Benjamin Tal is responsible for analyzing economic developments and their implications for North American fixed income, equity, foreign exchange and commodities markets. Benjamin also acts in an advisory capacity to bank officers on issues related to wealth management, household/ corporate credit and risk. Well-known for his groundbreaking published research on topics such as labour market dynamics, real estate, credit markets, international trade and business economic conditions, Benjamin not only contributes to the conversation, but frequently sets the agenda. Benjamin has close to 20 years of experience in the private sector advising clients, industry leaders, corporate boards, trade associations, and governments on economic and financial issues. National and global media regularly seek him out for his insight and analysis on economic issues that impact financial markets, consumers, corporations and public policy.

Jeremy Wedgbury joined First National two decades ago and leads its 200-person strong commercial financing sales and credit operations. As Executive Vice President, Commercial Mortgages, Jeremy has overseen the long-term expansion of the commercial team’s scope, scale and partnerships, and the development of its specialized expertise in origination, underwriting/credit, funding, servicing and administration. Today, sophisticated asset owners and developers from coast to coast rely on the company for Better Lending, including empowering advice and insured and conventional mortgage funding to support their multi-unit residential, industrial, retail, self-storage and office property portfolios. With a 35+-year track record, First National is one of Canada’s largest non-bank commercial lenders now with more than $148 billion in mortgages under administration ($53+ billion in commercial property mortgages). It is the clear market leader in insured apartment financing (construction and term). By helping clients address today’s economic challenges and position for tomorrow, First National’s commercial team continues to create strong momentum with originations surpassing $8 billion (including renewals) in the first half of 2024.