Skip to main content
Notifications
  • Do you need one?
    ×
  • When done right, it can be the hallmark of brand reputation.
    ×
  • How to become one
    ×
  • How to improve your ticket sales
    ×
  • You Need to Be a Better Public Speaker
    ×
  • Upgrade
  • Blog
  • Login
  • Sign up
  • Speakers
  • Organizers
  • Agencies
  • Events
  • How it works
  • SkillCamp
  1. Home
  2. Find a speaker
  3. Ian Robertson
Ian Robertson's cover banner
Gold
Ian Robertson's picture

Ian Robertson

CFA
VP, Director, and Portfolio Manager
Odlum Brown Limited
Country or state 
Canada
Available to 
Europe,
North America
City 
Vancouver
Fee 
Ask for pricing
Languages 
English
Volunteer
Yes

Personal Details

Bio

Ian Robertson, CFA, MBA, MA

Vice President, Director & Portfolio Manager, Odlum Brown Limited

Ian sits on his firm’s Executive Committee and has been a leader at the firm in responsible investing and proxy voting. He is board chair of the Responsible Investment Association (Canada) and a member of the Institute for Corporate Directors. Prior to 1997 he worked as an analyst with the federal government in Ottawa, including postings at the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs, and in Vancouver where he worked with the Federal Treaty Negotiation Office.

Ian has supervised many Associate Portfolio Managers (APMs) as they work to become full portfolio managers. In this capacity, he works with the APMs to further their understanding of markets, portfolio management, ethics, and regulatory requirements. The CFA curriculum, Code of Ethics, and Standards of Professional Conduct are central both to Ian’s practice and to the APMs’ training.

Ian is a longstanding volunteer with CFA Institute and its affiliated local society in Vancouver. In 2008 he chaired the institute’s global Annual Conference held in Vancouver, which attracted over 1800 investment leaders from around the world. He was president of the Vancouver society and has served on several CFA Institute committees, including as a member of the Hearing Panel Pool for CFA Institute’s Disciplinary Review Committee (DRC). In 2010 he joined the restructured DRC as a full voting member, serving for six years – including two on the Executive Committee – until reaching the term limit in 2016. He is a contributing author to the Financial Analysts Journal book reviews on-line and in print.

Ian is a Past Board Chair of the University of British Columbia Alumni Association and recently served on the university’s Campaign Cabinet, which achieved its dual goals of raising $1.5 billion and doubling alumni engagement over seven years. He currently serves as chair of the athletic department’s Alumni Council and as a member of the university’s foundation board. Ian is a nationally ranked masters swimmer.

In addition to his work and volunteer activities, Ian is currently pursuing his DPhil (PhD) part-time at the University of Oxford, focussing on corporate governance and responsible investment. In addition to his presentations on Ethics for CFA Institute, he has presented on various aspects of responsible investment at industry and academic conferences. His first paper was awarded Best Student Paper at the United Nations’ backed PRI’s 2017 Academic Conference.

Current position (2)

VP, Director, and Portfolio Manager

Odlum Brown Limited

DPhil Candidate

University of Oxford

Achievements (4)
2020 Volunteer of the Year - CFA Society Vancouver
2018 Arthur Delamont Service Award - University of BC

Given to the individual or group emulating the perennial freshman spirit that was exhibited by Arthur Delanont, who for 40 years, was the leader of the University Pep Band. Those who exemplify Delamont's contribution of service, goodwill and cheerfulness to students and athletes are eligible.

2017 Volunteer Leadership Award - University of BC

While chairing alumni UBC, Ian helped develop a robust alumni engagement strategy and provided much of the groundwork and volunteer fundraising leadership for the establishment of an alumni centre on the Vancouver campus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRr9OK9bdHM

2017 - Best Student Paper

"Responsible Investment Requires a Proxy Voting System Responsive to Retail Investors" was one of three award winning papers at the 2017 United Nations backed PRI's Academic Conference in Berlin.

Degrees (5)
Graduate Diploma in Strategy and Innovation
University of Oxford
2016 to 2017
Master of Arts (Public Administration)
Carleton University
1994 to 1996
MBA (International Business)
Dalhousie University
1990 to 1992
Bachelor of Arts (English Literature)
University of British Columbia
1986 to 1988
Bachelor of Science
University of British Columbia
1981 to 1986

Presentations

Presentations (5)
ESG Investing: Myths vs. Reality

Co-presenters Ian and Sameer highlight the myths and realities of ESG investing from a CFA Charterholder perspective. Their presentation is consistent with the CFA Body of Knowledge and provides attendees an enduring foundation to assess the ever-expanding ESG framework.

They examine the origins and differences amongst Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), Responsible Investing (RI), and ESG Investing. They also distinguish between practices that are consistent with Modern Portfolio Theory and those that are better aligned with Behavioral Finance, including the costs, benefits, and impact of each approach. Several examples of impact investments are highlighted. They compare the ESG investments offered by the investment industry to retail and institutional investors (they are not the same!). The program will address how misconceptions about ESG factors can affect investment decisions. Ian and Sameer discuss common ESG myths and contrast them with their respective realities.

Retail Investors, Responsible Investment, and Proxy Voting

Responsible Investment is defined by the UN backed PRI as the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors into the selection of investments and into the ownership activities (proxy voting and engagement).
First, this presentation traces the foundational investment theories underpinning portfolio selection, and shows how ESG factors can be integrated as part of the process.
Second, it shows how those same ESG factors can be used when considering how to vote a proxy. It also looks at the fixed costs (time, expertise) of voting and the different incentives of investment owners and managers.
Finally, it gives examples of how the proxy voting system works for retail investors and the types of issues they may be asked to vote on via shareholder proposals.

Executive Pay in the 2018 Proxy Season: Trends and Developments that Matter

The recent years have witnessed how the nature of executive and director compensation significantly evolved due to the passing of current legislations and court decisions. This year, with the passage of H.R. 1 known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, along with the implementation of the CEO pay ratio disclosure rules, significant changes and developments are expected to shape the executive pay landscape this proxy season.

With these remarkable changes, companies should review and modify their rules, procedures and policies to reflect new developments surrounding executive compensation. They should also remain vigilant of the risks and legal challenges that may arise.

In this Webcast, a team of thought leaders and professionals assembled by The Knowledge Group will provide and present in depth the recent trends and developments in executive pay in the 2018 proxy season. Speakers will also address important issues and trends involving this hot topic.

Proxy Access in Canada: Opportunities and Pitfalls Explored!

Proxy access – the right of shareholders to nominate directors for inclusion in management’s proxy materials – has not yet been established in Canada, but may soon become the norm. While some commentators may debate whether proxy access is necessary or appropriate for Canadian companies, the process has taken hold south of the 49th parrallel, and made its presence felt in Canada. Earlier this year, both the TD Bank and RBC adopted proxy access by-laws in response to shareholder proposals, creating additional proxy access rightsfor shareholders in the nomination of directors to the boards of the banks.

With the recent developments surrounding proxy access, and the U.S.’ continued influence on Canadian firms, it is expected that the U.S.-style proxy access and its policies will become inevitable for the years to come.

In this LIVE Webcast, a panel of thought leaders and professionals brought together by The Knowledge Group will provide and present an in-depth analysis.

Responsible Investment: Past, Present and Future

Keynote presentation to Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary's University, Halifax.
https://www.smu.ca/academics/sobey/sobeyeventslisting/prmeevent2019.html

Past talks (41)
ESG Investing: Myths vs. Reality
CFA Society Germany
Germany
August 23, 2022
The Value of ESG Investing
CFA Societies Edmonton & Winnipeg Panel Discussion
Edmonton and Winnipeg
October 27, 2022
Sustainable Investing - Tactics and strategies for advisors
Globe and Mail Events
Virtual
June 16, 2022
ESG, KYC, and Client Focused Reforms: A Tipping Point for ESG in Canada's Retail Market
Responsible Investment Association (Canada) 2019 Annual Conference
Virtual
June 10, 2022
Becoming Fluent in ESG: Thought Leader Panel
Governance Professionals of Canada
Vancouver / Virtual
March 8, 2022
Structure of the Investment Industry
CFA Institute's Investment Fundamentals Course
Canada
December 16, 2021
Trust in the Age of Misinformation
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Annual Conference
Canada
November 10, 2021
Active Investors, Passive Investors: A Framework for Better ESG Outcomes
Oxford Sustainable Finance Conference
University of Oxford
November 5, 2021
Greenwashing: Addressing Retail Clients' Concerns
Responsible Investment Association Canada Annual Conference
Online
June 11, 2021
A Framework for Responsible Investment
Mount Royal University: Finance 5010 (on-line)
Mount Royal University Calgary (on-line)
January 28, 2021
Impact investing for financial advisors and wealth managers (moderator)
MaRS Impact Week
Toronto (on-line)
December 3, 2020
Governance in the New Decade: The Rise of Boardroom ESG (Panel Discussion)
Governance Professionals of Canada
Toronto (virtual)
September 14, 2020
ESG and Climate Governance in the New Decade (panel discussion)
Governance Professionals of Canada
Vancouver
May 25, 2020
Financial Ethics
University Presentation: Simon Fraser University (Graduate Business School)
Vancouver
November 14, 2019
Responsible Alpha: Practical Perspectives on ESG Integration
CFA Vancouver Society and Responsible Investment Association (Canada)
Vancouver
October 24, 2019
Responsible Investment: Past, Present and Future
Responsible Investing: Finance for the Future? at Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary's University
Halifax
November 8, 2019
Introduction to Responsible Investment
Estate Planning Council Vancouver
Vancouver, BC
November 26, 2019
Responsible Investing Panel
Thrive Wealth Conference
Saskatoon
September 19, 2019
Responsible Investment and Proxy Voting
Oxford University / Smith School of Enterprise and Environment Summer Program
Oxford, UK
July 3, 2019
The Case for ESG Governance, Best Practices and Perspectives on the Role of the Board and of the Governance Professional
Governance Professionals of Canada
Vancouver
May 27, 2019
Taking Impact to the Next Level: Impact Investing in Public Markets
Responsible Investment Association (Canada) 2019 Annual Conference
Montreal
April 24, 2019
Weaving Philanthropy into Your Client Conversations Seminar
Vancouver Foundation
Vancouver
April 16, 2019
Stock Selection, ESG Integration, and Performance
Riverside Investment Club Presentation
Vancouver, BC
March 7, 2019
Panel Discussion: Is ESG a Source of Alpha
Morningstar Executive Forum
Vancouver, BC
March 7, 2019
CFA Ethics Seminar
Corporate Presentation
Vancouver, BC
January 29, 2019
Ethical Decision Making
Corporate Presentation
Vancouver, BC
November 28, 2018
Ethical Decision Making
Corporate Presentation
Vancouver, BC
November 21, 2018
Gender Lens Investing: Advancing Gender Equality Across Public & Private Markets (Moderator)
Responsible Investment Week Webinar
Toronto
October 25, 2018
Engagement & Stewardship: Panel Discussion (Moderator)
The Good Capital Conference
London, England
November 13, 2018
Ethical Decision Making (University Presentation)
University Presentation: Simon Fraser University (Faculty of Business)
Burnaby, BC
October 30, 2018
Tapping into the Rising Demand for ESG: Engaging Clients Around Responsible Investment
Responsible Investment Association (Canada) Panel Discussion (Moderator)
Victoria, BC
September 21, 2018
Retail Investors, Responsible Investment, and Proxy Voting
Oxford University / Smith School of Enterprise and Environment Summer Program
Oxford, UK
July 6, 2018
Companies are Made of People: The Importance of Human Capital Management (Moderator)
Responsible Investment Association (Canada) 2018 Annual Conference
Toronto
June 5, 2018
Opening Remarks and Co-MC for 2018 Annual Conference
Responsible Investment Association (Canada) 2018 Annual Conference
Toronto
June 4, 2018
Tapping into the Rising Demand for ESG: Engaging Clients Around Responsible Investment
Responsible Investment Association (Canada)
Vancouver
January 10, 2018
Ethical Decision Making
CFA Society of Vancouver Candidate Reception
Vancouver, BC
January 10, 2018
Ethical Based Investing – Plenary Panel Discussion
CPAs of BC Professional Development Seminars
Vancouver
2017
Responsible Investment Requires a Proxy Voting System Responsive to Retail Investors
UNPRI Academic Conference
Berlin
2017
Responsible Investment Requires a Proxy Voting System Responsive to Retail Investors
Law and Money 3rd Annual Conference: Law, Finance & Sustainability
University of Sheffield
2017
Integrating ESG into Retail Investment
Impact Investing Forum
Vancouver
2016
Charitable Bequests Panelist
Vancouver Foundation / Clark, Wilson Forum for Small Charities
Vancouver, BC
January 10, 2018
  • All (28)
  • Videos (2)
  • Photos (7)
  • Slides (8)
  • Press information (11)
Standalone Player | Asset TV U.S.
RIA Virtual Conference Primer: Introduction to Responsible Investment for Advisors
Panel Moderator - Gender Lens Investing - at the 2018 RIA Annual Conference in Toronto
Panel Moderator - Gender Lens Investing - at the 2018 RIA Annual Conference in Toronto
Panel Moderator - Good Capital Conference in London, England
Panel Moderator - Good Capital Conference in London, England
Moderator - Integrating ESG into your Advisory Practice at RIA Event 2019 in Saskatoon
Moderator - Integrating ESG into your Advisory Practice at RIA Event 2019 in Saskatoon
Responsible Alpha - Practical Approaches to ESG Integration - joing CFA Society Vancouver and RIA Canada
Responsible Alpha - Practical Approaches to ESG Integration - joing CFA Society Vancouver and RIA Canada
Taking Impact to the Next Level with Public Equities at RIA Conference 2019 in Montreal
Taking Impact to the Next Level with Public Equities at RIA Conference 2019 in Montreal
Best Student Paper at 2017 UN backed PRI Academic Conference in Berlin
Best Student Paper at 2017 UN backed PRI Academic Conference in Berlin
MC - RIA Conference 2018 in Toronto
MC - RIA Conference 2018 in Toronto
My Financial Life S02E03 - Designing Your Investment Portfolio for Success
Introduction to responsible investment for advisors
Responsible Investing in the times of Pandemic
Alumni UBC Podcasts: Making Sense of Responsible Investment
Retail Investors, Responsible Investment, and Proxy Voting
Online CLE: Executive Pay in the 2018 | Knowledge Group
Online CLE: Proxy Access Canada | Knowledge Group
RIA Canada: Introduction to Responsible Investment for Advisors
This speaker hasn't uploaded any one sheet yet.
Career Interview: CFA Society Vancouver
Thunderbird Alumni Profile: Ian Robertson, Swimming - University of British Columbia Athletics
Millennials Will Force an ESG Revolution
Navigating the Responsible Investment Landscape - Responsible Investment Association
RIA Annual Report 2020: Letter from the Chair
RIA Annual Report 2019: Letter from the Chair
RIA Annual Report 2018: Letter from the Chair
Widening the Choices: Alternative investments can provide needed growth, but advisors need to look under the hood
Talking about responsible investing pays off | Investment Executive
Front row seats | Investment Executive
Canadians like the sound of sustainable investing but don't follow through

Books & Articles (14)

"Responsible Investment Requires a Proxy Voting System Responsive to Retail Investors". In: Walker T., Kibsey S., Crichton R. (eds) Designing a Sustainable Financial System.
Palgrave MacMillan,
2018
Closing the Gap: Gender Lens Investing and the Future of Finance
How Advisors Can Determine the Level of Greenwashing
Advisors turn to technology to build ESG portfolios
Why understanding the differences among responsible investment strategies is vital
Millennials will force an ESG revolution
Principles of Sustainable Finance - book review
Governance Reimagined (a review)
Why Integrating ESG Principles into Investors' Portfolios Makes Sense
Navigating the Responsible Investment Landscape
The Power of a Single Number: A Political History of GDP (a review)
Investment Risk Management (a review)
Succession Planning for Financial Advisors: Building an Enduring Business (a review)
How to Really Ruin Your Financial Life and Portfolio (a review)

Expertise (8)

Business
Leadership
Business Business Ethics and Trust Responsible Investing Corporate Governance Socially Responsible Investing ESG investing

Awards & certifications (3)

CFA
CFA Institute
2000
ICD.D
Institute of Corporate Directors
2010
CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing
CFA Institute
2022

Reviews

Testimonials (1)
  • Ian’s presentation was spot on and so informative . I learned a lot about ESG and the impact it has on our global investing stage . Thank you
    Rhonda Harrington
    Verified
Recommendations
Bobby Henebry, CFA's picture
Bobby
Henebry, CFA
Founder
Henebry Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Consulting, LLC
Sameer Somal, CFA, CFP®, CAIA's picture
Sameer
Somal, CFA, CFP®, CAIA
Speaker, Entrepreneur & Chief Executive Officer at
Blue Ocean Global Technology
216 Audience
Show More
Why choose me? 

Experienced practitioner in corporate governance, disciplinary review, and responsible investment.

Social media
Affiliations
Society Speaker Directory
Similar to Ian
  • Brant Pearson's picture
    Brant
    Pearson
  • Muneerah N Warner Services's picture
    Muneerah N Warner
    Services
    President
    Eternal Enterprises, Inc.
  • Ralph Ward's picture
    Ralph
    Ward
    Publisher
    Boardroom INSIDER newsletter
  • Julieanne OConnor's picture
    Julieanne
    OConnor
    Award-Winning Author/Actor, TEDx, NSA Speaker, CEO
    Animal Impulse, Ltd.
  • Montrez Williams's picture
    Montrez
    Williams
    Co-Founder & CEO
    Premier Mobile Services
  • Speakers
  • Agencies
  • Events
  • How it works
  • Blog
  • Upgrade
  • Podcast
  • About us
  • Organizers
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy policy
  • FAQ
  • API
  • White Label Terms
  • Contact
  • Corporate Speakers Bureau & CRM
  • Motivational speakers
  • Leadership speakers
  • Business speakers
  • Inspirational speakers
  • Keynote speakers
  • Corporate speakers
  • Celebrity speakers
  • Top 50 Business Speakers
  • Top 50 Leadership Speakers
  • Top 50 Motivational Speakers
  • Top 50 Technology Speakers

Get speaking tips & so much more!

Twice a month we send you speaking tips, training ideas and lots of useful updates.

© 2023 SpeakerHub
All rights reserved.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • SoundCloud
Developed by Integral Vision