Stephen McPhie (l) and Rick Nason (r) and the RSD booth.
by Michael Arbow, MBA
Partner, RSD Solutions Inc.
From June 8 - 10, the three partners of RSD Solutions were in Ottawa for the FEI Canada annual conference. Part conference, part trade show, RSD Solutions was one of the exhibitors. As an exhibitor, we had the opportunity of speaking with most of the delegates over the 3 days and hearing their concerns, issues and ideas on finance and risk management. We had many great conversations including a breakfast chat with Doug Porter, senior economist of BMO, a state of US risk management chat with Marie Hollein, CEO of the US side of FEI and several CFO's from Canadian firms small and large.
One of the observations from the conference delegates - and we heard a first hand account from one executive, was the growing desire of senior executives to understand risk and then (possibly?) introduce enterprise risk management processes. Sadly it seems that the fall guy/girl empowered with this job is the CFO who has seen, through scope creep, their management of financial risk evolve into enterprise risk. I say sadly because few seem to have volunteered for the "new" role. Pity.
Overall, a great conference for people in the financial corporate world to network, share ideas and learn a few in a very casual and friendly setting. Next year the conference moves to St. John's and no doubt RSD will be there.
