{"id":244857,"date":"2025-10-27T20:43:26","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T20:43:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/244857\/"},"modified":"2025-10-27T20:43:26","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T20:43:26","slug":"the-best-financial-advisors-and-professionals-under-40-in-canada-rising-stars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/244857\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Financial Advisors and Professionals Under 40 in Canada | Rising Stars"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jump to winners<\/a> |\u00a0Jump to methodology<\/a><\/p>\n

Next generation of a graying industry<\/p>\n

The wealth management landscape across Canada favours the older demographic, making it challenging for the younger generation to make its mark.<\/p>\n

Data published by Investor Economics shows that the average advisor age in Canada is almost 53, which is a notable rise from about 50 back in 2015. The report also reveals that almost four in 10 advisors have been operating for more than two decades. Other research details that advisors in brokerages across Canada have an average age of over 50, while it\u2019s lower but still above 40 in retail banks.<\/p>\n

These facts make the achievements of Wealth Professional\u2019s Top 40 Under 40 Rising Stars even more impressive, as they battle to create a space and attract clients when they are out of sync with the average demographics. Younger advisors, particularly those with the ability to pivot on market trends, are best equipped to thrive, says Heather Holjevac<\/a>, financial planner and founder of Holjevac Financial Group.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are very adaptable, which is essential in this fast-paced industry. They also bring fresh, diverse perspectives to the table, leading to creative solutions as well as energy to go the extra mile to excel in their roles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Tina Tehranchian<\/a>, senior wealth advisor at Assante Capital Management, stresses how important the fundamentals are regardless of age.<\/p>\n

\u201cA younger or less experienced wealth professional needs to be passionate about their profession, deeply care about their clients, have grit, aim for excellence, and constantly improve their knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n

To determine the Top 40 Under 40, companies nominated professionals for consideration based on their performance and achievements over the past 12 months. The advisors who made the prestigious list were those committed to a career and who clearly hold a passion for wealth management.<\/p>\n

Some of the standout achievements by the 2025 cohort include:<\/p>\n


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Kidsurance\u2122 launch: a national initiative reframing life insurance for children, focusing on flexibility and intergenerational wealth; this has driven client base growth, industry collaboration, and reshaped industry conversations

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Major capital raise: leading successful capital raises, directly contributing to AUM growth and firm positioning

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Breakthrough ETF strategies: launching innovative ETF products and educational content, enhancing advisor confidence and client engagement

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Firm-wide technology overhaul: overseeing the implementation of analytics, risk management, and cybersecurity platforms, along with new marketing and compliance training

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Exit planning integration: earning CEPA\u00ae designations and formally introducing value acceleration methodology, expanding the advisory offering for business owners

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Rebranding and team transition: leading a complete rebrand to transition from a founder-led to a multigenerational team, resulting in industry recognition and client pride

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Thought leadership and inclusion: publishing in major outlets and co-chairing inclusion committees to foster a culture of belonging and innovation<\/p>\n


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\nWPC\u2019s 2025 data also shows that industry nominators value hard work and emotional intelligence as the leading attributes since 2023. However, there has been a notable decline in the importance of all other qualities.<\/p>\n

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\nFinding a mentor is a foundational component of the early stages of a young wealth management professional\u2019s career. WPC’s 2025 survey indicated that 80 percent of respondents have had a mentor guide them in their career.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Holjevac underlines why a mentor is so valuable for those in the early stages of their career.<\/p>\n


\n\u201cFor those aiming to be future Rising Stars, the key is to set clear goals. Set a path for what success looks like and work toward it,\u201d she says. \u201cAsking for feedback from peers and mentors is invaluable to be able to determine what works and what doesn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

More firms offering increased flexibility would also help remove some of the current barriers facing young advisors, according to Tehranchian.<\/p>\n

\u201cWealth management firms need to provide more support for young parents to allow them to have a balanced family life while building their book of business and servicing their clients,\u201d she notes.<\/p>\n

\u201cBurnout is a serious problem in our industry. Providing more support and flexibility for young parents can help attract young talent and more female advisors to our industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\nFirm: Sunnidale Family Wealth, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth

\nLocation: Barrie, ON

\nAge: 31

\nYear started in industry: 2020\u00a0 \n<\/p>\n


\n\u201cI think the toughest thing for a young professional entering wealth management is gaining the trust of your clients,\u201d says Ferguson, wealth advisor and associate portfolio manager at Sunnidale Family Wealth, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth<\/a>.<\/p>\n


\nHe kickstarted his career by appreciating the need to make connections and be part of a community.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou develop relationships outside of the workforce that ultimately helps build your name and allows people to become comfortable with you,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

Ferguson also suggests that younger advisors hold a strategic advantage in longevity, as they can offer their services well into a client\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cAs a young professional, you can work with individuals throughout retirement and the remainder of their life, whereas the older people in the industry \u2013 at the average age \u2013 are 55 or so.\u00a0They\u2019re going to retire in the next five to 10 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe needs of clients are more sophisticated now and, as a result, you need to have a larger toolbox\u201d
\nGraham Ferguson<\/a>Sunnidale Family Wealth, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth<\/p>\n


\nPlotting a path forward, Ferguson leaned into the financial planning side of the business, obtaining certification to establish himself as an expert.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had very little experience in financial planning when I joined the industry, so I went about it by taking as many courses as I could. I became a certified financial planner and a trust and estate practitioner,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n

Finding your own niche within the industry moves the needle for younger advisors, according to Ferguson, who highlights his role in a team that offers clients a wide array of financial solutions.<\/p>\n

He says, “It’s important to partner with professionals who have different skill sets than you. As a practice, you want to be able to provide a more holistic approach, rather than trying to do everything yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n


\nFirm: Equiton\u00a0

\nLocation: Toronto, ON

\nAge: 35

\nYear started in industry: 2012\u00a0 \n<\/p>\n


\nTransparency, humility, and empathy have guided Lang\u2019s career, allowing him to connect with clients on a personal level.<\/p>\n


\nEquiton<\/a> provides access to real estate investment, and being able to present this in basic terms is another advantage.<\/p>\n


\n\u201cI always say be transparent with your clients, be forthright. I think those things have helped me in my career,\u201d explains the SVP of business development. \u201cI love real estate because it\u2019s very easy to resonate with clients. Everybody understands it.\u201d<\/p>\n

After graduating from university, Lang followed the advice of a former boss to take a Toastmasters course, which he credits as helping develop a combination of interpersonal skills.<\/p>\n

As a service provider to advisors understanding their client base \u2013 including demographics and risk tolerance \u2013 Lang tailors products to specific market demands.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen advisors are talking about Equiton to a client, we arm them with enough ammo to ensure they can talk to their clients eloquently \u2013 they know the strategy, they know what\u2019s going on within our company, not just our fund,\u201d he explains. \u201cWe make sure that our communication is paramount to help the advisors as much as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t have an ego in this industry. You have to relate to your clients and be empathetic\u201d
\nGeoff Lang<\/a>Equiton<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

With elevated market volatility prevalent throughout 2025, Lang highlights his team\u2019s consistency in its long-term strategy that has provided value and predictability to advisors and their clients.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I\u2019m most proud of is the fact that we don\u2019t style drift to catch flavours of the month. We\u2019re going to be consistent. And I think our advisors really appreciate that,” he says.<\/p>\n

Lang highlights the shift from a traditional 60-40 portfolio makeup to a modern portfolio of 50-30-20 over the past three years, bringing ample opportunity to the alternatives space in which Equiton operates.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt all started in 2022, when both the equity markets and fixed income markets were down by double digits,\u201d he recalls. \u201cThat really spearheaded a push in the alternative landscape and showed that the 60-40 equity to fixed income might not be what clients need.\u201d<\/p>\n

As investors increasingly look to alternatives to diversify their portfolios, Lang suggests that Equiton\u2019s Apartment Fund strategy allows advisors and investors to enter the alternative space with an easy-to-understand product.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re going to dip your toes into alternatives, real estate seems to be that first move,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n


\nFirm: Mackenzie Investments

\nLocation: Toronto, ON

\nAge: 38

\nYear started in industry: 2007 \n<\/p>\n


\nBeing curious about what\u2019s around the corner and coming next is a difference maker that Mathews, Mackenzie Investments<\/a>\u2019 vice president of ETF product strategy, has used to her advantage.<\/p>\n

\u201cCuriosity is a very big attribute,\u201d she says. \u201cIt was true for me when I first started in the early days in ETFs, but also true in how I hire for my team today. The interest to learn or to solve problems is critical.\u201d<\/p>\n

And she continues, \u201cA lot of the learning in ETFs I\u2019ve found over my career has been on the job, and it really can\u2019t be taught any other way.\u201d<\/p>\n

A \u201clight bulb\u201d moment for Mathews was understanding the importance of soft skills. As an introvert, she didn\u2019t develop these qualities naturally, though she has cultivated the ability to assume public speaking roles and host daily conference calls.<\/p>\n

\u201cHard work and technical skills are great, but those two things alone aren\u2019t going to help you continue to elevate your career. It\u2019s everything else that needs to support those two key elements that drive you forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Part of Mathews\u2019s role as a mentor has been to show younger professionals not only the exciting sides of wealth management, but also the more difficult components, and how she carved her own path in the industry.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cI have really tried to focus my energy personally on what I can control, and that is what I deliver\u201d
\nPrerna Mathews<\/a>Mackenzie Investments<\/p>\n


\nShowcasing her influence, Mathews has personally touched 56 of Mackenzie\u2019s 60 ETFs on its shelf and brought them to market. This has seen her play a role in strategy evolution.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe things that I\u2019ve most benefited from have been the tough conversations I\u2019ve had with people over the years,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

While the performance of Mackenzie\u2019s ETFs is paramount to Mathews, they need to fit the needs of advisors and their clients. By understanding the challenges advisors and their clients are facing, Mathews and her team create solutions.<\/p>\n

Her focus is currently on building out key segments of Mackenzie\u2019s platform and launching more active equity mandates, which have performed well and resonated with buyers.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdvisors are incredibly busy individuals, and the job continues to be more and more challenging with market dynamics, client needs evolving, and continued regulatory pressures. As partners to advisors, we are mindful of all that,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor us, it comes down to identifying the problem the advisor is trying to solve.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n


\nFirm: Sandstone Asset Management

\nLocation: Calgary, AB

\nAge: 38

\nYear started in industry: 2010 \n<\/p>\n


\nBeginning her career in oil and gas, portfolio manager Dunne discovered a passion for modelling, looking at commodity prices and putting them into company projections. From there, she made the switch into global wealth management.<\/p>\n


\nHer primary focus is working for families to secure multigenerational wealth, as she is adept at understanding a variety of viewpoints and synthesizing them into her work.<\/p>\n


\n\u201cI build those relationships early, bringing in the kids and the grandkids to help discuss what\u2019s important to them \u2013 what are their values, what are their interests, and how do we tie this back to the family foundation,” she says.<\/p>\n

This high-touch communication can be a valuable tool for any advisor, according to Dunne.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommunication is huge. Knowing how to speak with them, knowing how to understand when something doesn\u2019t feel right. If there is a worry about a headline out there, or if there\u2019s a worry about a macro event that\u2019s unfolding in our world, it\u2019s about having those conversations,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you can be available to your clients by phone, it gives a sense of confidence. No matter what\u2019s going on, when it\u2019s going on \u2013 pick up the phone, we\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very structured as an individual\u201d
\nNiki Dunne<\/a>SANDSTONE Asset Management<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

After entering the industry, Dunne proactively searched for mentors, cold calling experienced professionals to ask for their advice. She remains in touch with many of her early mentors.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey can help guide you in the direction you want to go because they\u2019ve seen it, they\u2019ve been there,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Having paved her own successful path, Dunne now happily shows younger professionals how to chart their own route to the top.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m definitely trying to pay it forward. I hope I can do what others did for myself at the time,\u201d she explains. \u201cStep number one is opening that door and saying, \u2018Somebody else did this for me and I definitely want to do it for others to help them get started.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Dunne is also humble enough to concede that despite being highly rated, she can keep improving and sharpening her edge.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019re ever done learning. I think there\u2019s always something else that can help going forward \u2013 a different perspective, a different education. You need to have that learning desire because everything is rapidly changing.\u201d

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\nConclusion: What makes a Rising Star

\nin 2025? \n<\/p>\n

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Recognition is a major motivator: Awards and industry accolades are highly valued, serving as both personal milestones and external validation of client-centric excellence.

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Innovation is client-driven: The most successful advisors are those who innovate with the client\u2019s needs at the core \u2013 whether through new products, technology, or educational outreach.

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Holistic and future-focused advice: There is a clear shift from traditional investment advice to holistic, multidimensional wealth management, including succession, tax, and estate planning.

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Professional growth is continuous: Ongoing education, credentialling, and industry involvement are seen as essential to maintaining high standards and adapting to change.

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Culture and team matter: Building inclusive, collaborative, and multigenerational teams is a priority, with a focus on mentorship and industry leadership.

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\n\t\"\"<\/a> <\/p>\n


\n\tAdrian LeRoy

\n\tWealth Advisor

\n\tLeRoy Wealth
\n\tAgha Raza

\n\tChief Operating Officer

\n\tMandeville Private Client
\n\tChadi Sayeh

\n\tDirector Manager, Research and Oversight

\n\tNational Bank Investments
\n\tChristian Langman

\n\tRegional Vice President

\n\tSkyline Group of Companies
\n\tChristopher Redcliffe

\n\tPresident and Principal Advisor

\n\tRedcliffe Financial
\n\tCourtney Castledine

\n\tCertified Financial Planner

\n\tProsperity Planning
\n\tDami Gittens

\n\tWealth Advisor, Client Relationship Manager

\n\tNicola Wealth
\n\tDomenic Gallippi

\n\tManaging Director, Alternative Assets

\n\tForum Asset Management
\n\tEmmy Pachenski

\n\tInvestment Associate

\n\tWellington-Altus Private Wealth
\n\tFrederick Pratt Jr.

\n\tCertified Financial Planner

\n\tDesjardins Financial Security Independent Network
\n\tGonen Hollander

\n\tVice President, Private Wealth

\n\tObsiido Alternative Investments
\n\tJenny Chen

\n\tChief Executive Officer

\n\tCatalais Consulting
\n\tJessica Smith

\n\tVP, Strategic Operations & Growth

\n\tDesigned Securities
\n\tJonathan Dixon

\n\tPrincipal Advisor

\n\tDixon Advisory
\n\tJordan Mauro

\n\tInvestment Advisor and Associate Portfolio Manager

\n\tWellington-Altus Private Wealth
\n\tKeanan Boomer

\n\tAssociate Investment Advisor

\n\tCIBC Wood Gundy
\n\tKerry Leard

\n\tSenior Wealth Advisor

\n\tGenea Wealth, Assante Financial Management
\n\tLinson Chen

\n\tFinancial Advisor and Portfolio Manager

\n\tRGF Integrated Wealth Management
\n\tMichael Mauro

\n\tInvestment Advisor

\n\tWellington-Altus Private Wealth
\n\tMichael Minicucci

\n\tInvestment Advisor

\n\tWellington-Altus Private Wealth
\n\tPaul Kornfeld

\n\tDirector of Technology Services

\n\tSIA Wealth
\n\tPeter Kluz

\n\tTax and Estate Planner\u00a0

\n\tTD Wealth, Wealth Advisory Services\u00a0
\n\tPhilippe Charbonneau

\n\tDirector, Individual Financial Services

\n\tCoughlin & Associates
\n\tPuneet Grewal

\n\tChief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer

\n\tObsiido Alternative Investments
\n\tR\u00e9mi Laurencelle

\n\tInvestment Advisor

\n\tTetrault Wealth Advisory Group
\n\tTara Brooks, CFP, RRC

\n\tFinancial Consultant

\n\tDennis Hunt & Associates

\n\tIG Private Wealth Management <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n


\nInsights \n<\/p>\n

As part of our editorial process, Wealth Professional’s researchers interviewed the subject matter experts below for an independent analysis of this report and its findings.<\/p>\n

To uncover the most promising young professionals in the Canadian wealth management industry, Wealth Professional launched its ninth annual\u00a0Rising\u00a0Stars report through a rigorous marketing and survey process, leveraging its connections to thousands of advisors across the country. Starting in June, companies were given the opportunity to nominate professionals for consideration based on their performance and achievements over the past 12 months.<\/p>\n

To be eligible, nominees had to be age\u00a040\u00a0or younger (as of September 30, 2025) and working in a role that relates to, interacts with, or impacts the wealth management industry. When reviewing the nominations,\u00a0WPC\u00a0concentrated on those who have committed to a career in the industry and clearly hold a passion for wealth management.<\/p>\n

To maintain a focus on new talent, only nominees who hadn\u2019t been previously recognized as a\u00a0Rising\u00a0Star (or a Young Gun) were considered. After reviewing all the nominations, the\u00a0WPC\u00a0team whittled down the list to\u00a040\u00a0deserving winners.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Jump to winners |\u00a0Jump to methodology Next generation of a graying industry The wealth management landscape across Canada…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":244858,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[64,63,99,186,184,185],"class_list":{"0":"post-244857","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-personal-finance","8":"tag-au","9":"tag-australia","10":"tag-business","11":"tag-finance","12":"tag-personal-finance","13":"tag-personalfinance"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/244857","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=244857"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/244857\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/244858"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=244857"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=244857"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=244857"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}