finance: Bridging Business Strategy and Technology​

Marwan Batta, Leasepath

Marwan Batta is a seasoned Software Development Leader with over twelve years of experience in the Microsoft ecosystem. His career spans a range of industries, including finance, manufacturing, commercial real estate, and automotive. Initially specializing in WebAPI development, Marwan has focused extensively on Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the Power platform in recent years. For the past five years, he has also been mentoring and coaching teammates on diverse projects, helping to drive innovation and efficiency. Outside of his professional life, Marwan is passionate about fitness and nutrition, frequently seen at the gym or logging miles on his road bike. Fun fact, Marwan climbed the CN Tower in an impressive 14:44 this spring while raising funds for the World Wildlife Fund.

 

Matthew Hinkley, Tao Solutions

Matt started his career in the Fintech scene in Europe mapping both debt and equity lenders into Europe's largest online brokerage. Matt has been consistently trying to improve the relationship between lender and borrower within the finance space using technology throughout his career. In 2017 Matt moved to Canada where he became a technology analyst at PwC with a large focus around emerging technologies such as AI and Blockchain. Following 2 years at PwC, Matt moved on to build his own company providing a compliant onboarding tool for banks and other financial institutions in the Caribbean. Most recently, Matt has joined LeaseSpark, a TAO Solutions asset-finance software application solution, where Matt will help manage and onboard new client accounts, while aiding product solution design.

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Workshop #5

Industry Fraud Panel

Hugh Swandel, Meridian OneCap

Hugh Swandel has been active in the commercial equipment finance industry for 30 years in a variety of roles. Since Mr. Swandel has been the President of Meridian OneCap Commercial Credit (MOCC). MOCC is a market leader in the Canadian equipment financing sector with offices across Canada.  Previously Hugh was the Senior Managing Director of The Alta Group in Canada and worked for clients in both United States and Canada. The Alta Group is a global consultancy practice specializing in the asset-based finance industry.  Hugh has assisted many top foreign and domestic firms on a variety of projects including market entry studies, acquisitions, due diligence, funding and strategic planning.

Hugh serves on the executive of the board of directors of the Canadian Finance and Leasing Association (CFLA), is Chairman of the CFLA research committee, and is the past President of the National Equipment Financing Association (NEFA, USA). He also is a member of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association of America (ELFA). He has reported on many events and conferences for Leasing News and is an active participant on the Advisory Board.

In 2006, 2010 and in 2018, Hugh received the Canadian leasing industry’s highest honor when he was named “Canadian Finance and Leasing Association Member of the Year.” 

During the Global Credit Crisis, Hugh was retained by the Canadian Finance and Leasing Industry to prepare materials and provide insight into the impact of the credit crisis on Canadian independent finance companies. Mr. Swandel presented to the advisory committee to the Minister of Finance and was later asked to provide commentary to the CD Howe Institute at a policy development discussion with government and industry representatives. Hugh is currently part of the C.D. Howe Institute SME working group.

Mr. Swandel has also been published in numerous industry magazines and co-authored a research document for the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation (U.S.A.) on the Canadian Commercial Equipment Finance Market.

Mr. Swandel is an active fundraiser; co-founder and past trustee of the Chris Walker Education Fund – an equipment finance industry charity dedicated to furthering research and education in memory of Chris Walker. In addition to supporting industry research, Mr. Swandel and have also operated annual fundraising concerts in support of Post-Traumatic Stress Charities in memory of RCMP officer and family friend Ken Barker.

Prior to founding his consulting firm, Swandel and Associates, in 2001, Hugh served as president and chief operations officer of Electronic Financial Group (EFG). EFG was a Canadian company that launched a multi lending web-based credit system. Earlier, Hugh spent 10 years with National Leasing Group in a variety of senior positions. National Leasing Group is a Canadian lessor that has won numerous awards for excellence in management and innovation.

Shahan Khan, Bennington Financial

 

Carl Davies, Equifax

As Head of Fraud, ID and Compliance at Equifax Canada, Carl brings 20 years experience in financial services, specialising in fraud mitigation, risk management and technology platforms. With a background in Consulting and Professional Services Leadership, his experience covers industry sectors across North America, the UK and Europe. Prior to Equifax, Carl held leadership positions at Experian Canada, a technology start-up based in Toronto, and various consulting roles in the UK.

 

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Workshop #6

Inflection Point –  Adjusting the Course for Women Leaders in Equipment Finance 

Alane MacDonald, TD Equipment

Alane is an equipment finance professional who has built a successful career spanning over 30 years in the industry, she has extensive experience in sales management, business development, strategy and business integration.  She is a proven leader and collaborative problem solver, committed to bringing out the best of each team member while optimizing efficiency to drive business performance and achieve objectives.

 

Doug McKenzie, Bridgecorp Advisory Group

 

Angela Armstrong, Prime Capital 

Angela Armstrong is the Founder & President of the Prime Capital Group, a Canada-wide equipment lender focused on enabling Canadian entrepreneurial productivity and growth. An active director and past chair of the  CFLA , she is also past board chair for Women Building Futures , pending board Chair for Lift Impact Partners, and current board Chair of the for profit AHLA Services Corp board. She is an angel investor,  committed technology adopter, passionate innovator and active mentor and advisor in a variety of entrepreneurial organizations. Angela celebrated her 30th anniversary with her partner Dan this year, and together they raised two young women of whom they are incredibly proud.  

Karen Dowling, 990 Capital Management 

Karen Dowling is Vice-President at 990 Capital Management, specializing in structuring and managing private debt solutions on behalf of both issuers and investors. Prior to this, Karen spent 10 years within the banking industry across various structured finance and risk roles in both Ireland and Australia.

 

Maya Winfrey, Current Financial Corp

Maya Winfrey is the President of CFC Group Inc., overseeing Current Financial Corp. (CFC), House To Home Equity Corp. (HTH), and Medi Loans Financial Corp. (MLF). With over a decade of experience in asset-based lending and finance, Maya has held various management positions, gaining hands-on expertise across credit structuring, compliance, risk management, and business operations. She played a key role in launching new business lines, including real estate through HTH, and established a consumer lending arm with MLF. Maya is committed to the continued growth, innovation, and high standards within the asset-based lending and finance sector.

 

 

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Workshop #7

Core System Modernization – some practical reflections 

Peter Minshall, Netsol

Peter Minshall has been EVP at Netsol in the North American region since 2020. He oversees sales, account management and projects for Netsol’s clients across the asset finance, automotive retail, and IT Professional Services domains. During this period NETSOL has grown its North American customer base in the core Asset Finance technology domain, and developed new segments in Automotive Digital Retail and Mobility services.  Peter brings over three decades of international experience in the financial services industry with an accomplished background at major bluechip enterprises with sector expertise in the auto finance space specifically. Peter held various senior leadership roles (Finance and Operations) with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services across various countries in the Asia Pacific and European regions. He has also held additional management level roles at multinational corporations such as:, Fiat Auto Financial Services, and Price Waterhouse.

 

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Workshop #8 

Driving Success: Auto Finance Trends & Strategies

Bob Metodiev, Inovatec

Bob’s trademark is in strategic alliances and innovation, with 20 years experience in leadership roles at Equifax US, Equifax Canada, Canada Post Digital Division and Bank of Canada. Currently, Bob leads the Sales and Business Development team at Inovatec System where he successfully developed loan origination and management solutions for captives, banks, and credit unions across the US and Canada. In the automotive space, Bob fostered partnerships with dealer portals (Cox Automotive, RouteOne, Open Dealer Exchange, CU Direct, etc.), OEMs (Porsche, BMW, Yamaha, FCA, etc.) and digital retailers (Carvana, TrueCar, etc.). 

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Workshop #9

Data Panel

Robin Somerville, QEDInc

 

Anna Bowness, Equifax

Having started her career in underwriting, Anna understands lenders and the data they need to make informed and accurate lending decisions. From managing client relationships as Commercial Banker to supporting lenders as an Account Executive for PayNet Canada, she has grown into the role of a Consultant, Commercial and Small Business Credit Strategy at Equifax Canada, supporting the Equifax Account Executives who manage relationships with Asset-Based Lenders, Auto Captives, Fintechs and Credit Unions. Through a deep understanding of the data assets managed by Equifax Canada, as well as the expectations of business borrowers, Anna partners and collaborates with lenders to create solutions that are uniquely tailored to their needs and support their goals

 

Daniel Ross, Blackbook

With 16 years of industry experience in the areas of automotive finance, sales operations, distribution, and aftersales, Daniel has a vast knowledge within many important facets of the automotive retail and wholesale markets. Working for multiple OEMs over the course of his career, Daniel resides as a key member of the Canadian Black Book Leadership team, of which he’s spent the last 7 years in various roles. Starting with the forecasting of Residual Values back in 2017, he’s stayed on the bleeding edge of the quickly evolving car market, and now holds the title of Senior Manager, Industry Insights & Residual Value Strategy.  As part of CBB, Danielworks closely with OEMs, Banks, Captives, other Lenders, as well as Dealer Groups to help educate, inform, and understand his business partners by way of Canada-specific data analytics and industry trends.

 

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