Award Categories
Thursday June 5 2025 | Liberty Grand, Toronto
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
This award recognizes the most outstanding portfolio manager in Canada who has displayed excellence over the last 12 months.
Eligible nominees are portfolio/discretionary managers (in the advisor channel or the private discretionary division), who are working directly with investor clients / families.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Must be licensed as a portfolio/discretionary manager in Canada
– Exemplary business development strategies to prospect and retain clients in innovative ways.
– Knowledge, understanding and communication of investment opportunities and strategies for their clients’ portfolios
– Client retention & relationship strategies & how it sets the portfolio manager apart from competition with a unique value proposition
– Examples of ways that the portfolio manager is educating the industry/clientele on investment strategies
– Approach to regulatory compliance
Eligible nominees are portfolio/discretionary managers (in the advisor channel or the private discretionary division), who are working directly with investor clients / families.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Must be licensed as a portfolio/discretionary manager in Canada
– Exemplary business development strategies to prospect and retain clients in innovative ways.
– Knowledge, understanding and communication of investment opportunities and strategies for their clients’ portfolios
– Client retention & relationship strategies & how it sets the portfolio manager apart from competition with a unique value proposition
– Examples of ways that the portfolio manager is educating the industry/clientele on investment strategies
– Approach to regulatory compliance
This award is one of the highest accolades offered to an individual in the wealth management and financial planning industry.
This award recognizes the most outstanding advisor in Canada, coming from an advisory firm or team, regardless of business size and model.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Exemplary business development strategies to prospect and retain clients in innovative ways.
– Knowledge, understanding and communication of investment opportunities and strategies for their clients’ portfolios
– Client retention & relationship strategies & how it sets the advisor apart from competition with a unique value proposition
– Examples of ways that advisor is educating the industry/clientele on investment strategies
– Approach to regulatory compliance
This award recognizes the most outstanding advisor in Canada, coming from an advisory firm or team, regardless of business size and model.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Exemplary business development strategies to prospect and retain clients in innovative ways.
– Knowledge, understanding and communication of investment opportunities and strategies for their clients’ portfolios
– Client retention & relationship strategies & how it sets the advisor apart from competition with a unique value proposition
– Examples of ways that advisor is educating the industry/clientele on investment strategies
– Approach to regulatory compliance
This award recognizes the advisor who has displayed excellence over the last 12 months in alternative solutions, namely investments in asset classes other than stocks, bonds and cash, featuring low correlations to traditional asset classes.
Alternative solutions may include equity or fixed income mutual funds using alternative strategies, real estate, infrastructure, commodities, hedge funds, private equity and structured products.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Knowledge, understanding and communication of alternative investment opportunities and strategies for their clients’ portfolios
– Client retention & relationship strategies & how it sets the advisor apart from competition within alternative investments
– Examples of ways that advisor is educating the industry/clientele on alternative strategies
– Exemplary business development strategies to prospect and retain clients in innovative ways
– Approach to regulatory compliance
Alternative solutions may include equity or fixed income mutual funds using alternative strategies, real estate, infrastructure, commodities, hedge funds, private equity and structured products.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Knowledge, understanding and communication of alternative investment opportunities and strategies for their clients’ portfolios
– Client retention & relationship strategies & how it sets the advisor apart from competition within alternative investments
– Examples of ways that advisor is educating the industry/clientele on alternative strategies
– Exemplary business development strategies to prospect and retain clients in innovative ways
– Approach to regulatory compliance
The goal of financial literacy is to empower Canadians with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed financial decisions.
This award will recognize a truly exceptional financial professional (in any facet of the industry) who has demonstrated leadership and commitment to bettering the lives of individuals and families by promoting financial literacy and actively working to educate members of their community.
Nominees should be involved in a financial literacy initiative (including but not limited to classroom training, workshops, mobile app) that engages their audience and inspires them to take positive action towards their own financial well-being. This individual commits their time, financial support, and/or resources to improving the lives of Canadians through educating adults, seniors, or children.
To be eligible, nominees must be active and involved in an initiative starting January 1, 2024 onwards.
This award will recognize a truly exceptional financial professional (in any facet of the industry) who has demonstrated leadership and commitment to bettering the lives of individuals and families by promoting financial literacy and actively working to educate members of their community.
Nominees should be involved in a financial literacy initiative (including but not limited to classroom training, workshops, mobile app) that engages their audience and inspires them to take positive action towards their own financial well-being. This individual commits their time, financial support, and/or resources to improving the lives of Canadians through educating adults, seniors, or children.
To be eligible, nominees must be active and involved in an initiative starting January 1, 2024 onwards.
This award recognizes the advisor who has displayed excellence over the last 12 months in socially responsible investments.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Knowledge, understanding and communication of ESG / socially responsible investment opportunities and strategies for their clients’ portfolios
– Client retention & relationship strategies & how it sets the advisor apart from competition within SRI
– Examples of ways that advisor is educating the industry/clientele on SRI strategies
– Approach to regulatory compliance
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Knowledge, understanding and communication of ESG / socially responsible investment opportunities and strategies for their clients’ portfolios
– Client retention & relationship strategies & how it sets the advisor apart from competition within SRI
– Examples of ways that advisor is educating the industry/clientele on SRI strategies
– Approach to regulatory compliance
BDMs are essential in the fund/advisor relationship. This award recognizes the BDM/wholesaler who has displayed excellence over the past 12-18 months and who offers superior service to advisors.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Accessibility and communication
– Demonstrated understanding of their advisors’ businesses
– Product knowledge
– Value contributed to advisors
– Year over year growth
– Business development
– Overall client service and relationship management
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Accessibility and communication
– Demonstrated understanding of their advisors’ businesses
– Product knowledge
– Value contributed to advisors
– Year over year growth
– Business development
– Overall client service and relationship management
This award goes to the CEO that has demonstrated exceptional leadership over the last 12 months, bringing their organization to a new level of growth and success and stimulating the wealth management industry.
Nominees must be a CEO/President/equivalent of an advisory network, advisory firm, fund company, or service provider to advisors
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– CEO’s vision, leadership, engagement of workforce, commitment to the wealth management industry and their industry reputation.
– CEO’s commitment to corporate values (e.g. ESG, innovation, customer care, knowledge and education)
– Development of corporate values, reflective of their leadership
Nominees must be a CEO/President/equivalent of an advisory network, advisory firm, fund company, or service provider to advisors
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– CEO’s vision, leadership, engagement of workforce, commitment to the wealth management industry and their industry reputation.
– CEO’s commitment to corporate values (e.g. ESG, innovation, customer care, knowledge and education)
– Development of corporate values, reflective of their leadership
This award recognizes the outstanding female trailblazer in any facet of the wealth management and financial planning industry whose astounding personal and professional achievements have earned them a place among the industry’s best.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Professional accomplishments over the last 5 years (e.g. innovative business initiatives in which the nominee played a critical role)
– Evidence that the individual is involved in the promotion, influence and championing of women within the wealth management industry within the last 12 months.
– Other relevant accolades and involvements (charitable work, accomplishments outside the industry, leadership or professional associations, etc.)
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Professional accomplishments over the last 5 years (e.g. innovative business initiatives in which the nominee played a critical role)
– Evidence that the individual is involved in the promotion, influence and championing of women within the wealth management industry within the last 12 months.
– Other relevant accolades and involvements (charitable work, accomplishments outside the industry, leadership or professional associations, etc.)
This award recognizes the Fund manager or Portfolio Manager who have implemented unique and groundbreaking investment solutions in Canada over the last 12 months.
Eligible nominees are wealth professionals managing suite of funds or portfolio of products available to advisors and investors in the last 12 months.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Year-over-year innovation in implementing unique investment funds into practice.
– Efforts to innovate, promote & communicate the value of said investment funds to their clients and industry
– Ability to exemplify the impact of the individual and organization on the broader wealth industry in Canada
Eligible nominees are wealth professionals managing suite of funds or portfolio of products available to advisors and investors in the last 12 months.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Year-over-year innovation in implementing unique investment funds into practice.
– Efforts to innovate, promote & communicate the value of said investment funds to their clients and industry
– Ability to exemplify the impact of the individual and organization on the broader wealth industry in Canada
This is the highest honour and most coveted award at the Wealth Professional Awards.
This award recognizes and celebrates a leading figure who has contributed much to the advancement of the wealth management and financial planning industry in Canada.
This award will acknowledge an individual with an established history and reputation of distinguished service to the wealth management and financial planning profession. This individual has exhibited leadership and provided inspiration to others, whilst putting the interests of the industry at the top of their priorities throughout their career.
There are no finalists for this category. Nominations will be evaluated by the WPA team. The recipient of this award will be contacted 3-4 weeks before the awards event and will be announced at the Wealth Professional Awards.
This award recognizes and celebrates a leading figure who has contributed much to the advancement of the wealth management and financial planning industry in Canada.
This award will acknowledge an individual with an established history and reputation of distinguished service to the wealth management and financial planning profession. This individual has exhibited leadership and provided inspiration to others, whilst putting the interests of the industry at the top of their priorities throughout their career.
There are no finalists for this category. Nominations will be evaluated by the WPA team. The recipient of this award will be contacted 3-4 weeks before the awards event and will be announced at the Wealth Professional Awards.
This award recognizes the advisor who has displayed excellence in their first three years as an advisor.
To be eligible, nominees must have been accredited as an advisor on or after January 1, 2022.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Must be a licensed advisor that has established a book of business no earlier than Jan 1, 2022
– Knowledge, understanding and communication of investment opportunities and strategies for their clients’ portfolios
– Client retention & relationship strategies & how it sets the advisor apart from competition with a unique value proposition
– Examples of ways that the advisor has established themselves with their clients and peers in a short period of time
– Approach to regulatory compliance
To be eligible, nominees must have been accredited as an advisor on or after January 1, 2022.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Must be a licensed advisor that has established a book of business no earlier than Jan 1, 2022
– Knowledge, understanding and communication of investment opportunities and strategies for their clients’ portfolios
– Client retention & relationship strategies & how it sets the advisor apart from competition with a unique value proposition
– Examples of ways that the advisor has established themselves with their clients and peers in a short period of time
– Approach to regulatory compliance
This award recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact through entrepreneurship in the wealth management industry. This could include innovations in financial planning, investment strategies, client relationship management, or technology solutions that enhance wealth management services.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
• The nominee should be a young professional (e.g., under 40) who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and drive in building or leading a successful business or venture within wealth management.
• Emphasis on unique contributions to the industry, such as creating new financial products, advancing financial literacy, improving access to wealth management services, or fostering financial inclusivity. The nominee should show a measurable positive impact on their clients or the broader financial community.
• Evidence of the nominee’s commitment to personal growth, mentorship, or community development in the wealth management space. This could include initiatives that educate or empower young investors or underserved demographics.
• Demonstrates a strong ethical foundation and prioritizes the financial well-being of clients, acting with transparency, trustworthiness, and responsibility.
ORGANIZATIONAL AWARDS
This award recognizes the most outstanding dealer that has displayed excellence over the last 12 months.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Employee value proposition (business development support, marketing support, education, training, philanthropy)
– Overall client service and relationship management
– Unique business plan to attract and retain advisor talent (i.e., recruitment strategy)
– Spirit of innovation with use of wealth technology and digital platforms/tools
– Industry reputation
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Employee value proposition (business development support, marketing support, education, training, philanthropy)
– Overall client service and relationship management
– Unique business plan to attract and retain advisor talent (i.e., recruitment strategy)
– Spirit of innovation with use of wealth technology and digital platforms/tools
– Industry reputation
This award recognizes the advisory team that has best displayed excellence over the last 12 months offering a full suite of services including but not limited to insurance, succession consulting, investments, tax and estate planning, mortgage, retirement.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Ability to demonstrate the variety of products and services available to clients
– Employee value proposition (business development support, marketing support, education, training, philanthropy)
– Overall client service and relationship management
– Unique business plan and strategies to interact with new & existing clients
– Industry reputation
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Ability to demonstrate the variety of products and services available to clients
– Employee value proposition (business development support, marketing support, education, training, philanthropy)
– Overall client service and relationship management
– Unique business plan and strategies to interact with new & existing clients
– Industry reputation
This award recognizes the most outstanding advisory team or office with 10 staff or more (including full-time equivalents, advisors and support staff) that has displayed excellence over the last 12 months.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Employee value proposition (business development support, marketing support, education, training, philanthropy)
– Overall client service and relationship management
– Unique business plan and strategies to interact with new & existing clients
– Spirit of innovation with use of wealth technology and digital platforms/tools
– Industry reputation
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Employee value proposition (business development support, marketing support, education, training, philanthropy)
– Overall client service and relationship management
– Unique business plan and strategies to interact with new & existing clients
– Spirit of innovation with use of wealth technology and digital platforms/tools
– Industry reputation
This award recognizes the most outstanding advisory team or office with under 10 staff (including full-time equivalents, advisors and support staff) that has displayed excellence over the last 12 months.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Employee value proposition (business development support, marketing support, education, training, philanthropy)
– Overall client service and relationship management
– Unique business plan and strategies to interact with new & existing clients
– Spirit of innovation with use of wealth technology and digital platforms/tools
– Industry reputation
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Employee value proposition (business development support, marketing support, education, training, philanthropy)
– Overall client service and relationship management
– Unique business plan and strategies to interact with new & existing clients
– Spirit of innovation with use of wealth technology and digital platforms/tools
– Industry reputation
This award recognizes a multi-office advisor network, brokerage, or fund provider’s commitment to building a workplace that recognizes excellence and supports career growth for all.
This award recognizes the company that has earned the reputation to be called an employer of choice within the wealth management and financial planning industry.
Nominations by employees, partners, peers, and clients are welcome.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Must have over 50 employees within Canada and be in the wealth management industry.
– Demonstrates unique employee value proposition (e.g. business development support, marketing support, education, training, philanthropy)
– Defined workplace brand & culture to foster growth for employees
– Innovative approach to employee recruitment, retention, talent management, learning & development, mitigating employer-related risks, managing changes within the business (i.e. digitalization, customer expectations, compliance)
Exemplary reputation within the industry
This award recognizes the company that has earned the reputation to be called an employer of choice within the wealth management and financial planning industry.
Nominations by employees, partners, peers, and clients are welcome.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Must have over 50 employees within Canada and be in the wealth management industry.
– Demonstrates unique employee value proposition (e.g. business development support, marketing support, education, training, philanthropy)
– Defined workplace brand & culture to foster growth for employees
– Innovative approach to employee recruitment, retention, talent management, learning & development, mitigating employer-related risks, managing changes within the business (i.e. digitalization, customer expectations, compliance)
Exemplary reputation within the industry
This award recognizes the outstanding asset management firm that specializes in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) which consistently delivers superior advisor service while pushing the boundaries with innovation and industry best practices over the last 12 months.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Effective client relationship management strategies and stakeholder engagement
– Demonstration of innovative ETF strategies & ability to educate advisors on the value to their clients of these products
– Administration or technology solutions where strategic thinking, collaboration and excellence have made a key impact with advisors
– Sustained effort and commitment to the advisor channel
– Corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and responsible investment (SRI) initiatives are all considered
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Effective client relationship management strategies and stakeholder engagement
– Demonstration of innovative ETF strategies & ability to educate advisors on the value to their clients of these products
– Administration or technology solutions where strategic thinking, collaboration and excellence have made a key impact with advisors
– Sustained effort and commitment to the advisor channel
– Corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and responsible investment (SRI) initiatives are all considered
This award recognizes the individual or team whose outstanding contribution of time, leadership and financial support over a sustained period of time, beyond normal expectations, has made significant impacts in the receiving causes or communities.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Open to individuals and advisory teams
– Demonstration of major philanthropic and community service programs or initiatives over the last 12 months that align with broader corporate goals or strategies (i.e. company culture, employee engagement etc.)
– Impact of contributions on local, national or international causes or communities
– Overall commitment to philanthropy and community service
– Testimonials from beneficiaries or partners
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Open to individuals and advisory teams
– Demonstration of major philanthropic and community service programs or initiatives over the last 12 months that align with broader corporate goals or strategies (i.e. company culture, employee engagement etc.)
– Impact of contributions on local, national or international causes or communities
– Overall commitment to philanthropy and community service
– Testimonials from beneficiaries or partners
This award is given to the advisory team, firm, office or network that has best harnessed technology and digital solutions to improve their business, aid their advisors, and leverage overall client experience over the last 12-18 months.
This category looks at the organization’s use of wealth technology and digital platform/solution/resource/software/s such as (but not limited to) CRM, digital marketing, mobile technology, electronic document management, connectivity platforms, and collaboration tools.
Service/solution providers are not eligible nominees in this category as this is a category for advisory teams or offices using the service/solution/tool/s.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Overall use of digital platforms and wealth technology solutions in the last 12-18 months, demonstrating positive outcomes
– Clear narrative demonstrating the needs identification process for implementation of the technology
– Alignment of the use of the technology with the organization’s broader goals
– Innovation in the types of technology used
– Evidence of return on investment and impact on staff engagement and performance
This category looks at the organization’s use of wealth technology and digital platform/solution/resource/software/s such as (but not limited to) CRM, digital marketing, mobile technology, electronic document management, connectivity platforms, and collaboration tools.
Service/solution providers are not eligible nominees in this category as this is a category for advisory teams or offices using the service/solution/tool/s.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Overall use of digital platforms and wealth technology solutions in the last 12-18 months, demonstrating positive outcomes
– Clear narrative demonstrating the needs identification process for implementation of the technology
– Alignment of the use of the technology with the organization’s broader goals
– Innovation in the types of technology used
– Evidence of return on investment and impact on staff engagement and performance
This award recognizes the outstanding asset management firm that specializes in mutual funds which consistently delivers superior advisor service while pushing the boundaries with innovation and industry best practices over the last 12 months.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Effective client relationship management strategies and stakeholder engagement
– Demonstration of innovative mutual fund strategies & ability to educate advisors on the value to their clients of these products
– Administration or technology solutions where strategic thinking, collaboration and excellence have made a key impact with advisors
– Sustained effort and commitment to the advisor channel
– Corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and responsible investment (SRI) initiatives are all considered
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Effective client relationship management strategies and stakeholder engagement
– Demonstration of innovative mutual fund strategies & ability to educate advisors on the value to their clients of these products
– Administration or technology solutions where strategic thinking, collaboration and excellence have made a key impact with advisors
– Sustained effort and commitment to the advisor channel
– Corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and responsible investment (SRI) initiatives are all considered
This award recognizes the outstanding investment firm specializing in private equity and/or private credit investments. It celebrates a firm capable of consistently delivering superior advisor service while innovating and improving access to these assets.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Effective client relationship management strategies and stakeholder engagement
– Demonstration of innovative private equity and/or private credit strategies & ability to educate advisors on the value to their clients of these products
– Administration or technology solutions where strategic thinking, collaboration, and excellence have made a key impact with advisors
– Sustained effort and commitment to the advisor channel
– Corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and responsible investment (SRI) initiatives are all considered
– Specific niches or unique value propositions that set their products apart from traditional investment opportunities
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Effective client relationship management strategies and stakeholder engagement
– Demonstration of innovative private equity and/or private credit strategies & ability to educate advisors on the value to their clients of these products
– Administration or technology solutions where strategic thinking, collaboration, and excellence have made a key impact with advisors
– Sustained effort and commitment to the advisor channel
– Corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and responsible investment (SRI) initiatives are all considered
– Specific niches or unique value propositions that set their products apart from traditional investment opportunities
This award recognizes the outstanding investment firm specializing in real estate investments, including residential and commercial real estate as well as infrastructure. It celebrates a firm capable of consistently delivering superior advisor service while innovating and improving access to these assets.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Effective client relationship management strategies and stakeholder engagement
– Demonstration of innovative real estate strategies & ability to educate advisors on the value to their clients of these products
– Administration or technology solutions where strategic thinking, collaboration, and excellence have made a key impact with advisors
– Sustained effort and commitment to the advisor channel
– Corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and responsible investment (SRI) initiatives are all considered
– Specific niches or unique value propositions that set their products apart from traditional investment opportunities
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Effective client relationship management strategies and stakeholder engagement
– Demonstration of innovative real estate strategies & ability to educate advisors on the value to their clients of these products
– Administration or technology solutions where strategic thinking, collaboration, and excellence have made a key impact with advisors
– Sustained effort and commitment to the advisor channel
– Corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and responsible investment (SRI) initiatives are all considered
– Specific niches or unique value propositions that set their products apart from traditional investment opportunities
This award acknowledges the contributions of an organization with a proven track record of providing the financial planning and wealth management industry with exceptional services and tools to better serve their clients.
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Must be a WealthTech provider
– Consistently innovates and stays ahead of the curve for the betterment of the industry
– Demonstrates a unique value proposition and major strengths amongst competition
– Provides exemplary service to assist financial professionals achieve their own objectives
When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:
– Must be a WealthTech provider
– Consistently innovates and stays ahead of the curve for the betterment of the industry
– Demonstrates a unique value proposition and major strengths amongst competition
– Provides exemplary service to assist financial professionals achieve their own objectives
