Profile
Kate Finkler-Kemeny built her career by betting on herself and saying yes even before she felt completely ready. This instinct has guided her from a background in geological engineering to real estate, and it has shaped the impressive start she has made in the industry.
“I learned fairly early that growth rarely happens when you feel entirely comfortable,” she shares, describing a pattern of changing disciplines, taking ownership of investor relationships and representing her strategy independently, each time approaching the unfamiliar with a straightforward “I’ll figure it out.”
Finkler-Kemeny’s path reflects her natural inquisitiveness, starting off with a bachelor’s in geological engineering and a master’s in urban planning from Queen’s University, then development, acquisitions, and private equity in Toronto, before landing in institutional portfolio management in Vancouver. She shares that she did not grow up in a financially literate household, so much of the investment industry’s language was initially unfamiliar, but her engineering background had taught her how to solve problems collaboratively and how to ask questions that peel back an issue one layer at a time.
She is not afraid to ask how things work and is just as willing to keep digging when issues arise. This mindset has led her to automate processes, improve reporting and analytics, and make complex ideas more accessible for investors.
A major point of pride for Finkler-Kemeny arose during a period of transition on BGO’s Prime Canadian Portfolio Management team, when her responsibilities expanded across portfolio analytics, strategy, investor relations, reporting, and capital raising. She became a primary point of contact for institutional investors across Western Canada, travelling independently and delivering portfolio strategy presentations in both English and French.
Stewardship is how Finkler-Kemeny frames her role at BGO. “Prime Canadian has a 43-year history. I take a lot of pride in being part of a strategy that has built its reputation through consistency, a high-quality core asset mix, long-term relationships, and a commitment to client service,” she says.
Sustaining that legacy is a responsibility she takes seriously, from contributing to portfolio management to serving investors as their needs evolve. It extends, too, to her work leading Prime Canadian’s engagement with its Indigenous client base, including BGO Canada’s role in Call to Action 92, a commitment to Indigenous reconciliation from the corporate sector.
Mentorship has been central to Finkler-Kemeny’s development. Paired with Jamie McCue, a managing director based out of BGO’s Seattle office, through the Sun Life InvestHer program, she still meets with her regularly, and the experience has inspired her to support others, including as a study buddy with the Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland.
“Being called a Rising Star inspires me to ensure that I keep stepping up,” Finkler-Kemeny says. The recognition has reinforced the kind of career she wants to build, one that combines strong investment judgment, meaningful investor relationships, and leadership. Over time, she hopes to create opportunities for others in the same way managers and mentors have done for her.
1 York St., Toronto, ON M5J 0B6
506 645 1386
hmacartney@gobelmont.ca
linkedin.com/in/kate-finkler-kemenybgo
bgo.com
Kate Finkler-Kemeny
Vice President, Portfolio Management
BGO
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2026
Development Coordinator at Ivanhoé Cambridge
2015–2016
Acquisitions and Development Associate at Minto Communities
2017–2019
Senior Analyst at Fovēre
2019–2021
Associate, Portfolio Management at BGO
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2026
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