Moez Kassam, Chief Investment Officer and co-founder of Anson Funds, is solidifying his reputation as a transformative figure in Toronto’s social and cultural landscape, as evidenced by his inclusion in Toronto Life’s prestigious annual article of the city’s influential individuals for the second consecutive year. This year’s recognition honors Kassam’s outstanding philanthropic contributions, particularly his support for Canada’s Olympic athletes.
Kassam is a globally recognized hedge fund manager with a career spanning over two decades. He has been the instrumental force in shaping Anson Funds into one of Canada’s top-performing alternative asset management firms. Yet, his impact extends far beyond the financial realm. Known for his passion for philanthropy and community building, Kassam’s initiatives have left an indelible mark on sectors ranging from education to healthcare.
In 2024, Kassam’s efforts focused on championing Canadian Olympians through the “Great to Gold” initiative. This ambitious program provided $1 million in funding to 52 athletes, many of whom faced financial barriers on their journey to the Olympic podium. Thanks to this critical support, 10 of Canada’s 27 Olympic medals were won by athletes who benefited from the initiative. This program exemplifies Kassam’s commitment to fostering excellence and empowering individuals to achieve their highest potential.
“Supporting our athletes is not just about celebrating medals; it’s about investing in the values of determination, discipline, and resilience that they represent,” Kassam said.
Toronto Life’s annual article honors individuals who significantly shape the city’s cultural, political, and economic fabric. The selection criteria emphasize measurable impact, leadership, and contributions to Toronto’s global profile. Kassam’s philanthropic efforts and business acumen make him a natural fit alongside this year’s other notable names, including:
– Olivia Chow: The newly elected mayor, praised for her progressive stance on housing and public transportation.
– Geoffrey Hinton: Known as the “Godfather of AI,” his groundbreaking work continues to shape artificial intelligence and its global applications.
– Cameron Bailey: CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival, who has positioned Toronto as a premier destination for global cinema.
– Masai Ujiri: President of the Toronto Raptors, recognized for his leadership in sports and community activism.
Kassam’s recognition reflects his multifaceted influence. He has now supported the 15-year-old Bay Street stand-up comedy event Humour Me, raising funds for charitable causes by giving executives a chance to try out their “tight fives” on stage. Last year, Kassam took home the grand prize, while also breaking a nine-year-old record for fundraising. This year, he convinced his partner the “Great to Gold” program, Fitzrovia CEO Adrian Rocca, to participate. While he fell short of the comedy prize, he bested Kassam fundraising’s record, making the Anson Funds CIO responsible for the top two fundraising records in the history of the Humour Me event.
It’s this kind of influence and incredible fundraising results that have made Kassam such an influential figure in the life of the city of Toronto. Whether driving innovation in investment strategies or creating pathways for athletes to excel, his vision is both ambitious and deeply rooted in community impact. Kassam and his wife, Marissa, are known for their involvement in numerous charitable initiatives through the Moez and Marissa Kassam Equity Fund, including education-focused projects and local arts organizations.
As Kassam continues to balance professional success with a profound commitment to giving back, his influence in Toronto will only continue to grow.
