Brian Lonsdale brings $150m AUA to Canaccord, joining its growing Ottawa wealth management team
Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management has expanded its Ottawa team with the addition of Brian Lonsdale, an investment advisor with $150m in Assets Under Administration (AUA).
Lonsdale joins following a nearly 30-year tenure with CIBC Wood Gundy, where he was a senior portfolio manager.
This marks the third high-profile advisor from CIBC Wood Gundy to transition to Canaccord’s team in less than six months.
Lonsdale highlighted the firm’s robust platform and tailored wealth management approach as key factors in his decision.
“I’m pleased to be joining Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management. The firm’s focus on delivering personalized solutions and its robust platform were key factors in my decision,” Lonsdale stated.
The Ottawa office opened in November 2024 with Fraser Sutherland, senior investment advisor and senior portfolio manager of the Sutherland Investment Group, bringing his $1bn AUA practice to the firm.
Sutherland told Wealth Professional that his decision stemmed from Canaccord’s ability to provide comprehensive support for business succession and intergenerational wealth transfer needs.
He emphasized the firm’s focus on client experience and its capacity to integrate estate, tax planning, and external partnerships with legal and financial professionals.
“There is so much business succession going on in Canada and globally,” Sutherland explained. “We want to support these business owners through the coming wave of succession, to be a landing place to help them manage their capital in the right environment.”
Matt Cicci, head of the Private Client Group at Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, praised Lonsdale’s expertise and commitment to clients.
“[His] deep experience, strong track record, and dedication to client success make him a fantastic addition to our team. As we continue to expand our presence in Ottawa, his expertise will play a key role in helping us deliver exceptional outcomes for clients,” Cicci said.
Kevin Vandermeer, Ontario region branch manager, echoed this sentiment, describing Lonsdale as a trusted advisor whose values align with Canaccord’s client-first approach.
Sutherland also highlighted the firm’s entrepreneurial culture and the enhanced opportunities it offers independent advisors when he explained his decision to Wealth Professional.
He cited the ability to access a broader range of investment products, global capital markets integration, and the transparency of a publicly listed firm as significant factors in his decision.
