Portfolio manager
Popescu Ashton Group/Harbourfront Wealth Management
Age: 31
Years in the industry: 12
Priding herself on “providing true independent, unbiased advice, with an unwavering commitment to serving clients’ holistic wealth management needs,” Ladan Shokrgozar is no stranger to recognition. While this is her first appearance on WP’s Rising Stars list, she has qualified for her firm’s Chairman’s Club for three consecutive years. Her team, Popescu Ashton Group, was also nominated for the second year in a row as Advisory Team of the Year (Fewer Than 10 Staff) at the 2020 Wealth Professional Awards, where Shokrgozar herself is a finalist for the Young Achievers Award.
It was a combination of passions that steered Shokrgozar toward wealth management. “I have an economics background and have always been passionate about the field,” she says. “I hold a high regard for developing and fostering relationships with people of all walks of life; therefore, this industry was a natural fit for me.”
However, it’s not an easy industry to break into; Shokrgozar says finding strong mentors is important for young advisors. “Outside of distinguishing an atmosphere and role within the various channels of the industry which is best suited to their character, it’s important to consider an environment that supports the growth of the individual,” she says. “Large institutions prefer established advisors, and companies have been consolidating smaller practices to streamline the expenses. Finding like-minded mentors to help guide them towards their aspirations is crucial.”
