Beyond The Bank

In this episode of Beyond the Bank, Andrew Auerbach sits down with Colin White, co-founder of Verecan, a pioneering firm reshaping the Canadian financial services landscape. Colin shares his journey from his early days as an accountant and life insurance agent to founding Verecan—a firm designed to eliminate conflicts of interest and set a new benchmark for client-centric financial advice.

The conversation dives into the challenges of breaking away from traditional corporate structures, the lessons learned from Colin's time in larger institutions, and the complexities of building an independent firm. Colin and Andrew explore the importance of fiduciary duty, the trade-offs between corporate comfort and independence, and the necessity of fostering trust in a highly concentrated market. This episode is a compelling look at how innovation, authenticity, and a relentless focus on clients can drive meaningful change in an entrenched industry.

 In this episode of Beyond the Bank, Sandra Henderson welcomes Mike Moodie, Head of Canada and Senior Partner at Stonehage Fleming, a leading global family office. Mike shares insights from his remarkable 40-year journey in wealth management across five countries, delving into the complexities of advising families with cross-border wealth and multi-jurisdictional ties. From his early days in Canada to leading international wealth businesses in the Caribbean, U.S., and U.K., Mike discusses the challenges and opportunities of global mobility for families, the importance of assembling trusted advisory teams, and his philosophy on balancing professional ambitions with personal life. A must-listen for those interested in the evolving landscape of global family wealth. 

 In this episode of Beyond the Bank, Andrew Auerbach sits down with Rubin Miller, co-founder of Peltoma Capital, to explore the evolving world of wealth management. Rubin shares his unique journey from competitive chess to proprietary trading and his eventual transition into independent advisory. The discussion delves into the ongoing debate between percentage-based AUM fees and flat-fee models, highlighting the complexities of client value, investment expertise, and the role of personalized service. Rubin also reflects on the growing trend of independent advisory firms, offering insights into the cultural and structural differences between the U.S. and Canadian wealth management landscapes. Packed with thought-provoking perspectives, this conversation underscores the importance of aligning investment strategies with client goals while embracing the flexibility and client-first ethos of the independent model. 

In this episode of Beyond the Bank, Jean sits down with Felice Kirsh, a Certified Specialist in Estates and Trusts Law and partner at Schnurr Kirsh Oelbaum Tator LLP. With decades of experience in estate and trust litigation, Felice shares her expertise on navigating complex disputes, including will contests, trustee disagreements, and power of attorney conflicts.

The conversation delves into the intricacies of mental incompetency litigation, the challenges of resolving family disputes, and the role of mediation in achieving fair outcomes. Felice also reflects on how legal professionals can balance technical expertise with empathy in emotionally charged cases. Whether you're managing family wealth or simply curious about the dynamics of estate planning, this episode provides invaluable insights into the legal and relational aspects of estate and trust disputes.

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Bank, Jean Blacklock sits down with Megan Tong, a CPA-turned-entrepreneur-turned-money mindset coach, to explore the evolving relationship between money, life, and purpose. Megan shares her unique journey from climbing the ranks at a major accounting firm to co-founding Kanga, Toronto’s first Australian-style meat pie company, which she successfully grew into a million-dollar enterprise before selling it in 2018.

Drawing from her entrepreneurial experiences and financial expertise, Megan explains how her perspective on money shifted—from a technical focus to a deeper understanding of its emotional and psychological dimensions. She discusses her transition to life coaching, revealing how she now helps clients transform their money mindset, align financial goals with personal values, and achieve true financial independence.

Through stories of resilience, resourcefulness, and reinvention, Megan offers practical insights for wealth advisors and clients alike, emphasizing that wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about cultivating a constructive relationship with money to fuel life’s aspirations.

 In this episode of Beyond the Bank, Jean Blacklock welcomes Megan Janzen, a Toronto-based registered psychotherapist, to discuss the value of therapy and how wealth professionals can help clients navigate life’s challenges. Megan shares her experiences, explains the basics of relational therapy, and offers insights on how therapy can foster self-awareness and emotional balance. The conversation sheds light on common therapy misconceptions, the importance of finding the right client-therapist fit, and why professionals might encourage clients to seek therapeutic support. 

 In this episode, Andrew Auerbach welcomes Fred Pinto, CEO of CFA Society Toronto, for an insightful conversation on building a career marked by resilience, strategic risk-taking, and leadership in financial services. Fred shares his journey from the Bay Street investment world to leading the world’s largest CFA society. They discuss the evolution of CFA Institute, Fred’s unconventional career moves, and the invaluable lessons learned from managing firms both large and small. With over 25 years in asset management, Fred explains the impact of the CFA on his career and emphasizes the importance of ethics, trust, and innovation in the wealth management industry. Tune in to gain wisdom from Fred’s career journey and his perspectives on the future of finance and the CFA’s role in shaping the industry. 

 In this episode of Beyond the Bank, Jean Blacklock is joined by Sandra Corelli, Founder and CEO of Humanicity Consulting Group, to discuss the human side of leadership in wealth management. Sandra shares her journey from financial services to leading a boutique leadership development firm, offering insights into effective communication, psychological safety, and preventing burnout in teams. The conversation also explores how wealth advisors can support clients facing personal challenges related to money, values, and family dynamics. 

In this insightful episode of Beyond the Bank, Andrew Auerbach sits down with longtime friend and industry veteran Terry Jenkins, who has held senior executive roles in both Canadian and U.S. wealth management. Terry shares his extensive career journey, from leading teams at KeyBank Wealth Management and BMO Harris Wealth Management to his advisory roles in growing RIAs. Together, they explore leadership lessons, the evolving landscape of wealth management, and the tremendous opportunities awaiting the next generation of advisors. Terry offers unique insights into the differences between the U.S. and Canadian markets, the importance of cultural diversity in wealth advisory, and the critical role of staying grounded in the numbers. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of the wealth management industry.

 In Episode 19 of Beyond the Bank, Andrew Auerbach is joined by Jason Streicher, Senior Legal Counsel at AUM Law, to discuss the intricacies of compliance and registration in wealth management. Drawing on over 25 years of experience, Jason delves into the evolving regulatory landscape, emphasizing the critical role of chief compliance officers and the importance of meeting both traditional and modern standards for registration. They explore key challenges in establishing independent firms, including how to qualify as an advising representative and chief compliance officer, and how regulatory scrutiny has shifted in the post-2008 financial crisis era. Jason offers practical advice for firms looking to register and maintain strong compliance systems, underscoring the need for collaboration and transparency with regulators to ensure success.