Symposium 20 25
Navigating the Intersection of Innovation and Responsibility
AGENDA
8:00 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast
8:45 a.m. Welcome
Al Jones CFP, CLU, ICD.D. Chair of the TFAAC Board
9:15 a.m.
Advocis State of The Union
Kelly Gorman CPA, CA, ICD.D CEO of Advocis
9:30 a.m.
The Future of Life Insurance Distribution in Canada
Presenters:
Stephen Frank
President and CEO for the CLHIA
Brent Lemanski CLU, LLIF AVP
Executive Director LIMRA and LOMA Canada
Phil Marsillo CLU
President and Chief Executive Officer of IDC WIN
Moderator:
Ali Ghiassi
Vice-President of Industry Affairs and Government Relations at Canada Life
10:30 a.m. Coffee/Networking Break
AGENDA
10:50 a.m.
Cyber Risk Faced by Advisors
Presenters:
Julian Halton
Senior Underwriter, Professional Liability and Cyber at Zurich
Neal Jardine
Chief Cyber Intelligence and Claims Officer at BOXX Insurance
Moderator:
Jack Mazakian
Vice-President, Advocis Broker Services
11:50 a.m. Lunch Break
12:45 p.m.
Keynote
Keynote Speaker: Hamza Khan
Future of Work and People-First Leadership Expert | Bestselling Author
1:35 p.m.
AI and Insurance: Navigating Innovations, Risks, and Legal Challenges
Presenters:
Tatenda Manjengwa Independent AI Expert
AGENDA
Melissa Prado Partner at Torys LLP
Karthik Ramakrishnan
Founder and CEO of Armilla AI
Moderator:
Karen Cutler MBA, FALU, FLMI
VP, Head of Underwriting, Chief Underwriter at Manulife
2:35 p.m. Afternoon Coffee Break
3:00 p.m.
Industry Regulation: A Regulator’s Perspective
Presenters:
Janet Sinclair
Chief Executive Officer, Insurance Council of BC
Huston Loke CFA
Executive Vice-President of Market Conduct Regulation, Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario
Andrew J. Kriegler
CEO of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO)
Moderator:
Kelly Gorman CPA, CA, ICD.D CEO of Advocis
AGENDA
4:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Al Jones CFP, CLU, ICD.D. Chair of the TFAAC Board
4:10 p.m. Cocktail Reception
WELCOME
Al Jones CFP, CLU, ICD.D. Chair of the TFAAC Board
Planning Inc. in Barrie. Al has maintained a longstanding affiliation with Advocis and is an active member of the Simcoe Muskoka Chapter. Nationally, Al is a Past Chair of the TFAAC Board and a Past Chair of the Institute. He was the first to complete the national trifecta by being the Past Chair of the Chapter Leadership Council, responsible for the 45 Advocis chapters across Canada. Al earned his ICD.D designation in 2018 and was recognized by his peers as class valedictorian of the Director Education Program. The ICD.D designation represents a lifelong commitment to excellence in the boardroom. A Qualifying Life Member of Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), Al shared his thoughts and tips at MDRT’s annual meeting in Boston in 2022.
“Tenacious & Versatile” is the mantra of the Grey & Simcoe Foresters Regiment, Al has been a member of the Grey & Simcoe Forester Honorable Guard for more than 10 years and is committed to the regiment’s mantra to promote, educate, and support our Canadian Armed Services.
In April 2019, Her Majesty officially appointed Al to be the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Grey & Simcoe Foresters Regiment for a three-year term. The Jones family has a significant military history dating back to the Empire Loyalists. In December 2022, Mary Simon, the Governor General of Canada, officially appointed Al to be the Honorary Colonel of the Grey & Simcoe Foresters Regiment for a three-year term.
“Non-Solis Nobis” Passionate about giving back to his community and a trail blazer, Al was a two-term President of the Innisfil Chamber of Commerce and a past Chairman of the Board of the People’s Credit Union, the first person of colour to chair all the aforementioned boards. Always enjoying a good dram, he is a Past-Convenor of the Simcoe Scotch Nosing Society, and a long-time supporter of Theatre By The Bay, a local theatre company in Barrie.
He has been married to Sue for more than 35 years and together they have raised their sons Adam and Connor.
STATE OF THE UNION
Kelly Gorman CPA, CA, ICD.D CEO of Advocis
Kelly Gorman is an accomplished C-suite executive with over two decades of leadership experience in finance, governance, and regulatory compliance.
In her previous role as Executive Vice President of the Governance Advisory Group at Kingsdale Advisors, she was instrumental in advising corporate boards and executive teams on governance best practices. Her ability to navigate intricate governance and risk management issues makes her a sought-after advisor in the business world. Before joining Kingsdale, Kelly spent over four years at CPA Ontario. As Executive Vice President and CFO, she led a team of 70 professionals across various operational areas, including finance, IT, and corporate real estate. Her leadership ensured financial strength and operational efficiency for a $100 million budget. She also held the role of Executive Vice President of Regulatory and Standards, overseeing key regulatory functions for the accounting profession.
Her tenure at the Ontario Securities Commission spanned nearly 15 years, where she played a pivotal role as Deputy Director of Enforcement and Chief of the Office of the Whistleblower. Kelly’s leadership in policy initiatives such as the No-Contest Settlement Program and the Whistleblower program led to significant enforcement settlements. Prior to this, she was Deputy Director of Corporate Finance, overseeing compliance for over 1,500 public companies in Ontario.
Kelly’s earlier roles include positions at CIBC and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions of Canada, where she honed her skills in shareholder reporting and financial supervision.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance from the University of Toronto and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) as well as holding the ICD.D designation.
THE FUTURE OF LIFE INSURANCE DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA
This panel will explore the evolving landscape of life insurance distribution across the countr With insights from CAILBA, CLHIA, and LIMRA, the discussion will focus on the impact of digital transformation, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer preferences on both traditional and modern distribution channels. The panelists will provide a unique perspective on the challenge and opportunities facing advisors today, emphasizing how they can adapt to new technologies, navigate evolving regulations, and respond to changing customer expectations to enhance engagement and streamline the distribution process in the competitive Canadian market.
Stephen Frank President and CEO for the CLHIA PRESENTER
Stephen brings over 20 years of successful public and private sector experience to his role. As President and CEO, he advocates on behalf of Canada’s life and health insurance sector for policies and perspectives that contribute to a sound, successful insurance system for the benefit of all Canadians.
Stephen is also the Vice-President of the Global Federation of Insurance Associations. GFIA represents the interests of insurers and reinsurers in over 70 countries with global and national regulators on matters impacting the insurance industry. He also sat on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Drug Insurance Pooling Corporation from 2013 to 2019.
Prior to joining CLHIA in March 2010, he held senior roles in global transaction banking and financial strategy at a major bank. Prior to that, he worked as an Economist in the Financial Sector Policy branch at the Department of Finance in Ottawa.
Stephen has a Master’s of Finance degree from the University of Cambridge as well as a B.A. (Honours) Economics degree from Queen’s University.
PRESENTER
Brent Lemanski CLU, LLIF AVP Executive Director LIMRA and LOMA Canada
Brent Lemanski has primary responsibility for liaison with all Canadian LIMRA and LOMA member companies. His activities include visiting with executives in member companies, conducting workshops and planning sessions, applying benchmarking information in problem-solving sessions, and speaking on industry issues and trends. He also provides information about LIMRA’s and LOMA’s wide range of products and services available to Canadian companies.
Prior to joining LIMRA/LOMA, Lemanski, an experienced insurance executive, served in the agency department of Manulife Financial. In his 20 years there, he worked on expanding distribution through innovations to the traditional distribution system as well as supplemental channels, strategic planning, designing and administering field compensation systems, and new product development and implementation. He began his career as an agent and then as an agency manager for The Dominion Life Assurance Company of Canada.
For over his 20 years in field and head office management, Lemanski relied on LIMRA and LOMA research, products, and services and chaired LIMRA’s Field Diversity Marketing Committee. He now applies his diverse industry experience to help member companies meet and exceed their performance goals
Phil Marsillo CLU President and Chief Executive Officer of IDC WIN PRESENTER
Phil Marsillo is President and Chief Executive Officer of IDC WIN since July 2022. In this role, Phil oversees the company’s overall direction, driving growth and enhancing operations nationwide. With over 40 years in the insurance industry, he leads IDC WIN in shaping its future and supporting its network of independent advisors.
Phil is quite involved in the industry and currently serves as President of CAILBA.
MODERATOR
Ali Ghiassi Vice-President of Industry Affairs and Government Relations at Canada Life
Ali Ghiassi is Vice-President of Industry Affairs and Government Relations at Canada Life where he leads the national public policy team. He has extensive experience in government and regulatory affairs having served for nearly 10 years as a senior advisor in the Ontario government including as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Finance between 2014-18.
At Finance, Ali was responsible for the design, development and delivery of four provincial budgets and led Ontario’s 2016 negotiations with the federal and provincial governments to enhance the Canada Pension Plan. Prior to this, Ali was Vice-President, General Counsel and Public Affairs at Mohawk College. He has taught politics at McMaster University and has been a guest lecturer at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto. Ali previously practiced international law in Toronto and at the World Bank in Washington DC.
CYBER RISK FACED BY ADVISORS
The discussion will focus on the escalating threat of cyber risks and the crucial steps advisors should consider to safeguard client data and maintain operational integrity. Gain valuable insights into effective strategies and tools to protect your practice from cyber threats, ensuring the security and trustworthiness of your business in an increasingly digital world.
Julian Halton Senior Underwriter, Professional Liability and Cyber at Zurich PRESENTER
Julian Halton is a Senior Cyber Underwriter at Zurich Insurance. He manages several large Cyber insurance programs which brings Zurich’s Cyber Security coverage to small professional firms. Previously, he worked as Life and Wealth Manager at Credit Suisse in Zurich and Hong Kong.
Neal Jardine Chief Cyber Intelligence and Claims Officer at BOXX Insurance PRESENTER
Neal Jardine is a seasoned cyber insurance executive with over a decade of global experience. Currently serving as Global Director, Cyber Risk Intelligence and Claims at BOXX Insurance, he has a strong track record in underwriting, claims, and risk management. Neal is recognized for building successful cyber businesses and is a respected expert in cyber risk management, including mitigation and incident response. In his previous role as Cyber Practice Leader at Crawford and Company, he managed numerous cyber risk events worldwide, negotiating with threat actors and advising various industries on cyber insurance and risk management.
Jack Mazakian Vice-President, Advocis Broker Services MODERATOR
Jack Mazakian is the principal broker and responsible for management of all facets of Advocis Broker Services’ national operations, supporting and executing strategic objectives while maintaining all relationships with partner organizations. He oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of the Advocis sponsored Advisor Insurance Protection program. Jack is an active member of The Financial Advisors Association of Canada’s (Advocis) Executive Management Team.
A successful career in establishing and growing insurance business in Canada, Jack has a professional background in Accounting & Financial Management, and is a licensed Property & Casualty Broker across the country.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Hamza Khan
Future of Work and People-First Leadership Expert | Bestselling Author
Hamza Khan believes the future of work is more human, not less. He’s on a mission to help organizations achieve inclusive and sustainable growth by rehumanizing the workplace. Rather than be reactive to rapidly changing external conditions, Khan shows leaders how to embrace a bold “people first” approach to better support diverse, engaged, and connected teams in a hybrid environment. In doing so, they’ll unlock the tremendous upside of a loyal, thriving, and innovative workforce. Rehumanizing workplaces is the winning strategy of the future.
Khan is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, and world-renowned keynote speaker whose TEDx talk “Stop Managing, Start Leading” has been viewed over two million times. He has spoken on various global stages, including the World Youth Forum, and his clients have included some of the world’s most dynamic companies and organizations, such as Microsoft, PepsiCo, LinkedIn, Deloitte, Salesforce, TikTok, and hundreds of colleges and universities. These leading organizations trust Khan to inspire modern leadership, unleash purposeful productivity, transcend burnout culture, and embrace constant change.
As a trusted thought leader, Khan’s insights have been featured by notable media outlets such as Inc., Bloomberg, and Business Insider. He is also the bestselling author of The Burnout Gamble: Achieve More by Beating Burnout and Building Resilience and Leadership, Reinvented. Through his writing, speaking, teaching, and executive coaching, Khan empowers people to evolve and thrive in the future of work.
AI AND INSURANCE: NAVIGATING INNOVATIONS, RISKS, AND LEGAL CHALLENGES
The discussion will cover key topics such as AI’s benefits in claims processing, underwriting, and fraud detection, as well as the risks associated with bias, errors, and data security. Additionally, the discussion will dive into the evolving legal landscape, providing insights on how to navigate new regulations and ensure responsible AI adoption.
Tatenda Manjengwa Independent AI Expert PRESENTER
Tatenda Manjengwa is a recognized leader in AI and innovation, with a track record of driving transformation through strategic AI adoption.
As the founding leader of BMO Wealth Management’s AI Innovation Lab, he spearheaded AI strategies across Private Wealth, Global Asset Management, Insurance, and InvestorLine.
The Innovation Lab launched Rovr AI, BMO’s first external generative AI-powered chatbot for BMO Insurance, positioning BMO at the forefront of AI-driven client advisory. His leadership and experience extended across Investment & Corporate Banking (I&CB) and Global Markets, where he implemented large strategic initiatives to enhance deal origination, risk management, and operational efficiency.
With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Tatenda has held strategic and highly quantitative roles at Deutsche Bank (Options Trader), Citi (Capital Markets Origination), and Bloomberg LP (Country Manager across four nations). His expertise sits at the intersection of AI, innovation, quantitative finance, and emerging technologies, leveraging data-driven strategies to reshape financial ecosystems.
Beyond execution, Tatenda is dedicated to shaping the future of AI-powered financial services while celebrating the human experience —advancing meaningful innovation one use case at a time.
Tatenda holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and an MSc in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence from NYU Stern School of Business.
PRESENTER
Melissa’s experience in the financial services and insurance sectors allows her to provide 360-degree counsel to clients—from consumer protection and the formation and licensing of insurers and intermediaries to significant transactions and governance matters.
Melissa specializes in insurance transactional, corporate and regulatory matters. She provides transactional, regulatory, and market conduct advice to insurance and reinsurance companies, captives, banks and insurance intermediaries. Melissa has acted on matters ranging from formation, organization and licensing of insurers and intermediaries, and advising on compliance matters in the insurance and financial services industry.
Melissa Prado Partner at Torys LLP
Karthik Ramakrishnan Founder and CEO of Armilla AI PRESENTER
Karthik Ramakrishnan is the founder and CEO of Armilla AI, a company specializing AI liability Insurance and AI risk management. Under his leadership, Armilla has developed one of the world’s first affirmative insurance coverages for the liabilities of AI, backed by global insurers including Swiss Re and Lloyd’s of London.
Prior to founding Armilla, Karthik spent over 15 years driving AI adoption across enterprises. He founded multiple AI-first companies and held leadership roles at firms like Element AI and Deloitte. His expertise spans advising, building, and scaling AI ventures, with a focus on fostering responsible AI use. Today, Karthik helps large corporations manage AI risks and ensure the reliability of AI technologies.
Karen Cutler CLU VP, Head of Underwriting, Chief Underwriter at Manulife MODERATOR
Karen oversees individual insurance underwriting and claims risk management. She’s been with Manulife for 17 years and has implemented many industry leading underwriting developments including an artificial intelligence underwriting model (AIDA), fluid free Accelerated underwriting, reduced evidence requirements and insuring people who are HIV positive. She works closely with pricing, product, and advanced analytics teams to drive improvements in underwriting processes and the customer buying experience.
Karen is active in the insurance industry having spoken at several industry meetings in Canada and the US including CALU. She has served on many industry committees including Chair of the CLHIA Committee on Underwriting Issues and is a member of the CD Howe Institute’s Health Policy Council.
Before joining Manulife, Karen had various senior leadership roles in underwriting including Chief Underwriter for Swiss Re in Canada and the Caribbean. Outside of work, Karen enjoys time with friends and family and is a voracious reader.
Provincial regulators will provide an inside look at the latest regulatory developments. This discussion offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the regulators themselves, as they share their perspectives on key issues and the evolving regulatory landscape. Special attention will be given to regulation as it relates to licensees in the distribution of products in the life and accident & sickness industry.
Janet Sinclair Chief Executive Officer, Insurance Council of BC PRESENTER
Janet Sinclair joined the Insurance Council of BC in 2017. Reporting to the Voting Members of Council, she holds responsibility for all aspects of Council’s operations including licensing and compliance programs for its 50,000 plus licensees.
Prior to coming to the Insurance Council, Janet spent 16 years at Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia, the regulator for those two professions. During her time there she held a number of different roles, becoming the Chief Operating Officer in 2011. She was responsible for a wide variety of areas including strategic planning, information systems, government relations, human resources, stakeholder engagement, and Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia’s two charitable foundations. Janet has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the University of British Columbia and a Diploma in Cytogenetic Technology from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. When practicing as a genetic technologist she served as the President of the British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science at which time she became engaged in the regulation of health professions in BC.
Janet believes that the public interest is best served when you engage professionals in their own regulation. Through setting appropriate licensing standards, providing practice guidance, and effectively managing misconduct, regulators help licensed professionals understand expectations and to serve the best interest of the public.
PRESENTER
Huston Loke CFA
Executive Vice-President of Market Conduct Regulation, Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario
Huston Loke is Executive Vice President of Market Conduct at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). FSRA supervises insurance companies, mortgage brokers, credit unions, pensions, and other non-securities areas of the financial services sector.
He previously served as Director of Corporate Finance at the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), where he oversaw securities-related conduct matters for all Ontario-based public companies. In his role, he had statutory authority to receipt prospectuses and grant certain forms of exemptive relief. Prior to his role at the OSC, Huston advised the CEO and CRO of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Prior to his role at CMHC, Huston was President of the credit rating agency DBRS, which covered over 1,000 fixed income issuers in Canada, the US, and Europe.
At various times over his career, he has supervised teams of fixed-income analysts in Toronto, New York, Chicago, London, and Paris. He was also formerly a member of the nonbank financial intermediation committee of the Financial Stability Board, holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance and Accounting) and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Huston is currently Chair of the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR), a national organization that includes all the provincial and territorial regulators, along with the Federal Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. Together, they work to enhance fair treatment of consumers while ensuring an efficient and effective regulatory framework for the insurance sector.
Andrew J. Kriegler CEO of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) PRESENTER
Andrew J. Kriegler is the inaugural CEO of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) formed on January 1, 2023, through the amalgamation of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA).
In late 2014, Andrew was appointed President and CEO of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), CIRO’s predecessor organization. Before coming to IIROC, Andrew served as Deputy Superintendent of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) where he was responsible for the prudential supervision of Canada’s federally regulated financial institutions. He also spent 25 years in the private sector, most recently as Treasurer of CIBC from 2008 to 2012, and earlier as Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer of Moody’s Corporation, parent of the credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service, where he had been the Canadian Country Managing Director.
Andrew has also worked as a treasury executive, as a securitization and debt capital markets banker, as an analyst and then a trader on a mortgage-backed securities trading desk.
Andrew serves on the Board of Directors of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) where he chairs the Risk Committee. He is an observer on the Board of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) by virtue of chairing the Affiliate Members Consultative Committee (AMCC). He holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University and a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Economics from Trinity College in the University of Toronto.
MODERATOR
Kelly Gorman CPA, CA, ICD.D CEO of Advocis
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ABOUT ADVOCIS
Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, is the largest voluntary professional membership association of financial advisors in Canada, representing more than 7,500 members, 34 chapters and 3 schools across Canada. Advocis champions professionalism, consumer protection, and the value of financial advice. We advocate for an environment where all Canadians have access to the professional advice they need.
Advocis members help consumers make sound financial decisions, ultimately leading to greater financial stability and independence. In all that they do, our members are driven by Advocis’ motto: non solis nobis – not for ourselves alone.