Wealth Professional names 39 standout advisors shaping the future of client-first financial advice
Wealth Professional has released its 2026 list of 5-Star Advisors, spotlighting financial professionals across Canada who have demonstrated consistent excellence in client service, strategy, and long-term relationship management.
Selected from more than 600 nominations, this year's 39 honourees were evaluated against five criteria: quality of advice, communication, responsiveness, understanding of client needs, and long-term relationship management.
The advisors are recognised not on the basis of assets under management but on the quality and consistency of the service they deliver to clients.
Evan Riddell of Riddell Wealth Management, Richardson Wealth, built his Victoria, BC-based practice around a planning-first model that helps Canadians approaching or in retirement organise their financial lives, reduce taxes, and convert decades of savings into reliable income.
"The biggest challenge is helping clients navigate uncertainty in a world that is constantly demanding their attention," Riddell says. "Most do not need more information — they need clarity."
Jonathan Hunt of Hunt & Associates, IG Private Wealth, holds a Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation and has built a practice around business owners and entrepreneurs who must plan for the transition out of their largest asset: the business itself.
"A lot of advisors focus primarily on investments, but I've built my practice around integrating investment management with tax planning, succession, and exit strategy," Hunt says.
Marshall Drozduk of Drozduk Filion Wealth Management, Richardson Wealth, came to financial services after running and selling a business in British Columbia.
His practice covers six core disciplines: retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, estate planning, risk management, and cash flow management.
"Trust is foundational when someone entrusts you with their life savings," Drozduk says. "Meaningful communication is how that trust is built and sustained."
Thane Stenner of Stenner Wealth Partners+, CG Wealth Management, runs one of the most selective practices in Canada, serving just 53 clients each with a minimum of $10m invested and a typical net worth of $25m or more. His team onboards only eight new relationships per year.
As of March 30, his core discretionary Global Absolute Return mandate had delivered year-to-date performance of 13 percent, following a 23.82 percent return in 2025.
"My approach is centred on delivering great, consistent outcomes for our successful clients," Stenner says. "I view my role as both a steward of capital and a long-term partner."
William Chan of Modern Vision Planning, Sterling Mutuals Inc., describes himself as the "advisor's advisor," a perspective shaped by years in corporate leadership and advisor development that now informs how he works directly with clients.
His practice spans young professionals, real estate investors, business owners, medical professionals, and corporate retirees.
"It's not how much you know, it's how much you care," Chan says.
David Poliquin of BGY Wealth Management leads a team of more than 70 professionals united by three non-negotiable values: creativity, rigour, and integrity.
His practice serves over 740 households with investable assets above $1m, and did not lose a single client in 2025.
Poliquin specialises in tax-efficient portfolio management for high-net-worth entrepreneurs, doctors, and senior executives.
Joanne Lam of JADA Financial Corporation began her financial career in 1994 holding four professional designations: CFP, CLU, FMA, and CHS.
She has since taught more than 1,000 individuals on topics ranging from basic tax planning to advanced estate and retirement strategies, and typically spends between 20 and 40 hours reviewing a client's financial situation before making recommendations.
"Financial planning is like putting together a puzzle," Lam says. "When all the pieces are aligned, clients gain clarity and confidence."
Ramsey Diab of Manulife Wealth, Diligence Wealth Management, came to wealth management with an engineering degree and has spent more than 20 years building a practice grounded in conceptual understanding, ensuring clients know exactly what they own and why.
His client base spans high-net-worth individuals, business owners, executives, doctors, lawyers, and retirees.
"Even after 20 years in the industry, I believe there is always so much to learn," Diab says.
Gene Kim of Summit Private Wealth, Mandeville Private Client Inc., brings a comprehensive approach to portfolio management and financial planning, working with clients to build long-term strategies tailored to their goals.
Georges Achkar of Manulife Canada, Diligence Wealth Management, works with business owners and professionals to implement comprehensive financial strategies covering investment, tax, and estate planning, with a focus on long-term relationships.
Jeff Rask of GreyWolf Wealth Management, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth, centres his practice on building structured, goals-based financial plans that align with each client's financial and lifestyle objectives.
Michael Mauro of Mauro Family Wealth, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth, brings a family-oriented approach to wealth management, drawing on deep client relationships to deliver tailored planning across generations.
Tina Tehranchian of CI Assante Wealth Management Ltd. brings decades of experience and a distinguished record of community service to her practice, integrating investment, tax, and estate planning into comprehensive strategies for her clients.
These 13 represent a fraction of the 39 advisors named to the 2026 5-Star Advisors list, selected from more than 600 client nominations.
"The 5-Star financial advisors operate at another level," Erik Sloane, EVP and head of distribution at Global X Investments Canada, told Wealth Professional, citing their consistency, passion, and expertise in building trusted relationships and partnerships.
