Headquarters:
483 Bay St, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M5G 2N7
Year founded:
1987
Number of employees:
1,462
Phone:
416 307 5200
Email:
HROperations@fidelity.ca
Website:
fidelity.ca
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/fidelitycanada
“We have a relatively traditional benefits program, but it’s a very generous program that’s intended to fulfil the needs of all of our employees and their families”
Diana Godfrey,
Fidelity Canada
Marina Bournas
President and CEO
RFA Mortgage Corporation
Robert Morton
President and CEO
RFA Bank of Canada
Michael Dressler
Chief Operating Officer
RFA Mortgage Corporation
Leadership
Marina Bournas, a mother of three, has over 20 years of experience in the industry with an extensive focus on underwriting credit operations and risk. As a founding member of RFA Mortgage Corporation, she has helped build the company’s operations and unique culture from the ground up. Her vision for RFA extends beyond scaling the business and growing market share – she wants to leave a legacy of change.
RFA has raised over $450,000 for several deserving charities through its #Deals4Change initiatives. Marina is also an avid supporter of the BeaYOUtiful Foundation.
President and CEO
Marina Bournas
Robert Morton is a senior executive with over 30 years of broad experience for three major financial services companies. He is an accomplished leader who is well versed in the financial sector (OSFI), risk management, strategic design and execution, and general management. He also has extensive experience serving on and interacting with boards.
Morton previously served as the executive vice president and chief financial officer of RFA Bank of Canada. In his free time, he enjoys his cottage, biking, travelling, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
President and CEO
RFA Bank of Canada
Robert Morton
Michael Dressler has over 20 years of lending and mortgage industry experience and has a deep background in financial and product analytics, credit, pricing, strategic planning, and product management. He has extensive experience in financial and non-financial operations and also leads RFA Mortgage Corporation’s treasury and investor management team.
Chief Operating Officer
Michael Dressler
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“We have a relatively traditional benefits program, but it’s a very generous program that’s intended to fulfil the needs of all of our employees and their families”
Diana Godfrey,
Fidelity Canada
“From an HR perspective, mental health and wellbeing is still top of mind for us … To build awareness and eliminate the stigma, Fidelity has been involved with CAMH and has hosted training for our employees for years”
Diana Godfrey,
Fidelity Canada
Leadership
SPECIAL REPORT
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“From an HR perspective, mental health and wellbeing is still top of mind for us … To build awareness and eliminate the stigma, Fidelity has been involved with CAMH and has hosted training for our employees for years”
Diana Godfrey,
Fidelity Canada
“We have a relatively traditional benefits program, but it’s a very generous program that’s intended to fulfil the needs of all of our employees and their families”
Diana Godfrey,
Fidelity
Leadership
SPECIAL REPORT
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Bio
Derek Arbour
Senior Vice President of Credit Operations
RFA Bank of Canada
Derek Arbour has over 20 years of industry experience, with an extensive background in prime and alternative residential lending developed in Canada at a Big 5 Bank and a leading alternative lender. He is a seasoned operations leader focused on employee growth and development, resulting in a winning broker and client experience. He is known for implementing projects and process improvements that drive employee effectiveness to maximize the broker experience.
Senior Vice President of Credit Operations
RFA Bank of Canada
Derek Arbour
Matt Lirantzis
Head of Marketing and Business Development
Matt Lirantzis has over 20 years of experience in the industry and has held various roles, including business analyst, VP of originations, and VP of sales and marketing. As an early member of the RFA Mortgage Corporation team, he led the development of the company’s sales and marketing operations. His knowledge of the broker industry, combined with his creative marketing and sales strategies, has helped the organization find early success.
Head of Marketing and Business Development
Matt Lirantzis
For Diana Godfrey, senior vice-president, human resources and corporate affairs at Fidelity Canada, being a great place to work goes beyond brand or strategy – it all comes back to the people. Godfrey told HRD that Fidelity’s diverse mix of employees collectively fosters a culture of openness and honesty.
“We pride ourselves on having a culture where people are free to speak up,” she explained. “When people feel empowered to voice their opinions, it allows us to adapt our practices and meet the needs of the business as a whole.”
While Godfrey always knew her employees at Fidelity were one of a kind, the pandemic highlighted the dedication of the entire organization through their unbreakable sense of community, despite operating through unprecedented times.
“The level of commitment that employees have shown to our clients, to each other, and to the organization throughout the pandemic has been exceptional,” she added. “And because of that, we really went above and beyond in supporting them too. While the pandemic was disruptive, it also allowed us to better know and understand our people. We saw them continually giving 100% in remote work – balancing their families and their responsibilities with their commitment to the company. That was pretty inspiring to see.”
At Fidelity, their unique set of perks are as generous as they are personalized. Godfrey told HRD that even if their packages don’t include a specific type of benefit, there are additional funds that employees can dip in to from time to time.
“From an HR perspective, mental health and wellbeing is still top of mind for us … To build awareness and eliminate the stigma, Fidelity has been involved with CAMH and has hosted training for our employees for years”
Diana Godfrey,
Fidelity Canada
Alex Sigouin
Director of Credit and Account Development
Prime Lending Program
RFA Mortgage Corporation
Cheryl Buhs
Vice President of National Sales
RFA Mortgage Corporation
Ken Lee
Assistant Vice President of Credit Operations
Alternative Lending Program
RFA Bank of Canada
Sarah M Stewart
Associate Vice President,
Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Alex Sigoun has over 26 years of experience in the industry, with a primary focus on credit operations. He began as a mortgage agent before transitioning into lending where he has spent the majority of his career in underwriting, credit management, and business development. He leads RFA’s Strategic Account Manager (SAM) program, which is designed to provide a highly efficient, personalized, and enhanced service experience to brokers.
Director of Credit and Account Development
Prime Lending Program
Alex Sigouin
Cheryl Buhs is responsible for the entire sales operations of RFA Mortgage Corporation (prime) and RFA Bank of Canada (alternative). She has over 13 years of experience and was previously the vice president of sales – Western Canada for Street Capital. She manages a team of 10 regional vice presidents across Canada to establish national brand presence and meet regional origination volumes. She is also a key member of the leadership team and helps drive the mission, vision, and values for the company.
Vice President of National Sales
Cheryl Buhs
Ken Lee has over 20 years of experience in the residential mortgage industry with regulated financial institutions, mortgage finance companies, and private equity organizations. He has successfully introduced new lending products and programs to market and has executive experience in prime insured/uninsured, alternative, and private lending. Most recently, he was instrumental in launching the award-winning RFA Alternative product and continues to grow the program.
Assistant Vice President of Credit Operations
Alternative Lending Program
RFA Bank of Canada
Ken Lee
Sarah M Stewart has more than 15 years of strategic leasing and customer care experience in residential property management. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Centurion’s national leasing platforms, residential lead generation, and overall customer experience excellence through operation of the company’s internal customer service department.
Associate Vice President, Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Sarah M Stewart
Alex Sigouin
Director of Credit and Account Development
Prime Lending Program
RFA Mortgage Corporation
Sarah M Stewart
Associate Vice President, Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Ken Lee
Assistant Vice President of Credit Operations
Alternative Lending Program
RFA Bank of Canada
Cheryl Buhs
Vice President of National Sales
RFA Mortgage Corporation
Alex Sigoun has over 26 years of experience in the industry, with a primary focus on credit operations. He began as a mortgage agent before transitioning into lending where he has spent the majority of his career in underwriting, credit management, and business development. He leads RFA’s Strategic Account Manager (SAM) program, which is designed to provide a highly efficient, personalized, and enhanced service experience to brokers.
Director of Credit and Account Development
Prime Lending Program
Alex Sigouin
Cheryl Buhs is responsible for the entire sales operations of RFA Mortgage Corporation (prime) and RFA Bank of Canada (alternative). She has over 13 years of experience and was previously the vice president of sales – Western Canada for Street Capital. She manages a team of 10 regional vice presidents across Canada to establish national brand presence and meet regional origination volumes. She is also a key member of the leadership team and helps drive the mission, vision, and values for the company.
Vice President of National Sales
Cheryl Buhs
Ken Lee has over 20 years of experience in the residential mortgage industry with regulated financial institutions, mortgage finance companies, and private equity organizations. He has successfully introduced new lending products and programs to market and has executive experience in prime insured/uninsured, alternative, and private lending. Most recently, he was instrumental in launching the award-winning RFA Alternative product and continues to grow the program.
Assistant Vice President of Credit Operations
Alternative Lending Program
RFA Bank of Canada
Ken Lee
Sarah M Stewart has more than 15 years of strategic leasing and customer care experience in residential property management. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Centurion’s national leasing platforms, residential lead generation, and overall customer experience excellence through operation of the company’s internal customer service department.
Associate Vice President, Leasing and
Call Centre Operations
Sarah M Stewart
Alex Sigouin
Director of Credit and Account Development
Prime Lending Program
RFA Mortgage Corporation
Ken Lee
Assistant Vice President of Credit Operations
Alternative Lending Program
RFA Bank of Canada
Cheryl Buhs
Vice President of National Sales
RFA Mortgage Corporation
Anthony Dippolito
Chief Wellness Officer
Alex Sigoun has over 26 years of experience in the industry, with a primary focus on credit operations. He began as a mortgage agent before transitioning into lending where he has spent the majority of his career in underwriting, credit management, and business development. He leads RFA’s Strategic Account Manager (SAM) program, which is designed to provide a highly efficient, personalized, and enhanced service experience to brokers.
Director of Credit and Account Development
Prime Lending Program
Alex Sigouin
Cheryl Buhs is responsible for the entire sales operations of RFA Mortgage Corporation (prime) and RFA Bank of Canada (alternative). She has over 13 years of experience and was previously the vice president of sales – Western Canada for Street Capital. She manages a team of 10 regional vice presidents across Canada to establish national brand presence and meet regional origination volumes. She is also a key member of the leadership team and helps drive the mission, vision, and values for the company.
Vice President of National Sales
Cheryl Buhs
Ken Lee has over 20 years of experience in the residential mortgage industry with regulated financial institutions, mortgage finance companies, and private equity organizations. He has successfully introduced new lending products and programs to market and has executive experience in prime insured/uninsured, alternative, and private lending. Most recently, he was instrumental in launching the award-winning RFA Alternative product and continues to grow the program.
Assistant Vice President of Credit Operations
Alternative Lending Program
RFA Bank of Canada
Ken Lee
Sarah M Stewart has more than 15 years
of strategic leasing and customer care experience in residential property management. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Centurion’s national leasing platforms, residential lead generation, and overall customer experience excellence through operation
of the company’s internal customer
service department.
Associate Vice President,
Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Sarah M Stewart
Sarah M Stewart
Associate Vice President,
Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Karen Bannister, CM
Vice President, Marketing
Dave Longbottom
Chief Technology Officer
Alex Ventura
Head of Marketing
Damian Palovick
Senior Vice President of Underwriting
AXA XL – Delegated Authority Programs, North America
Dr. Mary Lavoie
Head of Risk Management and Senior Vice President
AXA XL – Delegated Authority Programs, North America
Mark Bernacki
Chief Underwriting Officer
Ryan Armijo
Chief Operating Officer, Underwriting Division
Bob Petrilli
President, Underwriting Division
“We really want to make sure that our programs are the best ones for our employees,” she explained. “As such, we have a relatively traditional benefits program, but it’s a very generous program that’s intended to fulfil the needs of all of our employees and their families. That, in and of itself, can be challenging – so, we’ve added a flexible component, so that if it’s not covered in our program, there’s some spending that’s available to our people.”
From flash draws for concerts and sporting events, to two treat days per week, Fidelity is all about people coming together to encourage collaboration and, ultimately, fun. Looking ahead to the rest of 2022 and beyond, Godfrey revealed that she’ll be taking a core focus on mental health – as well as supporting their people back to dynamic working, Fidelity Canada’s flexible working program.
“From an HR perspective, mental health and wellbeing is still top of mind for us,” she said. “The challenges people have experienced aren’t going away – and while we probably had a lot of them before, we really weren’t as cognizant of them as we needed to be. Nowadays, we’re all just more in tune to it. To build awareness and eliminate the stigma, Fidelity has been involved with CAMH and has hosted training for our employees for years. I’m proud that we’re recognizing that and making changes. At Fidelity, our programs will continue to develop, we always strive to look for best practices, learning from our colleagues, the inspirational organizations out there, and the industry as a whole.”
Read on
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RFA
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/company/rfa-mortgages
Website:
rfa.ca
Email:
communications@rfamortgages.ca
Phone:
647 259 7873
Number of employees:
170
Year founded:
1996
Headquarters:
2401-1 Yonge Street, Toronto ON, M5E 1E5
What helps a company stay competitive in the face of tightening margins and ongoing market volatility?
RFA, one of CMP’s 5-Star Mortgage Products winners, starts by recognizing downturns as part of the business cycle.
“It’s important to hold a very long-term multi-year view of the business and industry and act accordingly,” says Marina Bournas, president and chief executive of RFA Mortgage Corporation. “Despite a slower market, our volume continues to grow, and we are mindful but not overly concerned about the current situation. We have the financial strength to continue executing our long-term business plan without worrying about current volatility.”
One of the company’s advantages is that it is a holistic single-family residential lender delivering its products through two distinct entities – RFA Bank of Canada (alternative), a federally regulated Schedule I Bank, and RFA Mortgage Corporation (prime), a provincially regulated mortgage lender.
“We will remain relevant by continuing to offer a comprehensive suite of prime and alternative products. Brokers will benefit from competitive rates and timely promotions offered through our prime business and client-based solutions through our alternative program,” says Bournas.
Winning strategies
Despite a cooling housing market, RFA prides itself on being a “brokers first” lender and promises to continue supporting the growth of its broker partners through competitive rates, industry-leading service, and a top-tier rewards program.
“What sets us apart is the delivery of our product and the team underwriting each application,” says Robert Morton, president and CEO of RFA Bank of Canada. “Brokers can expect our team to pick up the phone and find the best solution for their client.”
Broker feedback is a key component of their product and service development priorities. “Our clients’ needs are always a top priority when considering new products or enhancements,” says Morton. We keep an open line of communication with our brokers and rely on their feedback to guide and improve our products for the consumer.”
The company revamped its operations over the past year, placing the credit experience at the heart of everything they do. “Brokers who have not submitted a deal with us in 2022 will have an entirely different experience with us today,” says Bournas. “Our goal is to be the lender of choice in the market, and we are working hard to earn the trust and business of every broker who submits an application to us.”
Another one of RFA’s goals, Bournas adds, is to be a top employer in the industry. “The culture we’re developing at RFA is unique, and we know how important the success of our employees is to the success of our brokers and our business,” she says. “It’s all connected, and it starts with our team. We will continue to provide our team with the environment and tools they need to be successful.”
What’s ahead?
Morton shares that RFA is expanding its funding capabilities across its businesses, which will allow the company to provide more competitive offerings to brokers and their clients. RFA has started planning for 2023 and is ramping up its RFA Insider program.
“Our Insider program allows us to reward our top-performing brokers and thank them for their business,” he says. “We hosted several bucket-list events this year, including the F1 Grand Prix in Montreal, the RBC Canadian Open, Calgary Stampede, and Fox Harb’r Resort, and we have an exclusive Red Carpet Suite booked for the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. On top of our events, Insiders have access to our award-winning alternative program and benefit from periodic pricing and compensation promotions.”
Read on
RFA
Award Winner
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/company/rfa-mortgages
Website:
rfa.ca
Email:
communications@rfamortgages.ca
Phone:
647 259 7873
Number of employees:
170
Year founded:
1996
Headquarters:
2401-1 Yonge Street, Toronto ON, M5E 1E5
What helps a company stay competitive in the face of tightening margins and ongoing market volatility?
RFA, one of CMP’s 5-Star Mortgage Products winners, starts by recognizing downturns as part of the business cycle.
“It’s important to hold a very long-term multi-year view of the business and industry and act accordingly,” says Marina Bournas, president and chief executive of RFA Mortgage. “Despite a slower market, our volume continues to grow, and we are mindful but not overly concerned about the current situation. We have the financial strength to continue executing our long-term business plan without worrying about current volatility.”
One of the company’s advantages is that it is a holistic single- family residential lender delivering its products through two distinct entities – RFA Bank of Canada (alternative), a federally regulated Schedule I Bank, and RFA Mortgage Corporation (prime), a provincially regulated mortgage lender.
“We will remain relevant by continuing to offer a comprehensive suite of prime and alternative products. Brokers will benefit from competitive rates and timely promotions offered through our prime business and client-based-solutions through our alternative program,” says Bournas.
Winning strategies
Despite a cooling housing market, RFA prides itself on being a “Bbrokers Ffirst” lender and promises to continue supporting the growth of its broker partners through competitive rates, industry-leading service, and a top-tier rewards program.
“What sets us apart is the delivery of our product and the team underwriting each application,” says Robert Morton, president and CEO of RFA Bank of Canada. “Brokers can expect our team to pick up the phone and find the best solution for their client.”
Broker feedback is a key component of their product and service development priorities. “Our clients’ needs are always a top priority when considering new products or enhancements,” says Morton. We keep an open line of communication with our brokers and rely on their feedback to guide and improve our products for the consumer.”
The company completely revamped its operations over the past year, placing the credit experience at the heart of everything they do. “Brokers who have not submitted a deal with us in 2022 will have an entirely different experience with us today,” says Bournas. “Our goal is to be the lender of choice in the market, and we are working hard to earn the trust and business of every broker who submits an application to us.”
Another one of RFA’s goals, Bournas adds, is to be a top employer in the industry. “The culture we’re developing at RFA is unique, and we know how important the success of our employees is to the success of our brokers and our business,” she says. “It’s all connected, and it starts with our team. We will continue to provide our team with the environment and tools they need to be successful.”
What’s ahead?
Morton shares that RFA is expanding its funding capabilities across its businesses, which will allow the company to provide more competitive offerings to brokers and their clients. RFA has started planning for 2023 and is ramping up its RFA Insider program.
“Our Insider program allows us to reward our top-performing brokers and thank them for their business,” he said. “We hosted several bucket-list events this year, including the F1 Grand Prix in Montreal, the RBC Canadian Open, Calgary Stampede, and Fox Harb’r Resort, and we have an exclusive Red Carpet Suite booked for the Toronto International Film Festival this fall. On top of our events, Insiders have access to our award-winning alternative program and benefit from periodic pricing and compensation promotions.”
Read on
RFA
Award Winner
What helps a company stay competitive in the face of tightening margins and ongoing market volatility?
RFA, one of CMP’s 5-Star Mortgage Products winners, starts by recognizing downturns as part of the business cycle.
“It’s important to hold a very long-term multi-year view of the business and industry and act accordingly,” says Marina Bournas, president and chief executive of RFA Mortgage. “Despite a slower market, our volume continues to grow, and we are mindful but not overly concerned about the current situation. We have the financial strength to continue executing our long-term business plan without worrying about current volatility.”
One of the company’s advantages is that it is a holistic single- family residential lender delivering its products through two distinct entities – RFA Bank of Canada (alternative), a federally regulated Schedule I Bank, and RFA Mortgage Corporation (prime), a provincially regulated mortgage lender.
“We will remain relevant by continuing to offer a comprehensive suite of prime and alternative products. Brokers will benefit from competitive rates and timely promotions offered through our prime business and client-based-solutions through our alternative program,” says Bournas.
Winning strategies
Despite a cooling housing market, RFA prides itself on being a “Bbrokers Ffirst” lender and promises to continue supporting the growth of its broker partners through competitive rates, industry-leading service, and a top-tier rewards program.
“What sets us apart is the delivery of our product and the team underwriting each application,” says Robert Morton, president and CEO of RFA Bank of Canada. “Brokers can expect our team to pick up the phone and find the best solution for their client.”
Broker feedback is a key component of their product and service development priorities. “Our clients’ needs are always a top priority when considering new products or enhancements,” says Morton. We keep an open line of communication with our brokers and rely on their feedback to guide and improve our products for the consumer.”
The company completely revamped its operations over the past year, placing the credit experience at the heart of everything they do. “Brokers who have not submitted a deal with us in 2022 will have an entirely different experience with us today,” says Bournas. “Our goal is to be the lender of choice in the market, and we are working hard to earn the trust and business of every broker who submits an application to us.”
Another one of RFA’s goals, Bournas adds, is to be a top employer in the industry. “The culture we’re developing at RFA is unique, and we know how important the success of our employees is to the success of our brokers and our business,” she says. “It’s all connected, and it starts with our team. We will continue to provide our team with the environment and tools they need to be successful.”
What’s ahead?
Morton shares that RFA is expanding its funding capabilities across its businesses, which will allow the company to provide more competitive offerings to brokers and their clients. RFA has started planning for 2023 and is ramping up its RFA Insider program.
“Our Insider program allows us to reward our top-performing brokers and thank them for their business,” he said. “We hosted several bucket-list events this year, including the F1 Grand Prix in Montreal, the RBC Canadian Open, Calgary Stampede, and Fox Harb’r Resort, and we have an exclusive Red Carpet Suite booked for the Toronto International Film Festival this fall. On top of our events, Insiders have access to our award-winning alternative program and benefit from periodic pricing and compensation promotions.”
Email:
communications@rfamortgages.ca
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/company/rfa-mortgages
Website:
rfa.ca
Phone:
647 259 7873
Number of employees:
170
Year founded:
1996
Headquarters:
2401-1 Yonge Street, Toronto ON, M5E 1E5