Erfan Bhuyian: SAGDA’S Outgoing Chair

  • November 21, 2024
  • Jose Garcia-Bonilla

This article is part of a section newsletter series spotlighting past Chairs of SAGDA

INTRODUCTION

photo of Erfan BhuyianErfan Bhuyian, SAGDA’s outgoing Chair, is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion. He has been involved in various equity-seeking initiatives throughout his career, including his eight-year involvement with SAGDA and his service on the board of a Canadian charity focused on generating scholarships to advance 2SLGBTQIA+ and QTBOPIC studies. As a legal professional, he is focused on spearheading policy initiatives with the Ontario government and ensuring that the implementation of these policies is conducted in a reasonable and just manner. 

BACKGROUND

Erfan was born and raised in Bangladesh. In pursuit of his legal career, Erfan moved to England, where he attended law school at the University of Leicester. During law school, Erfan began his involvement with legal volunteer initiatives through his membership in the Leicester University Law Society and the Canadian Law Society. 

After graduating, Erfan moved to Canada and obtained a Master of Laws in International Business, Trade and Tax Law from Osgoode Hall Law School. At Osgoode, Erfan gained exposure to the intricacies of securities, tax and regulatory issues in cross-border transactions which would define much of his legal career. 

Erfan spent his summer and articling term at the Ontario Securities Commission (“OSC”) where he focused on market regulation, crypto-asset compliance and exemptive relief under OSC Rules. Once called to the Ontario bar, he decided to pursue a legal career concentrated on government relations and policy-making. This decision led him to a three-year tenure at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario, where he worked on the development and implementation of supervisory frameworks and policies aimed at improving consumer and pension plan beneficiary protections in Ontario. This experience helped Erfan gain subject matter expertise in financial regulation and capital markets.

Erfan is currently a Senior Policy Advisor for Ontario Finance.