Everything to prepare for a Jarislowsky Fraser Institutional interview: why the firm, and the questions candidates there reported being asked.
From the inside
Reasons that work in interviews
3 reasons for Jarislowsky Fraser Institutional
The firm’s investment philosophy is published and almost no candidate reads it. Quoting a manager’s own stated criteria back to them, with one company you applied it to, beats any structural reason here. Say which part you agree with and, if you can defend it, one part you would push on.
Quality growth philosophy with a long history and a founder whose writing on governance is worth reading before the interview.
Montreal-based institutional mandates.
Scotiabank ownership with investment independence preserved.
Firm-specific questions
Why Jarislowsky Fraser Institutional over Mawer Investment Management or Burgundy Asset Management (BMO)?
Anchor your answer in what sets it apart: quality investing rooted in a 1955 research boutique; governance advocate; founding member of the ccgg; major canadian institutional manager with over c$40 billion.
What do you make of this move: Scotiabank combined Jarislowsky Fraser Private Wealth and Scotia Private Investment Counsel under the name Scotia Jarislowsky Fraser, leaving the JF name on the institutional business?
Dated 2026. Explain the strategic logic and what it means for the team you would join.
4 more Jarislowsky Fraser Institutional-specific questions, each with what to cover and the sources behind it.
Coming soon
We’re collecting the real technical and behavioural questions candidates were asked at Jarislowsky Fraser Institutional, by role and office, and how each round runs.
When they’re in, they’ll be part of BSO Pro, which already has candidate reports for dozens of firms.
Interviewing there sooner than that? Get in touch and we’ll help you prepare.
