VOICES OF RPIA
2024
RPIA
www.rpia.ca
General Line: +1 647 776 1777
43 Hazelton Ave. Toronto, ON M5R 2E3
Investor Services: +1 647 776 2566
Throughout 2024 and over the past 15 years, I am proud to say that we’ve remained true to our values and our vision, and it has been wonderful to celebrate this journey with our employees and investors alike.
- Richard Pilosof Principal, Chief Executive Officer
CONTENTS
About Us | Core Values
2
A Letter From Our CEO
3
In Our Firm
4
Celebrating 15 Years of RPIA
6
Cultural Enrichment
8
Our Events
10
In Our Community
12
Charitable Giving
13
RPIA ACE Program
17
RPIA Has Talent
18
Voices of RPIA
2
CORE VALUES
1 Excellence
High-quality work produced by talented, driven people. 2 Partnership Unwavering alignment of interests with our clients. We are invested alongside them. 3 Transparency Complete accessibility to our clients. We want them to understand and feel comfortable with their investments with us. 4 Integrity A steadfast commitment to honesty and accountability. We believe this is the path to lasting success. 5 Community Creating meaningful change through ESG, philanthropic giving, and active volunteerism.
ABOUT US
RPIA is a specialized fixed income manager with deep expertise in corporate bonds and active management, based in Toronto. The firm was founded in 2009 by a highly experienced team that previously ran the global fixed income arm of Canada’s largest bank. 15 years since then, RPIA now has over 100 employees, including investment and risk management professionals with complementary experience to that of our founders. We are now managing approximately $14 billion for a broad investor base ranging from institutions to private clients. RPIA remains independent and privately owned by employees who have over $250 million invested alongside our clients. We take an active, innovative approach to fixed income to offer our investors what we believe is a better way to meet their investment objectives.
3
Voices of RPIA
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
Richard Pilosof Principal, Chief Executive Officer
This year marks 15 years since the founding of RPIA, and I am immensely grateful to our investors and our employees for what we’ve accomplished. Throughout 2024 and over the past 15 years, I am proud to say that we’ve remained true to our values and our vision, and it has been wonderful to celebrate this journey with our employees and investors alike. As a firm, we have continued to grow over the past year, and I am proud of our team’s unwavering dedication to helping our investors and our community. The growth of our team and our ongoing investments into scaling the organization have been bolstered by our deep commitment to upholding a culture of mentorship and collaboration. It is wonderful to see our people grow and develop as individuals alongside the firm, embodying our shared values. 2024 brought many exciting initiatives to RPIA, and I am pleased to highlight a few of them: • Celebrating One Another: We launched the Talent Spotlight Award this year, which allows us to publicly acknowledge the impactful contributions of our teammates and reward them for their hard work and dedication. • Learning Together: In addition to our annual Mentorship Program, we also launched Productivity Sessions, designed to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Leaders share insights from their careers and experts across departments share their passion for their work. • Impact on the Community: Giving back is a core piece of our culture, and it has been our honour to support some impactful organizations this past year with a focus on improving quality of life. Our goal continues to be developing partnerships with our investors, serving with excellence, integrity, and transparency as you entrust us with your capital. Our teams help bring this mission to life as we continue to make investments in the firm to better deliver high quality investment solutions and servicing for our investors. We also believe it is our duty to support and enrich our community, not just with our money but also with our time, talent, and voices as we volunteer, educate, and speak up for what matters. This publication illustrates RPIA’s passion for having an inclusive and open culture, doing good through our work, and empowering our employees as they become leaders in the causes they care about. I hope you enjoy learning more about what we do and how the many voices of RPIA are embracing their talents and speaking up about their passions. Best Wishes, Richard Pilosof
IN OUR FIRM
Voices of RPIA
6
In Our Firm
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF RPIA
OUR STORY The fixed income market is vast and complex, spanning across global markets with limited options for individual investors to invest directly. While managing global debt markets at Canada’s largest bank, RPIA’s CEO, Richard Pilosof, noticed the glaring lack of specialized and sophisticated fixed income solutions in Canada that he saw in abundance in New York and London. He wanted to bridge this gap and offer Canadians innovative investment solutions to help them achieve their goals, whether it be stability, capital preservation, growth, or diversification. In 2009, Richard partnered with some of his trusted colleagues to form RPIA with the goal of offering Canadians a better approach to fixed income. The founders set out to deliver innovative and active fixed income solutions to Canadian investors, and we remain steadfastly committed to this mission. From humble beginnings of around $50 million under management, the firm began to grow as the performance of our flagship strategy gained the attention of a wider group of investors. Soon, RPIA expanded to a modest team working out of a small office in the beautiful Yorkville neighbourhood of Toronto. Within a few years, we were managing over $1 billion and had grown our investor base beyond private investors to include major Canadian institutions. Over the years, as assets under management increased, so did our commitment to excellence in both performance and client service. The firm invested in talent and technology to continue adding value for investors, expanding the team and our capabilities. Today, RPIA manages $14 billion for a wide range of investors, with over 100 professionals, including 27 investment specialists overseeing 12 strategies. We are aligned with our investors’ success with 65% of the team personally invested alongside our investors. Since the very beginning, RPIA has been rooted in a strong sense of community with a continuing commitment to supporting causes that are dear to the hearts of our investors and employees. Everything we do is rooted in our core values of excellence, partnership, transparency, and integrity. As we reflect on our journey, the past 15 years tell a story of resilience, innovation, and dedication to investor satisfaction. Our aim is to continue delivering best-in-class service and performance excellence for our investors through our deep expertise in active fixed income.
7
Voices of RPIA
In Our Firm
OUR JOURNEY THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
2009
2016-2017 We decided to expand our product offerings beyond hedge fund strategies and launched our first mutual fund, RP Strategic Income Plus Fund, in 2016 to provide retail investors with an active core bond strategy. At this point, we were managing close to $4 billion for Canadian investors, including high- net-worth individuals, institutions, and investment advisors. 2018 As our investment capabilities grew, we began to recognize the importance of conducting ESG analysis as a supplement to our fundamental financial analysis. As a result, we became a signatory of the UN Principals of Responsible Investment in 2018. At this time, we were managing $5 billion of investor capital with 5 different investment strategies. investment capabilities, we began searching for trading software that can aid with security selection in the vast and complex bond market; however, we found none that fit our unique, highly dynamic investment style. We decided to invest in our technological capabilities and 2019 To further institutionalize our developed our own custom trading platform called SANTA (Structing Analysis & Trading Assistant). In 2019, we also launched our first ESG-themed mandate, the RP Broad Corporate Bond (BBB, Carbon Reduced) strategy, in line with our commitment to ESG.
2020-2021 In 2020, the Allyship Committee was formed to foster a deeper understanding of the diversity and representation within the firm, bringing together employees through events and volunteerism. Our team grew significantly during this period, and we expanded our office space into a neighbouring building, 43 Hazelton Ave., which included more meeting spaces for our team to better serve our investors. 2022 In 2022, we launched our second ESG-themed mandate, the RP Broad Corporate Bond (Fossil Fuel Exclusion) strategy, developed in partnership with one of our institutional investors and in collaboration with the index. We also became Great Place To Work certified, which highlighted our culture of partnership and community. 2023-2024 Today, we are celebrating 15 years of RPIA as we continue to produce strong returns and provide highly personalized service for investors across Canada. We currently manage $14 billion across 12 investment strategies with a team of over 100 employees, 27 of whom are investment professionals. We remain independently owned, and our employees have over $250 million invested alongside our investors.
Launched the firm to serve Canadian investors with active global fixed income solutions, beginning with our flagship long/short strategy, RP Debt Opportunities. In that first year, we were managing around $50 million for family and friends. 2010-2012 We partnered with a family office to help them achieve their traditional fixed income needs through a long- only solution. Due to increased demand for this product, we launched this mandate as the RP Fixed Income Plus strategy in 2012. 2013 We celebrated our first “yard” party with $1 billion of assets under management. This achievement was a result of a growing, high-caliber team and a new institutional quality infrastructure. This required a larger office space, and we moved out of our office on Yorkville Avenue to just around the corner at 39 Hazelton Avenue, where we still operate. 2014-2015 We identified a gap in active credit solutions available to Canadian investors and launched our highly opportunistic credit strategy, RP Select Opportunities, in 2014. The team continued to grow as we increased the scale of our investment operations and business development endeavours.
Voices of RPIA
8
In Our Firm
CULTURAL ENRICHMENT
PRODUCTIVITY SESSIONS
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
At RPIA, we believe that continuous learning is vital for growth, productivity, and engagement. Our Productivity Sessions initiative is a strategic program designed to foster a collaborative learning culture across the firm. Through the Leadership Insights Series and Departmental Deep Dives , we connect employees with our senior leaders and departmental experts. These sessions are crafted to share career insights, enhance knowledge- sharing, and encourage cross- functional collaboration.
At the heart of RPIA’s culture is our commitment to positive social impact within our community. Our community outreach initiatives are designed to promote meaningful involvement, social responsibility, and a strong sense of unity within RPIA. Through open discussions, educational events, and volunteer activities, we create opportunities for our employees to explore and address social issues that matter. We are committed to creating a supportive environment that respects individual perspectives and celebrates diversity, as we believe that these values strengthen both our team and our business outcomes. By participating in outreach activities, employees can learn, connect, and contribute to building a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
9
Voices of RPIA
In Our Firm
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
TALENT SPOTLIGHT
Our Mentorship Program is built on the principles of development, cross- functional collaboration, and mutual empowerment. Pairing employees across the firm, the program offers a unique platform for mentees to set career goals and gain insights from experienced mentors. Mentors, in turn, find it rewarding to coach and empower their mentees to reach their full potential. This year-long partnership enriches career journeys and strengthens our commitment to a collaborative and inclusive culture.
Launched in 2024, RPIA’s Spotlight Award honours employees who exemplify our values through exceptional dedication and impact. Recognizing achievements in innovation, resilience, teamwork, and leadership, the award is a testament to our belief in celebrating excellence and inspiring others. Monthly winners are celebrated at our Townhalls and receive a wellness reward, with an annual grand prize winner celebrated for their extraordinary contributions. This program underscores our appreciation for our team’s commitment to excellence, reinforcing our culture of recognition and gratitude. By acknowledging those who consistently make a difference, we foster an environment where achievements are valued, and every contribution is a part of our shared success.
Voices of RPIA
10
In Our Firm
OUR EVENTS
ALLYSHIP EVENTS
International Women’s Day
At RPIA, we are committed to fostering a culture where diversity is celebrated and everyone’s unique perspectives and contributions are valued. This International Women’s Day, our Allyship Committee took a special step to honour this commitment by organizing thoughtful gifts for all the women in our firm; a small token to recognize their immense value and contribution.
Holocaust Remembrance Day
In honour of Holocaust Remembrance Day, our Allyship Committee organized a visit to the Toronto Holocaust Museum to pay tribute to the lives lost, honour the survivors, and deepen our understanding of this tragic chapter in history. The Museum inspires visitors to think deeply about the tragedies of the Holocaust and make connections between this history, world events, and contemporary Canadian life. It was a solemn yet impactful experience, reflecting on the atrocities of the past and reinforcing our commitment to building a more inclusive future.
11
Voices of RPIA
In Our Firm
SOCIAL EVENTS
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Voices of RPIA
14
In Our Community
CHARITABLE GIVING
At RPIA, giving back to our community is an important facet of our culture and values. Our mission is to facilitate charitable giving within our organization and the broader community by working collaboratively with our investors, employees, and community partners.
Our focus areas include:
Empowering Our Communities Provide resources and support necessary to empower individuals and their broader communities to grow and prosper. Enhancing Quality of Life Improve well-being and stability through better access to resources and opportunities that can facilitate better quality of life. Fostering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Address systemic barriers that limit opportunities for marginalized groups and promote fair, equitable, and inclusive decision-making. Under the guidance and leadership of our Donations Committee, which comprises of six Principals and is chaired by the CEO, we carefully evaluate the impact of our donations, how it benefits the pressing needs of our communities, and how it aligns with the values of our investors and employees.
Donations in FY2024
The past few years have been tough for many in our community who were faced with the harsh realities of high inflation and rising or high interest rates. Quality of living both globally and across Canada struggled in this environment and the burden of this cost reverberated throughout our community. As such, in 2024, our charitable giving efforts focused largely on our second pillar, Enhancing Quality of Life, aiming to make a meaningful impact and alleviate some of the burden and improve well-being and stability.
19%
20%
61%
Empowering Our Communities Enhancing Quality of Life Fostering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
15
Voices of RPIA
In Our Community
Empowering Our Communities
ART & CULTURE
CHILDREN & YOUTH
IMMIGRATION INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
JEWISH COMMUNITIES
LOCAL COMMUNITIES
SPORTS
Enhancing Quality of Life
EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT
FOOD SCARCITY
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH
HEALTH CARE
HOUSING SECURITY
MENTAL HEALTH
WATER & SANITATION
Fostering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
CIVIL RIGHTS
HUMAN RIGHTS
LGBTQ+
RACIAL EQUITY
WOMEN’S RIGHTS
Voices of RPIA
16
In Our Community
Community Highlights
Feast in the Forest In June, we sponsored Feast in the Forest, celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting Indigenous education. It was a wonderful evening with rich cuisine, captivating entertainment, and inspiring artistry. Together, we raised over $1 million for Indspire’s programs, helping to educate, connect, and empower Indigenous students to reach their full potential. These funds will create lasting change in their communities and support the advancement of educational outcomes for Indigenous youth. Humour Me Our CEO, Richard Pilosof, participated in the Humour Me charity event in October, where he performed as an amateur stand-up comedian and helped raise over $2.7 million for Sinai Health. The event combines professional comedians with amateur performers, all focused on raising money for organizations that provide essential services to Canadians. This year, the funds raised will enable Sinai Health to deliver life-saving care for thousands of pregnant patients and their babies.
Swim Drink Fish In May, we had the pleasure of partnering with Swim Drink Fish on the Artists for Water, the most influential fundraising gala for a water charity in Canada. We hosted an Art Preview Reception in our courtyard for an exclusive first look at this year’s art collection, featuring over 30 works of art by some of Canada’s top artists. This year, the Gala raised over $485,000 toward swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for everyone!
17
Voices of RPIA
In Our Community
First launched in 2022, the RPIA Academic and Community Empowerment (ACE) Program aims to provide a wealth of opportunities to disenfranchised groups through academic and community driven initiatives. The program strives to support the next generation of leaders from all backgrounds in Canada through scholarships, internships, and mentorship. As a firm, we are committed to empowering and nurturing the potential in our community, and doing our part to improve access to the industry in which we operate.
Active Scholarships RPIA Ace Scholarship in Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto
RPIA has pledged $5,000 CAD/year for a non-renewable expendable scholarship for an upper year student in the Rotman Commerce Program who self-identifies as either Black or Indigenous to Canada and maintains good academic standing. Although not required, preference is given to students with an interest and/or completed coursework in Finance. RPIA Ace Finance Award for BIPOC Students at the University of Victoria RPIA has pledged $5,000 CAD per year for a nonrenewable award for a third or fourth year undergraduate student who self-identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour (BIPOC). The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible and also demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the financial industry.
Upcoming Scholarships RPIA Ace Scholarship for Women in MFin at the Schulich School of Business at York University RPIA has pledged $5,000 CAD on a 3-year commitment for a student who identifies as female and is accepted into the Master of Finance program at the Schulich School of Business at York University. The student must maintain good academic standing and demonstrate a strong desire to pursue a career in capital markets. Preference will be given to students with financial need.
Voices of RPIA
18
In Our Community
RPIA HASRPIA HAS
But everything else you can control, and the choices you make directly affect your outcome. While I find sailing solo to be fun and challenging, I prefer to sail with a team, where the art of teamwork truly shines through. Everyone has a role and function that serves to get the most out of the boat every time you are on the water. I’ve learned so much from that sense of duty and collaboration and often find them manifesting in other aspects of my life, both personal and professional. What’s most important is that sailing is something I wholeheartedly enjoy. I love to take friends sailing with me so they can see and experience the same feeling I do while out on the water!
Brian Tinney Principal, Associate Portfolio Manager
SAILING
I grew up on Lake Huron, and for as long as I can remember, I spent time on and around the water. But it wasn’t until my late 20s that I decided to pick up sailing. What drew me to sailing and gives me the most enjoyment is the sense of ownership that accompanies the activity – you are ultimately in charge of your success. Of course, the wind, an outside force you cannot control, is the main determinant of what can or can’t happen.
19
Voices of RPIA
In Our Community
Jamie Schwartz Director of Private Client
Lindsay Gobin Director of Client Relations
HORSEBACK RIDING
MAKING HOTSAUCE My passion for making hot sauce - what we lovingly call “pepper sauce” - is deeply rooted in my heritage, blending the bold, vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with the rich, aromatic profiles of mainland China. Growing up, my family crafted their own versions of this sauce, each recipe passed down through generations, carrying stories, memories, and traditions. Some of my fondest childhood memories involve adding this sauce to my favorite street foods on the beaches of Trinidad, the fresh, delicious bites that were always made better with a dash of heat. This hot sauce is my tribute to those roots, a complex, flavourful fusion that embodies the best of both worlds. With ingredients like charred scotch bonnet peppers, roasted garlic, fresh lime juice, ginger, thyme, and mustard, every drop bursts with heat and depth, transporting you straight to the tropics. It’s not just about the spice for me, it’s about celebrating where I come from, the incredible flavours that define my culture, and the shared moments around a table with the people I love. But fair warning: this sauce is hot enough to make you rethink your life choices, so buckle up and have a cold beer handy!
When my daughter showed an interest in horses and started equestrian lessons at the age of four, I knew as a parent, this was going to be an extremely time-consuming hobby that would require both her dedication and mine. We live in Toronto, quite a distance from any riding facilities, making visits to the stables a half day commitment (at best). I had a choice to make: spend my weekends sitting by idly and watching OR embracing her passion for riding and make this an activity we could do together, “our thing.” So now, we’ve both taken up horseback riding. Today she is 10 years old, fearlessly jumping verticals taller than her height and collecting 1st place ribbons in competitions. Meanwhile, I am a beginner, moving cautiously around the arena while trotting and cantering. But I’m proud of myself for choosing to participate and for learning new skills. 1000-pound horses are no joke! Of all the enjoyment riding has brought into my life, the most important part of this journey to me is the 1-on-1 time I spend with my eldest daughter each week. She may have pushed me into this hobby, but I can say with certainty that we both enjoy our time at the barn, the peacefulness that comes from being in nature, our time off screens, and basking in the fresh air with these majestic and beautiful animals.
Voices of RPIA
20
In Our Community
To prepare for these moments, I took swimming training to build my confidence and learn techniques that would help me navigate the depths. The test dives were eye- opening, allowing me to marvel at vibrant coral reefs that seemed to glow with life. It was like visiting an entirely new world where colours popped, fish darted playfully, and you became a guest in an environment that was vast, beautiful, and humbling. One of the most surreal moments was discovering submerged vehicles resting eerily at the bottom, frozen in time like relics of an underwater city. It felt as if I was in an aquatic version of a sci-fi movie, with every dive adding to the wonder. Yet, beyond the excitement and adrenaline, there was a serenity in diving that I had never experienced before. Once you’re underwater, surrounded by the vast blue expanse, the noise of the world above disappears. The only sound that accompanies you is the soft rhythm of your own breath and the gentle trail of air bubbles rising to the surface. It’s a kind of peaceful solitude that makes you feel connected not just to nature but to yourself. It’s where time seems to pause, and all that exists is the steady thrum of your heartbeat and the beauty surrounding you. This experience has sparked more than just a newfound hobby; it’s ignited a passion that I want to keep pursuing. I’m already looking forward to planning more diving trips and earning additional licenses to explore even further. Whether it’s visiting deeper wrecks, witnessing more incredible marine life, or just finding more moments of peace beneath the waves, I know that this is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovering the wonders hidden beneath the surface.
Arya Shukla Associate, Investment Operations
SCUBA DIVING
My post-grad adventure took an unexpected plunge—literally—turning from a vacation into earning my diving certification. What started as a simple getaway with friends quickly morphed into a journey of skill-building, overcoming deep water fears, and finding a new passion. What I discovered underwater was so much more than marine life—it was an experience that tested my limits, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and brought me face-to-face with a world I never imagined exploring. Diving taught me the art of staying calm under pressure and reinforced how essential it is to communicate and collaborate effectively with friends. Our makeshift hand signals on land transformed into an intricate, silent language underwater, where a simple gesture could mean the difference between gliding smoothly or finding yourself suddenly surrounded by hordes of jellyfish. Yes, that happened. More than once. And let’s just say that getting stung is part of the learning curve that no one warned me about.
21
Voices of RPIA
In Our Community
Felicia Daryonoputri Associate, Sustainable Investing
Deji Alabi Associate, Client Relations
HIKING When I was growing up in Jakarta, my family would go on an annual hiking trip to a nearby mountain to escape the busy city and enjoy some fresh air. We called it the “tea walk” because a large chunk of the mountain range is used by local farmers to plant tea, which graces the trail with a refreshing scent of jasmine and peppers the area with delicious cafes for a post-hike reward. When I moved to Canada a few years ago, I began hiking locally as an ode to my family’s tradition and to explore new places. Whether it was in BC or Ontario, I was quickly fascinated by Canada’s vast natural landscape. To my surprise, being outdoors has also helped me acclimate and find joy in the cold snowy months. During the pandemic, I would go to a local trail in Waterloo while listening to my ecology lectures, identifying birds and trees along the path. Recently, my friends and I went on a five-hour hike for my birthday which was a lot of fun (minus the mosquitoes). I am looking forward to going on more winter hikes and trying out more international trails!
SOCCER
Maybe you’ve seen one of those documentaries about Brazilian stars like Pelé, Ronaldo, or Rivaldo and how they started playing street soccer at a young age. Growing up in Nigeria, where soccer is a huge deal, my introduction to the game was much the same. I started playing on the streets with neighbors, kicking around anything we could find. Surprisingly (to me), I didn’t turn into Pelé. I continued playing throughout high school, avidly watching the English Premier League to improve my understanding of the game. Thierry Henry was the best player back then and he’s the reason I became a fan of Arsenal FC, and he remains my all-time favorite player. On the field, my biggest strength is probably my accuracy in passing and spatial awareness. I may not be bending it like Beckham, but threading the needle? That’s where I shine. These days, I channel that passion by captaining men’s and co-ed leagues on the weekends. Whether I’m competing on the field or debating the G.O.A.T. (I’m firmly Team Ronaldo), soccer is - and always will be - a huge part of who I am.
Click here for more information about the content contained in this magazine.
RPIA 43 Hazelton Ave. Toronto, ON M5R 2E3 www.rpia.ca General Line: +1 647 776 1777 Investor Services: +1 647 776 2566
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker