GTA Chapter News

Toronto, Ontario: The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA, is committed to maintaining the highest standards for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential. As part of this commitment, we conducted a comprehensive job analysis study in 2024 to identify the knowledge and skills required to effectively perform and demonstrate proficiency in the fraud examination profession.

The results of this study were used to develop a new outline for the CFE Exam that reflects the industry’s evolution and changes in recent years.

A new version of the CFE Exam based on findings from this job analysis study will launch in June 2026, with revised CFE Exam study materials being released in March 2026. 

How Will the CFE Exam Change?

The updated CFE Exam will ensure that CFE candidates are evaluated on the most current and practical knowledge that fraud examiners need to know. 

The structure of the CFE Exam will also be modified to better reflect advancements in the anti-fraud profession and make the exam more accessible to aspiring CFEs. Starting in June 2026, the CFE Exam will be three sections, each of which will have a different number of questions and allotted exam time. This new format will improve the candidate experience while maintaining the rigour and credibility of the CFE credential.

LEARN MORE

Toronto, Ontario: Today, the ACFE-GTA Chapter emailed all attendees who attended the June 5, 2025 Webinar entitled the "OPP Victim Support Model." The webinar was presented by Staff Sergeant Shauna Marshall and members of her team. Webinar participants asked for some resources they could use to better educate themselves, and we have included those resources in this Chapter News article.

In 2020 the OPP adopted a Framework for a Victim-Centred Approach to ensure a comprehensive, consistent, and structured approach to enhancing programs, policies and processes to better assist and understand the needs of victims/survivors. The inception of the Victim-Centred Approach Team and the Victim Specialist Program ensures victims are aware of, and can access their rights, and that they are supported throughout the criminal justice process. This presentation will provide an overview of the OPP’s Framework for a Victim-Centred Approach and those processes which ensure the OPP are meeting not only their legal obligations as they relate to victims/survivors (inclusive of victims of fraud), but also their moral and ethical obligations by recognizing and respecting an individual’s fundamental human rights.

RESOURCES:

Knowledge Hub- through Western University
This Knowledge Hub is an excellent resource to view upcoming events and pre-recorded webinars on fostering trauma informed practices. Consider strolling through the Hub to see applicable training. Below is the website below and a few webinars that might be appropriate:
       Recorded Webinars | Webinaires enregistrés - Learning Network - Western University

       From Trauma-Informed to Trauma-and Violence-Informed
       Colleen Varcoe - Learning Network - Western University

       What it takes to be a Trauma-informed Organization
       What it takes to be a Trauma-informed Organization - Learning Network – Western University

       Legal Advocacy to End Discrimination Against Women with Disabilities
       Legal Advocacy to End Discrimination Against Women with Disabilities - Learning Network - Western University

       Rethinking Child Welfare Services: Trauma-Informed Approaches
       Rosée Bruneau-Bhérer and Delphine Collin-Vézina - Learning Network - Western University


Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI)
https://ctrinstitute.com/

The CTRI offers training and free resources that address trauma and promotes skills to better understanding and help those experiencing mental health difficulties. This training is excellent if you are looking to broaden your understanding of developing a trauma-informed approach. You can check out the website for various training on similar topics.  Listed below is an upcoming webinar that may interest you:

       Trauma Informed Care- Building a Culture of Strength
       https://ctrinstitute.com/workshops/live-virtual-trauma-informed-care-3-08-19-2025/
       Date: August 19^th, 2025 09:00-16:30


Canadian Red Cross- Psychological aid Training
https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/course-descriptions/psychological-first-aid

-Psychological First Aid (PFA) is about taking care of yourself – your thoughts, feelings and emotions when you have experienced stress, crisis, or trauma – and then being there for family, friends, and community when they are having difficulty coping.

-Learn how to anticipate stress and crisis whenever possible and equip yourself with the skill-set to practice self-care and to provide care for others during particularly challenging times. Unlike mental health first aid, which trains people to help someone during a mental health emergency, Red Cross Psychological First Aid teaches you how to build up resiliency to stress and establish coping strategies for stress and trauma.

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Austin, Texas: The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) has announced a new 90-Day CFE Exam Challenge starting September 1, 2025. If you are thinking about earning your Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) Credential, this is an excellent way to make that a reality.

You will receive a monthly study plan and additional study tips every two weeks to help you complete important tasks and meet milestones along the way. Weekly check-ins help you meet all your small goals along the way to passing the CFE Exam. You will be a member of a private group in the ACFE Community, where you can exchange study tips and encouragement with fellow future CFEs.

Click here for more information and to register

Toronto, Ontario: The ACFE-GTA Chapter is pleased to have contributed to a fraud awareness article in thrive magazine.

Fraud Alert_Thrive Magazine Issue 29 (Apr 2025).pdf

The leading source for information for and about Canada's community of persons with disabilities, thrive magazine was born out of the need for special-interest media specifically for Canada’s amputee and limb different community and the practitioners and professionals who support it.

This important discussion on fraud awareness and prevention applies to all members of the public, as we all continue to help educate ourselves on how to identify and prevent becoming a victim of the various fraud schemes and scams that are seeming ever-present in today's society.

The main message is to be aware of how these scammers operate and do not fall into their traps. Pause. Breathe. Independently verify with trusted people or phone numbers that are obtained from the back of your financial institution-issued cards.

NEVER give out personally-identifiable information or your PIN or Two-Factor-Verification codes sent to you.

If you receive an unsolicited phone call, email, or text message from someone you don't know, DELETE IT - HANG UP without responding or without clicking on any links.

If you are worried about something the scammer told you, CALL YOUR financial institution using the phone number on the BACK of your Card. NEVER call them back using the number the scammers have you!

Keep
your CURIOSITY
your NAIVETY
your NEED for CONNECTION, and even
your GREED
in check !!

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Toronto, Ontario: The ACFE-GTA Chapter announced today that it will again be a Silver Sponsor for the York Regional Police Anti-Money Laundering Symposium on October 22 and 23, 2025.

The Symposium  is an excellent opportunity for the ACFE-GTA Chapter to support ongoing professional education in the anti-money laundering, fraud, and other financial crime space, network with and market the Chapter to the many Certified Fraud Examiners who are in attendance, and provide assistance to those who would like to earn their CFE credential.

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Toronto, Ontario: The ACFE-GTA Chapter was represented again this year at the 32nd annual Niagara Counterfeit and Fraud Workshop on May 21 and 22, 2025.

The Workshop is hosted by the Bank of Canada, the Niagara Regional Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It is sponsored by Interac and G+D Mobile Security.

The Workshop is an excellent opportunity for the ACFE-GTA Chapter to support ongoing professional education in the counterfeit and fraud arena, network with and market the Chapter to the many Certified Fraud Examiners who are in attendance, and provide assistance to those who would like to earn their CFE credential.

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Toronto, Ontario: The ACFE-GTA Chapter announces the Annual General Meeting for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2024, AND a Special Members Meeting to pass an Extraordinary Resolution (as required under the ONCA (2010) will be held on Thursday June 19, 2025 at the Amsterdam Barrel House, 87 Laird Dr, Toronto, Ontario at 6:30 pm and 6:45 pm respectively.

Only Paid-Up Chapter Members in Good Standing (which does not include Chapter Student Affiliates or Chapter Affiliates) may vote at the Annual General Meeting and at the Special Members Meeting. Members may find the relevant documents HERE.

As part of the AGM, the President and Chief Executive Officer will provide a brief overview of the Chapter's work during 2024 

The two meetings will be held in conjunction with the Chapter's Annual In-Person (only) Networking Event. All Certified Fraud Examiners in the GTA, Central and Southwestern Ontario, as well as all our colleagues involved in financial crime and fraud prevention, detection, deterrence, examination or investigation are welcome to attend the Networking event. You may register for the Networking Event HERE

TORONTO, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With fraud continuing to plague businesses and the wider economy, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in key areas, including thought leadership research and learning.

The partnership will build on existing thought leadership collaboration, including on an upcoming ACCA report on combatting fraud, to identify new joint research opportunities.

The MoU — which is for an initial period of three years — explores opportunities for the development and joint organization of continuing professional development (CPD) and continuing professional education (CPE).

Helen Brand, ACCA chief executive, said: “ACCA has had a long-standing commitment to empowering members to better address and manage fraudulent activities, focused on improving risk assessment, robust controls and forensic auditing.”

“This MOU reinforces that commitment. We look forward to working with fellow global professional body ACFE in promoting the highest ethical business standards.”

One immediate outcome of the MOU is ACCA’s attendance at the 2025 ACFE Fraud Conference Europe in London (March 24-26) where a joint panel discussion, led by ACCA’s global head of risk management and corporate governance for policy and insights Rachael Johnson, focussed on cyber fraud and AI-powered attacks as well as AI-powered solutions to detect them.

John Warren, the ACFE’s chief executive officer, said: “Together, ACFE and ACCA memberships include thousands of professionals in countries around the world. This strategic partnership between our organizations is a natural fit in pursuit of one common goal: fighting fraud.”

“Teaming up with ACCA opens many doors to collaboration, thought leadership and more. We’re thrilled for the bright future that lies ahead.”

About ACCA

We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognized accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide.

Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we’ve long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members in 180 countries.

Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organisations and economies.

Guided by our purpose and values, our ambition is to lead the accountancy profession for a changed world. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we’re strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for all.

Find out more at: www.accaglobal.com

ACCA is not affiliated with any Chartered Accountant (CA) organization or Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) organization.

About the ACFE

Founded in 1988 by Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is the world's largest anti-fraud organization. Together with more than 90,000 members, the ACFE works to reduce business fraud worldwide and inspire public confidence in the integrity and objectivity within the profession.

Find out more at: www.acfe.com

Toronto, ON: The ACFE-GTA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the  annual Chapter Member fee* has been reduced from $75 (+ HST) to $50 (+HST) effective March 20, 2025.

The new fee is now available on our website for all renewals of, and for all new applications for, Chapter Member** status. Members who have recently renewed will be able to take advantage of the reduced fee at their next renewal date. Members and Affiliates receive a lower fee for Chapter CPE training events, which represent a savings of $325 for those who attend all 6 training events in 2025.

This change brings the Chapter Member annual fee in line with the Chapter Affiliate*** annual fee (both now $50 plus HST). The Chapter Student Affiliate fee of $20 (+HST) remains unchanged.

Given the current uncertainty that is challenging our territorial, economic, and financial well-being, and appears far from settled, the GTA Chapter Board of Directors decided this was an appropriate measure to assist our Chapter Members.

The Chapter is also reviewing all of its expenditures going forward to ensure we continue to be in good financial shape to weather any domestic repercussions from this emerging and dynamic environment.

As the US Dollar currently trades around a 49.5% premium over the Canadian dollar, the Board has decided it is just not financially responsible for the GTA Chapter to send our usual crew of Board representatives to ACFE events in the United States. This includes the 2025 Global Conference and the 2025 Chapter Leaders’ Summit, which are being  held in Nashville this year.

While we all, no doubt, would appreciate an economic and geopolitical setting that sustains and improves-upon all aspects of Canadian life, it is clear we have to prepare for, and respond to, the situation as it presents itself, not as we would like it to be.

The Chapter Board of Directors has assured ACFE Headquarters of our ongoing support for the ACFE, as we continue to work together to provide best-in-class training that empowers our CFEs in reducing occupational fraud and other financial crimes in Canada, and in building the next generation of Canadian anti-fraud professionals.

Footnotes:

* The GTA Chapter Member Fee does not include the annual dues to maintain ACFE Membership and the CFE Credential, which are paid to the ACFE in Austin, TX. 

** GTA Chapter Member status is available to all Certified Fraud Examiners (in good standing with the ACFE), as well as all ACFE Associate Members (in good standing with the ACFE) who reside or work in Central and Southwestern Ontario.

***GTA Chapter "Affiliate" status is available to individuals in Central & Southwestern Ontario, including members of the law enforcement and academic communities, who do not have a membership in the ACFE, and who want to learn more about, or contribute to, the fight against fraud and other financial crime. Affiliates are not members of the Corporation, and are non-voting.

Toronto, ON: As the Winter Semester was starting, with the assistance of the professorial team, the ACFE-GTA Chapter awarded Chapter Scholarships to three students in the Seneca Polytechnic Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting (FEA) Graduate Certificate Program. The scholarship provides each student with access to the ACFE Examination Preparation Package and the CFE Examination, including the course materials and the examination fee.

Chakshu Verma, CFE, Chapter Director of Mentorship and Engagement, said "On behalf of the ACFE-GTA Chapter Board of Directors and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, I offer my sincere congratulations to the three winners:

     Patience Afolabi
     Rujan Bajracharya, and
     Arianna Poon

on this significant achievement. We look forward to three new additions to the ranks of the Certified Fraud Examiners profession. The winners will receive their Scholarship Certificates at a ceremony during the first class of the semester at Seneca on Thursday January 9, 2025."

Left to Right: Cassene Stephens-Morgan, CFE (Seneca Professor, FEA Program), Arianna Poon (CFE Scholarship Winner), Cam McCaw, CFE (Seneca Professor & Program Coordinator, FEA Program), Patience Afolabi (CFE Scholarship Winner), Mark McManus, CFE (President & CEO, ACFE-GTA Chapter), Rujan Bajracharya (CFE Scholarship Winner). (Absent: Chakshu Verma, CFE, ACFE-GTA Chapter Director, Mentorship & Engagement)

The three winners will have until September 30, 2025 to successfully complete the CFE Exam. Once the winners have demonstrated their two-year professional/work experience requirement, they will receive their CFE credential from the ACFE.

The Chapter would like to express their sincere thanks to Seneca Polytechnic, The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (headquartered in Austin, Texas), Professor & Program Coordinator Cameron McCaw, CFE, Professor Cassene Stephens-Morgan, CFE, Sara Potkonjak, (Chair of the  School of Accounting & Financial Services, Seneca Polytechnic), and Joe Broccolo, CFE (Manager, ACFE Chapter Development in Austin, Texas.).

Each semester, the ACFE-GTA Chapter makes a 3 hour presentation to the FEA students, engaging in a dialogue on combating fraud worldwide, and one how to pursue and advance in a career fighting fraud in the Canada.

Thanks also go out to the CFEs who assisted in the Seneca class presentation; namely, Jordan McManus, CAMS, CFE (former Member of the Chapter Board of Directors), Elodie Goncalves, CFE, (current Member of the Chapter Board of Directors & Director of Membership), and Chakshu Verma, CFE, (current Member of the Chapter Board of Directors and a 2023 Chapter Scholarship Winner).

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is the world's largest anti-fraud organization. Together with more than 95,000+ members, the ACFE works to reduce business fraud, and other financial crime worldwide, as well as inspire public confidence in the integrity and objectivity within the profession. By delivering best-in-class training, offering the CFE credential, and fostering a dynamic, global community of anti-fraud professionals, the ACFE is reducing fraud, corruption, and other financial crime worldwide, and assisting the membership in its detection and deterrence.

Serving Central and Southwestern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area and the Golden Horseshoe, the ACFE-GTA Chapter supports the mission of the ACFE by (a) delivering accessible, affordable, best-in-class training to Certified Fraud Examiners, (b) fostering a dynamic and interactive local network of anti-fraud professionals, and (c) encouraging the next generation of anti-fraud professionals through outreach programs to local colleges and universities.

Seneca Polytechnic (rebranded in 2023) opened in 1966 as part of a provincial initiative to establish an Ontario-wide network of colleges of applied arts and technology providing career-oriented diploma and certificate courses as well as continuing education programs to Ontario communities. The province was responding to the increasing need for sophisticated applied learning as technology continued to change the nature of work and the provincial economy. General education was considered an important element in post-secondary education and breadth courses continue to be a part of every program. In 2001, the colleges were granted the ability to offer baccalaureate degrees. Seneca is one of five Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning that can offer up to 15 per cent of its program activity at the degree level.

The Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting (FEA) Graduate Certificate program recognizes the growth in financial crime and budgetary pressures on law enforcement . As such, many organizations,  large and small, rely on their internal resources to prevent, detect, investigate, and quantify fraud. This eight-month graduate certificate program provides students with in-depth knowledge and computer techniques to investigate fraud, financial disputes, and other irregularities in the business world. Upon graduation from this program, students are strongly encouraged to pursue the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation through the ACFE.