Get to Know the MFAM Team

Safiya Bannister oversees the middle office and treasury functions at MFAM. In this role, she manages the overall liquidity of the investment portfolio, leads the operational due diligence function, and delivers investment-related reporting on performance and risk.

With over 20 years of experience, Safiya brings a wealth of knowledge and strong leadership to the MFAM team. Previously, she held progressive roles within Investment Operations at the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan, where she spearheaded several transformation initiatives, including system implementations, valuation automation projects, and the operationalization of investment strategies. 

Safiya holds both a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Finance from the University of Toronto. She is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder. 

In her free time, Safiya enjoys spending time with family and friends, whether travelling, trying new restaurants, or exploring the city. She is a health and wellness enthusiast who stays fit through strength training, yoga, and cycling.

John Barker joined MFAM in January 2024 to lead the newly formed asset management company. In this role, he is accountable for establishing the investment strategy and for the execution and management of investments on behalf of the Mastercard Foundation.

John’s career spans three decades, during which he managed and allocated assets across all classes for some of the world’s leading endowments, pensions and healthcare systems. Prior to MFAM, he served as Chief Investment Officer at Mass General Brigham in Boston for 11 years where he oversaw its endowment and pension portfolio valued at US$25 billion. Previous to that, John was a managing director at Harvard Management Company.

John earned his MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College. John sits on several endowment and family office investment committees and is President of the Board of Trustees at Brooks School. He and his wife Julie have two university-age daughters.

Anthony Di Fonzo is responsible for leading the finance and operations functions at MFAM. In this role he is accountable for forecasting, planning and analysis for MFAM as well as financial and management reporting, accounting and cost management.

Anthony brings over 18 years of experience to MFAM. Prior to joining MFAM, he held successive positions at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan in enterprise planning and transformation, and investment operations. Prior to that, Anthony spent several years at Manulife Investment Management, and at Deloitte in Financial Advisory.

Anthony holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto and is a Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA) charter holder.

Anthony lives in Toronto with his partner and three children. He is an amateur chef and barista, loves watching movies, and enjoys spending time outdoors.

Mel Eng is responsible for supporting our leadership team at MFAM. She effectively manages complex calendars, coordinates extensive travel arrangements, and facilitates smooth communication channels across MFAM, with a keen eye for organization and a commitment to efficiency. 

Prior to her role at MFAM, Mel spent over 10 years with CPP Investments as an Executive Assistant in Private Equity, supporting both the Funds and Secondaries Investment teams. She also spent time in the FinTech space. Mel’s dedication to maintaining confidentiality and managing sensitive information with utmost discretion underscores her professionalism and trustworthiness in the executive support role.

Mel’s hobbies include travelling, volunteering, staying current on all things related to the beauty and wellness industry, and laughing with friends and family.

Shifa Garewal is responsible for application delivery, optimizing our workplace technology and assisting the MFAM team with all technology requirements. 

Shifa brings six years of IT experience to MFAM. Prior to her current role, Shifa worked as a Cloud Solutions Specialist at the Canadian Cancer Society and as an IT Analyst at The Salvation Army. Shifa’s background in the non-profit sector has been marked by her dedication to leveraging technology for meaningful causes. 

Shifa holds certifications as Cisco Certified Network Associate and Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate. 

Outside of her professional endeavours, Shifa is a dedicated Muay Thai enthusiast, and loves travelling and exploring new cultures.

Dan Houle is responsible for implementing a versatile, robust technology strategy for MFAM that can enable enhanced returns, optimize operations, and ensure information and data security. His team deploys agile technology and services to support the performance, growth and evolution of MFAM into the future.

Prior to MFAM, Dan spent 27 years in various technology and investment leadership roles at the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. Throughout his tenure at Ontario Teachers’, he implemented trading, analytics, risk management and performance systems. He was most recently head of Enterprise Architecture and Innovation and focused on strategy, innovation and artificial intelligence.

Dan graduated from the School of Business at Wilfrid Laurier University with a degree in economics and a postgraduate certification in management studies. He has since augmented his background with education in capital markets, strategic planning, critical thinking, project management, risk management, and AI. 

Dan enjoys spending time at the cottage with his family, is an avid golfer, and is always trendspotting for recent developments in emerging technologies.

Kevin Hutchinson is responsible for sourcing, underwriting, and managing investments in a wide range of asset classes including direct and indirect global long equity, hedged strategies, private capital, and fixed income, among others.

Kevin brings over 15 years of experience to MFAM. Prior to his current role, Kevin worked for CPP Investments, where he focused on the firm’s hedge fund portfolio with roles in the External Portfolio Management and Operational Due Diligence teams. Before that, he held a variety of roles at Harmonic Fund Services, RP Investment Advisors, NexGen Financial and IA Clarington.  

Kevin holds an undergraduate degree from McMaster University in mathematical science, is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder, and achieved his Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation.

Kevin is married and enjoys spending time with family, travelling, being active, and reading.

Kevin Joldersma is responsible for the execution and management of the investment operations at MFAM that help facilitate and support informed investment decisions.

Kevin brings 16 years of investment operations experience to MFAM. Prior to his current role, Kevin held several successive positions at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, managing the trade lifecycle for a wide range of investment products.  

Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Waterloo. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder. 

Kevin is married and a proud father of two young boys that keep him busy outside of work. He is an avid sports fan and has a renewed sense of hope for the Toronto Maple Leafs at the beginning of every NHL season.

Jane Liu is responsible for the investment operations function at MFAM. Jane is accountable for the execution and oversight of operational activities that enable and support investment decision making.

Prior to her current role, Jane led investment operations teams across multiple public and private asset classes at the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.

Jane holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder.

Jane is married and mother to an energetic daughter. She enjoys traveling, yoga, and actively volunteers with the Girl Guides of Canada.

Jen Newman is responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the corporate functions at MFAM. This includes finance, human resources, information technology, compliance, as well as investment operations and operational due diligence.

Jen brings more than 25 years of experience in finance, technology, risk and operational leadership. She spent more than a decade at the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, where she held several roles, including leading operations, technology delivery and data management. Prior to her time at Ontario Teachers’, Jen spent several years at CIBC and BMO where she held various roles in finance, risk and strategy.

Jen earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University and is a Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA) charter holder that she achieved while working at PwC.

Jen enjoys spending time with her three kids, travelling and going to the cottage. She is an avid sports fan, whether its as a participant in golf, running and skiing or as a passionate spectator at a Blue Jays or Raptors game

Michael Powers is responsible for the origination, evaluation, execution, and management of investments across a wide range of private equity strategies. 

Prior to joining MFAM, Michael spent 16 years at the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, ultimately leading its global venture capital and growth equity funds program. While at Ontario Teachers’, he also played a key role in helping build Teachers’ Venture Growth and held successive roles on its Private Capital Global Funds and Portfolio Management teams.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies degree from Western University, with a specialization in Finance. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder and a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) charter holder. 

When Michael isn’t digging through data rooms or running through airports, you can find him listening to live music, enjoying films, scuba diving, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Nisreen Rahman is responsible for the human resources function at MFAM, focusing on talent, culture and engagement, and building out the operating model to support MFAM’s mission and values.

Nisreen brings 15 years of human resources experience to MFAM. Prior to her current role, Nisreen led HR Business Partnering for the Canada office at the Mastercard Foundation. She also held positions at The Citco Group Limited, Deutsche Bank, and CPP Investments.

Nisreen is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and holds a bachelor’s degree in human resources from York University. 

In her personal time, Nisreen enjoys travelling and food adventures with her family, attending concerts, and baking with her two children.

Luigi Rossi is responsible for the origination, execution and management of investments on behalf of the Mastercard Foundation. He is actively involved in evaluating investments across a wide range of strategies including hedged strategies, fixed income, real estate and public equities.  

Luigi brings 20 years of extensive cross-asset class public markets investment experience. Prior to joining MFAM, Luigi was a Managing Director at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, where he led the Hedge Fund team. Before that, Luigi held various roles in sales and trading at RBC Capital Markets.  

Luigi earned an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Queen’s University. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst charter holder. 

Outside of the office, Luigi enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, and exploring nature through activities such as cycling and snowboarding.    

Jasmine Shen is responsible for the delivery of financial and management reporting and analysis, forecasting, planning, and cost management for MFAM.

Prior to joining MFAM, Jasmine held various roles at Manulife Investment Management, focusing on Real Estate Accounting and Finance Advisory. She also gained valuable experience with Colliers International and Starlight Investment.

Jasmine holds a Master of Finance degree from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto. She is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) charter holder. 

Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys travelling and discovering new food and drinks around the city. She stays active by attending HIIT classes, boxing, skiing, and snowboarding.

Pete Simpson is responsible for the finance and investment operations at MFAM. This includes corporate finance and middle and back-office functions.

Pete brings 20 years of experience in finance, investment operations, risk, and process excellence to MFAM. Prior to his current position, Pete held several successive roles at the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, where he was most recently accountable for investment operations. Before Ontario Teachers’, Pete worked at PwC, supporting the assurance and transaction advisory practices.

Pete holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and earned a master’s degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Waterloo.

Beyond the office, Pete enjoys traveling and participating in outdoor activities with his family, including running, skiing and mountain biking.

Denni Wong is responsible for the overall technology environment at MFAM, including application delivery, core technology and data capabilities, and technology organization and governance.

Denni brings 16 years of IT experience to MFAM. Prior to his current role, Denni led large-scale strategic transformation initiatives at CPP Investments. Before that, Denni held several progressive senior roles in technology operations and delivery at the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.

Denni earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences from the University of Waterloo. Beyond the office, Denni is a steward of the environment. He practices sustainability by reducing waste and repairing items that would otherwise end up in landfills. Denni enjoys traveling with his family during sunny months and hitting the slopes in the winter.

Heinrich Zaguirre is responsible for application delivery and optimizing workplace technology at MFAM.

Heinrich has over 14 years of IT experience supporting investment teams. Prior to his current role, Heinrich served as Business Analysis Lead at CPP Investments, focusing on implementing systems that manage customer relationships and track deals. Before that, Heinrich worked at the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan in various successive IT roles for more than a decade.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Waterloo.

Outside the office, Heinrich is an avid traveler and enjoys exploring new cultures with his wife and two daughters. When he is not in the office, he can be found playing basketball.