Financial Post reporters have won the top two prizes in the long-form category at the 2026 PMAC Awards for Excellence in Investment Journalism.
Joe O’Connor was awarded first prize by the Portfolio Management Association of Canada for his haunting feature, Death of a hedge fund prodigy , an in-depth exploration of the rise and tragic death of a young hedge fund manager whose firm collapsed, leaving investors in trouble. The article provided a compelling, behind-the-scenes look at the human side of the hedge fund world and the emotional toll it can take.
Senior reporter Barbara Shecter took second prize in the same category. Her article, Canada’s SPAC ‘debacle’: How a shortcut to market has spelled trouble for companies and investors , explored the poor track record of special purpose acquisition companies in Canada and the risks they pose to investors who are not familiar with their structure.
“We are thrilled that PMAC has recognized these two outstanding articles,” Financial Post editor-in-chief Joe Hood said following the announcement. “These awards speak to the tremendous skills Joe and Barbara bring to the table and are a reflection of the Financial Post’s commitment to in-depth, long-form journalism that readers can’t find anywhere else.”
The annual PMAC awards recognize Canadian financial journalists for their outstanding work in demystifying complex economic issues and enhancing investor understanding.
“This year’s winners cut straight to the core of what truly matters to Canadian investors, striking through the daily noise to deliver coverage that empowers individuals to make smarter, more informed decisions about their wealth,” PMAC president Katie Walmsley said in a statement. “We congratulate these recipients for their exceptional dedication to journalistic excellence.”
The 2026 edition of the awards will be presented at an event in Toronto on June 16.