We Have An Exciting Three Days Planned For You!

This presentation will explore best practices to consider while succession planning, and discuss the risks that advisors face from a compliance standpoint, as well as to the long term well being of their practice.

Andy Cameron CFP, CLU - Director, Business & Professional Development
Andy Cameron, Director of Business and Professional Development at Advocis, leads partnerships with corporate and industry stakeholders. With a strong financial services background, he advances Advocis’ mission in education, compliance, and professional development. His work expands the association’s reach and delivers added value to members.

Jack Mazakian - VP & Principal Broker
Jack Mazakian is the Principal Broker of Advocis Broker Services, overseeing national operations and the Advisor Insurance Protection program. As part of Advocis’ Executive Management Team, he supports strategic objectives and partner relationships. With a background in Accounting and Financial Management, Jack is a licensed Property & Casualty Broker with a successful track record in growing insurance businesses across Canada.

1 CE CREDIT

Empowering Clients with Life & Living Benefits - At iA, we offer innovative insurance solutions that go beyond traditional coverage—helping you deliver real value to your clients. From flexible dividend options to customizable living benefits, our solutions are designed to support meaningful conversations, uncover client needs, and build long-term protection plans that evolve with life’s changes.

Regulatory Changes & the Opportunity with iA Seg Funds - Understand the changing regulatory landscape and how to position segregated funds as a powerful estate planning tool.

Adela Thomas - Director Sales - Ontario
Adela Thomas is a seasoned sales leader with over 20 years in the life insurance industry. She began her career in the MGA network before joining iA Financial Group in 2010, where she has built a strong reputation for developing advisors, driving strategic growth, and delivering product expertise. Known for her collaborative and empowering leadership style, Adela fosters strong partnerships and supports advisors in achieving long-term success. She remains a trusted resource across Ontario’s MGA network and is focused on expanding strategic relationships and championing innovative solutions that not only meet today’s client needs but also support long-term financial security and growth.

Matthew MacDonald CHS - Director of Sales, Investments
Matthew began is career in 2004 and has over 20 years of experience in financial services. He spent a decade in the insurance sector before joining iA Financial Group in 2014, where he now works with advisors to deliver comprehensive investment strategies that help clients achieve their long-term financial goals

0.5 CE CREDIT
0.5 CE CREDIT

Diana will be showing the benefits and features of Advisor™ A unified WealthServ platform that gives advisors a 360-degree view of client portfolios, enhancing case tracking and client collaboration through seamless data integration.

Diana MacKay - AVP, Agency Management Solutions in North America 
Diana oversees Product Management for the WealthServ suite of products in Canada and Agency Integrator in the US distributors in the independent channel. Prior to joining iPipeline in 2019, Diana held various progressive leadership positions in the Canadian Life Insurance and Investment industry. With 25 years of experience, Diana has been an associate with various mutual fund dealerships and MGAs with responsibilities that included dealer services, technology solutions and advisor experience.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the insurance and financial services landscape, offering new ways for advisors to enhance efficiency, strengthen client relationships, and drive business growth. In this roundtable discussion, a panel of experienced advisors will share how they are leveraging AI and technology in their practices, providing practical insights into the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation within the advisory profession.

Maria Flores - Chief Compliance Officer, Carte Wealth Management Inc. 
Maria Flores’ 17-year journey with Carte Wealth Management Inc. embodies dedication, growth, and leadership. Arriving from Ecuador as a co-op student, she overcame language and cultural barriers to become a driving force behind Carte’s success. With expertise in recruiting, training, and compliance, Maria was appointed Chief Compliance Officer in 2014 — a milestone that led to numerous industry awards for regulatory excellence.

A strong advocate for ethics and integrity, she ensures her team stays ahead of industry changes through initiatives like monthly Compliance Live webinars. Maria holds a BBA from Universidad de las Américas (Quito) and graduated with honours from Humber College. She also holds multiple CSI designations, including LLQP, Branch Manager, and Director.

Recognized as one of Wealth Professional Canada’s Rising Stars and 5-Star Leading Women in Wealth, Maria also serves as a director for the Federation of Mutual Fund Dealers. In 2022, she became President of Carte Wealth Management Inc., where she continues to inspire advisors, champion compliance, and lead Carte toward a bright and ambitious future.

Certain key life events can significantly impact a client's financial future, tax obligations, and how their legacy is passed on. Proactive planning during these moments helps protect a client's wealth and ensure their wishes are honored.

Focus of the discussion:

• Important Considerations After Separation or Divorce
• Transferring Your Family Cottage to the Next Generation
• Securing Your Legacy: Overview of Business Succession Planning
• Making a Difference: Strategies for Charitable Giving

Tim Brisibe, LLB, LLM, TEP, MFA-P, FEA - Vice President, Tax & Estate Planning
Tim Brisibe leads the Mackenzie team of tax, legal and advanced wealth planning professionals who provide perspective and expertise to support advisors in addressing the complex planning needs of their clients. Tim has spent his career in wealth management, specifically in estate/trust administration, high/ultra-high net worth planning, business and farm transition and continuity, cross border planning, inter-generational wealth transfer, tax strategies, legacy planning, philanthropy, trust and estate planning, and disability planning.

Everyone knows an affluent friend or a successful business owner. Learn how to approach them, how to introduce advanced financial strategies and how to get them to take action.

Jorge Ramos, National Director of Advanced Planning
Jorge Ramos works with many top financial advisors to assist their clients in finding solutions to advanced financial issues. With over 30 years of insurance industry experience, multiple designations and a vast depth of knowledge, Jorge Ramos is able to simplify and demonstrate advanced concepts for clients such that they take action.

Learn how Beneva’s investment account guarantees work, the key differences between options, and why estate planning is an essential opportunity in today’s aging population.

Jennifer Galrao - Senior Regional Sales Director, Savings & Investments, Ontario & Atlantic Regions

1 CE CREDIT

Many clients are surprised to find that strategies and documentation that work well in Canada can have troubling results in the US, or vice versa, as the two countries have very different sets of estate, trust, and tax rules. This presentation discusses common issues and considerations for clients transitioning cross border assets to the next generation. The presentation provides analysis and considerations for individuals holding US assets, key factors for US and Canadian trusts, cross-border real estate considerations, cross-border incapacity considerations, cross-border administration considerations, death of a taxpayer effects in both Canada and the US, and the application of US Estate Tax to Canadians.

Matt Trotta - Vice President, Tax, Retirement & Estate Planning 
Matt is a tax specialist, and an estate planning lawyer called to the bar of Alberta in 2013. He specializes in post-mortem tax and estate planning, as well as tax planning for trusts and owner-managed businesses. Matt is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), holding the TEP designation, has completed Levels 1-3 of the CPA Canada In-depth Tax Program, and is a member of the Canadian Tax Foundation (CTF). Prior to joining CI, Matt worked in the tax and estate groups at regional and national law firms, as well as a tax boutique firm. Matt also acquired in-house legal experience at one of Canada’s largest trust companies, where he provided internal legal advice, and estate and trust planning guidance to clients, advisors, and trust officers.

1 CE CREDIT

This session will cover the features & benefits of RDSPs and showcase Empire Life's launch of the industry's first RDSP with segregated fund, as well as an update on what's new at Empire Life Investments 

Abby Wahab CFP, CIM, FCSI

1 CE CREDIT

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Judith Chan, VP and Head of Asset Allocation at NEI, as she shares her insights into current investment strategies, elaborate on her disciplined approach to portfolio construction, and share her expert insights on the Fixed Income landscape

Judith Chan - Vice President, Head of Multi-Asset Management

Are you ready to unlock a high-potential market segment? Curious how to serve clients who are new to Canada—and what it takes to do it right?

This presentation explores how Assumption Life is helping advisors meet the needs of newcomers to Canada, including those on Work Permits and Student Visas. You’ll discover which products are available, how our underwriting guidelines support accessibility, and what makes our approach stand out in a competitive landscape.

We’ll walk through real-world scenarios, highlight key eligibility criteria, and share insights from our first-class underwriting team—known for fast turnaround times and favorable decisions on complex cases. Whether you're looking to expand your client base or deepen your understanding of this growing demographic, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to pierce this emerging market.

Jennifer Koshul - Director of Business Development, Ontario 
Jennifer Koshul began her career in the Canadian Insurance Industry in 1992, undertaking a variety of operational and sales roles. For nearly two decades, she specialized in Risk Assessment, collaborating with numerous paramedical organizations throughout Canada and the United States. In 2013, Jennifer joined Assumption Life as a wholesaler, where she is currently responsible for Individual Insurance in Ontario. She has since obtained her LLQP, Mortgage Agent License, and Elder Planning Counsellor Designation.

Jennifer enjoys focusing on two key aspects of her role: providing insurance solutions for individuals who are typically considered uninsurable, and assisting advisors with marketing strategies and business growth initiatives. She finds it particularly rewarding to motivate brokers and support their professional development. Outside of her professional commitments, Jennifer enjoys travelling, spending time with her family, reading, and gardening

1 CE CREDIT

An exploration of AI’s disruptive rise across tech, labor, and investing. TD takes a step back from the hype to consider where true value and long-term investment opportunity lies. The growth of A.I. is having unintended consequences with impacts to the labour market, productivity, defense and even electricity. It is early innings for A.I. with infrastructure being extremely underdeveloped, similar to the internet in 1996. Tech titans rise and fall, and the largest companies don’t always remain the largest, creating intriguing investment opportunities. Join TDAM as we zoom out for a big-picture discussion on the nuances, economics and future of A.I and bring it back to winning investment strategies at TDAM.

Jose Alancherry - CFA, Vice President, TDAM Fundamentals

1 CE CREDIT

During this session, hear directly from all Carte partners at BMO (Insurance, Global Asset Management, and Lending) about the investment and financial planning resources available to aid you fully service your clients. You’ll learn about the Mortgage Lending Referral program available that unlocks lower rates for your clients and rewards your efforts, directly-available Segregated Funds including the 100/100 contract with automatic monthly resets and a diverse selection of ETF-based strategies, and a brief highlight of Mutual Fund and ETF investment products that can be dove into deeper for your portfolio management needs. 

Sabrina Fanelli - CFA, CAIA, National Accounts Senior Associate
Raja Khouri - Vice President, Business Development
Jeremiah Mendoca - Regional Sales Manager

We look forward to honoring our top producers and those you have shown the most grown and development this past year!