UCalgary launches Western Canada’s first dedicated Master of Finance Program

Calgary, AB – The University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business is stepping up to meet the growing demand for technically skilled finance professionals in Alberta and beyond. The new Master of Finance (MFin) graduate program is the first of its kind in Western Canada, designed to address the needs of a rapidly evolving finance sector. The rigorous 16-month course-based program includes a four-month term dedicated to work-integrated learning through an internship or research consulting project. It also weaves in two semesters of professional development, helping students build networks and gain exposure to Calgary’s financial ecosystem. 

Recognized as one of the Top 30 Fintech Hubs in North America by the Global Fintech Index and home to more than 150 fintech startups and 80 per cent of Alberta’s fintech firms, Calgary continues to emerge as a dynamic financial hub within Canada. Haskayne’s Master of Finance program is uniquely positioned to support this momentum by equipping students with the analytical, computational and quantitative expertise required for high-impact careers in finance.

Unlike traditional MBA finance tracks or the CFA designation, the MFin program is tailored for students with strong quantitative backgrounds who seek to transition into finance roles that demand advanced technical proficiency and deep intuition. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in financial theory and empirical methods, preparing graduates to thrive in roles across investment and corporate banking, asset management, risk analysis and financial technology.

“There is currently no dedicated Master of Finance program in Western Canada that equips graduates with the acumen to build and interpret advanced financial models and techniques. Our program fills a critical gap, offering a specialized pathway for students and professionals who want to deepen their technical capabilities and make a meaningful impact in today's increasingly complex financial markets.”

Dr. Ari Pandes, Associate Dean, Professional Graduate Programs, Haskayne School of Business

The new graduate program underwent a rigorous curriculum development process that included extensive consultation with industry professionals through Haskayne’s Finance Advisory Council. Council members were actively engaged throughout the process, providing feedback on course content, emerging trends and the skills most in demand across the financial sector. Their insights helped ensure the program remains relevant, forward-looking and aligned with the evolving needs of today’s financial industry and the global market.

“What really sets the Haskayne Master of Finance apart is how it strikes the right balance between technical rigour and practical application. It’s purposefully designed for students who want to dive deep into the analytical and quantitative side of finance – which is exactly where the industry is headed.”

 Tim Pickering, Founder and CIO, Auspice Capital Advisors Ltd. and former Chair of the Haskayne Finance Advisory Council

Pickering added: “Graduates will be equipped to contribute meaningfully from the get-go. They can apply modern tools and data to complex challenges, while also understanding the ethical and regulatory side of the markets. That’s important, especially as Calgary’s financial sector continues to evolve toward data-driven investment and fintech-focused opportunities, giving Haskayne grads a competitive edge in the global financial industry.”

Graduates of the MFin program will be equipped to address increasingly complex challenges pertaining to asset management; quantitative, algorithmic and high frequency trading; financial risk management, fintech and financial analysis.  

“We are excited about this program as a way to support both future-focused learning for our students and the needs of Calgary’s business community. Calgary is home to 80 per cent of Alberta’s fintech firms who need skilled professionals equipped with the depth of knowledge and expertise this program provides.”

 Dr. Gina Grandy, Dean, Haskayne School of Business

The program opened applications on September 15 for its inaugural Fall 2026 cohort, with classes to be held on UCalgary’s main campus in Mathison Hall, home to a state-of-the-art trading and finance lab. Interested candidates can learn more at haskayne.ucalgary.ca.

Media inquiries

Lauren Steeves
Senior Marketing and Communications Strategist
Haskayne School of Business
lauren.steeves@ucalgary.ca

About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university in this country’s most enterprising city. A leader in startup creation and research innovation – with groundbreaking discoveries in child health, quantum computing and water sustainability – we’re transforming bold ideas into real-world impact. Curious and determined, our 38,000 students are using hands-on learning to forge bright futures for all. Ready to take the leap? Start something at UCalgary.

For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. Stay up to date with UCalgary news headlines on X @UCalgary. For access to UCalgary news releases, images and b-roll, and details on faculties and how to reach experts, check out our newsroom at ucalgary.ca/newsroom.

About the Haskayne School of Business
The Haskayne School of Business was founded at the University of Calgary in 1967, and was named in honour of Richard F. Haskayne, OC, AOE, FCA, in 2002. The business school has approximately 4,500 full- and part-time students enrolled in bachelor's, master's, doctorate and executive and professional development programs, and stays connected with its more than 32,000 alumni across 96 countries worldwide. Haskayne is where big ideas come to life and bold leaders thrive. Our mission is to nurture an environment that develops future-focused business leaders, invests in research excellence and impact for local, national and international arenas, and serves as a go-to source for expertise among community partners.

For more information, visit haskayne.ucalgary.ca.