Canada has emerged as a major global financial center with some of the top investment companies in the world. Asset management is a key pillar of the Canadian financial industry. According to Investor Economics, assets under management by Canadian investment firms reached $4.1 trillion in 2020. As Canada continues to attract capital from around the world, its investment management industry is poised for robust growth. Here we look at some of the leading investment companies in Canada across various asset classes.
RBC Global Asset Management – A Leading Full Service Investment Firm
Royal Bank of Canada’s investment management division, RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM), is one of the largest money managers in Canada with over $500 billion in assets under management globally. RBC GAM provides investment solutions across a broad range of asset classes including equities, fixed income, real estate and infrastructure. The company has offices in major financial centers around the world and serves individual and institutional investors. Some of RBC GAM’s key strengths are its global capabilities, risk management expertise and focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing.
CIBC Asset Management – Strength in Fixed Income and Balanced Funds
CIBC Asset Management, a division of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, has over C$170 billion in assets under administration. The company provides investment solutions across equity, fixed income and balanced funds. CIBC Asset Management has particular strength in actively managed Canadian fixed income and balanced mutual funds. The company serves retail and institutional investors across Canada. In recent years, CIBC Asset Management has focused on expanding its exchange traded fund (ETF) offerings as demand grows for low-cost passive investing.
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board – A Global Investment Powerhouse
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) manages and invests funds held by the Canada Pension Plan. With over C$500 billion in assets under management, CPPIB is one of the world’s largest pension funds and institutional investors. It has investments across public and private equity, real estate, infrastructure and fixed income. CPPIB is highly globally diversified with investments in over 20 countries. It has also been an active direct investor in private companies and real assets. The fund is known for taking a patient, long-term approach focused on strong risk-adjusted returns.
PSP Investments – Investing on Behalf of Public Sector Workers
The Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) manages pension assets of federal public sector workers in Canada. With over C$204 billion in assets under management, PSP Investments is among the largest retirement investment managers in Canada. The fund has a global portfolio of investments across public equity, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources and fixed income. PSP Investments aims to maximize investment returns without taking undue risk. It has cultivation a global network relationships to source attractive investment opportunities.
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) – Quebec’s Institutional Fund Manager
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) is a leading institutional fund manager in Canada with over C$300 billion in net assets. The company manages public and quasi-public pension plans and insurance programs in Quebec. CDPQ is a major global investor across equities, fixed income, real estate and infrastructure. It has cultivated expertise across numerous asset classes and industry sectors. With offices in major financial centers, CDPQ leverages its global presence and local expertise to generate strong long-term returns.
Canada is home to some of the top investment companies in the world. Major Canadian asset managers like RBC Global Asset Management, CIBC Asset Management and large public pension funds are leaders in their respective mandates. Their global footprint, scale, expertise and long-term focus makes them dominant players in the industry both domestically and beyond.