Practice: Nicola Wealth
Firm: Nicola Wealth
Location: Vancouver, BC
After making her debut on the Top 50 Advisors list last year, Nicola Wealth’s Karen Ikeda takes the top spot for 2021, becoming the first female advisor to rank at number one. With a book of business worth just under $1.2 billion, Ikeda has by far the largest AUM total among the Top 50, and she also had the fifth highest AUM growth in 2020. In addition, her three certifications (CFP, CLU and CIM) make her a well-rounded choice for the number-one advisor.
“It is an honour to be recognized as the top advisor among this esteemed group,” Ikeda says. “This confirms how a committed work ethic, a dedication to clients and a steadfast approach to planning can truly reap rewards, particularly in a year as volatile as 2020.”
A smaller client base allows Ikeda to understand and pay attention to each of her clients’ individual needs. Her service-based approach is dedicated to identifying clients’ retirement, investment and estate planning objectives, completing retirement income projections, and determining the most suitable products to meet their needs.
Maintaining that level of service, along with sharing her expertise, is something Ikeda plans to focus on in the coming year. “I want to continue working closely with my clients and to do my part in mentoring and collaborating with the up-and-coming financial advisors at Nicola Wealth,” she says.
Ikeda’s success in a challenging year is a testament to both her own ability and her firm’s adaptability. “Facing a global pandemic is not easy, particularly when it can create speculation and worry around its impact on the markets and investors’ portfolios,” she says. “While our firm moved to a remote work environment relatively seamlessly, there was always the risk of feeling disconnected from clients we were not able to meet with in person. When facing challenges like these, I found it helpful to remember that the parameters put in place are put in place for the health and well-being of our society. Through virtual meetings and consistent communication, I have maintained and even strengthened my relationships with clients.”
BUSINESS CONTACT DETAILS:
Head Office Address: 5th Floor - 1508 West Broadway, Vancouver BC, V6J 1W8
Telephone No.: 604.739.6450
Website: www.nicolawealth.com
