Meet the young leaders reshaping wealth management with innovation, dedication, and client focus
Wealth Professional's Top 40 Under 40 Rising Stars of 2024 showcases exceptional young talent who are reshaping wealth management in Canada.
With a combination of technical expertise, client-centred service, and a passion for innovation, these professionals stand out in an increasingly competitive field.
Gillian Kunza has set herself apart as a leader and achiever in wealth management. The CEO of Designed Wealth Management has helped build Canada’s fastest organically growing dual-registered dealer.
Operating a unique model underpinned by her immense technical expertise, Kunza is leading a firm that upends many of the traditional models set in this industry.
In an industry where trust and connection are paramount, Christian Battistelli of Assante Financial Management emphasizes how important human connection has been in his career.
Initially planning to become a consultant, Battistelli spent some time working at his mother-in-law's financial planning firm and realized what he truly wanted to do. “After running my first client meeting, it was clear that we could have a massive positive impact on people’s lives,” Battistelli says. “After that, I really couldn’t see myself doing anything else but what I’m doing now.”
Now a senior wealth advisor, Battistelli believes his work is more than just a job, it’s a true vocation, it’s his calling. “I once had a client tell me I saved their marriage. To have that kind of impact on someone is something I’ll never forget.”
For other Rising Stars, wealth management is a way to build something new. Percy MacDonald of Saltwinds Financial of Assante Wealth Management built his practice up through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The industry is rapidly changing, from compliance to client expectations and constantly seeking ways to exceed expectations has been a challenge,” MacDonald says. “However, building it the way I believed was in the best interests of my clients and watching it grow has been the most rewarding.”
Many of the industry’s young leaders work to support advisors. Gabriel Millard has proven his leadership skills as managing partner of equity capital markets at Avenue Living, where he has helped grow the firm to over $6.5 billion in AUM since 2018. He emphasizes dilligence and perseverance in his success.
“My refusal to accept ‘We’ve always done it this way’ has been crucial. By approaching every problem from first principles and embracing the possibility of failure, I’ve been able to innovate and seize opportunities that drive my career forward,” he says.
Mustafa Bukhari, National Team Lead at Skyline Wealth Management, began his career with plans to become a portfolio manager. He found, though, that sales leadership was his calling within the industry. He maintains a competitive spirit and likens his career to the progress of an athelete.
“I like to draw parallels between the sporting world and my career. I started off as trying to be the best individual contributor – make the all-star team, then transition into a player/coach, and now leader/management,” Bukhari says.
Not every young leader takes the conventional route either. Michael Asadoorian began his career working for the Toronto Blue Jays, in their finance and sponsorship department. Now a financial planner with IPC securities, Asadoorian says he’s found his ‘why’: helping families and individuals reach their financial goals.
For Kaila Stevenson, financial planning is also a family affair. Operating in the small town of Parry Sound, the daughter and niece of two financial professionals always knew she would pursue a similar career path.
She now leads Sound Wealth Financial, a firm her mother founded. Stevenson has worked to preserve that legacy while modernizing and rebranding the firm to keep up with the times.
Justin Donnelly, Wealth Advisor with National Bank Financial Wealth Management, has built a track record of success in his fifteen years working in the investment and finance industry. He has offered clients his extensive knowledge and capacity to build trusting and lasting relationships.
A commitment to the team runs through Currie, Hughes & Associates where Jamie Currie serves as Executive Financial Consultant.
“We have built a team of highly motivated professionals who strive to enhance our service offerings at every corner, through continued education, improved systems, elevated service offerings and collaboration with our clients other trusted professionals like lawyers and accountants,” Currie writes. “The result of this collaboration and commitment to constant improvement is stronger client relationships, better client outcomes, and a thriving financial planning practice.”
Together, these Rising Stars demonstrate that the future of wealth management goes beyond technical skills. They embody a profession driven by relationship-building, transparency, and a commitment to serving each client’s unique needs.
As they continue to innovate, these young leaders promise an exciting future for Canada’s wealth management industry.
