Our Approach

Comprehensive Wealth Management

Building and protecting wealth, retirement planning and funding, scenario analysis and projections, intergenerational wealth considerations, education funding, tax-efficiency, philanthropy…these are but a few of the issues Gavin’s diverse clientele spend time reflecting on. We are here to help.

We typically begin with a good conversation, an in-depth exploration of who you are and the unique circumstances, objectives, concerns, and opportunities that shape how you and your family define financial success. We then prepare an individualized financial plan that memorializes your specific goals, identifies potential opportunities for improvement, and establishes a plan for success in relatable and measurable terms.

At your direction, we can communicate and collaborate effectively with existing legal and tax advisors. We also have a trusted network of expert insurance, estate, and tax planning specialists to complement our service offering. Our value proposition is further supported by the exceptional roster of internal experts, leading edge tools, technology, and solutions, all supported by the security and stability of the Royal Bank Financial Group.

Wealth management is an evergreen process, and as your needs and aspirations evolve over time so will your plan. Regular consultation and review of the plan and appropriate modifications and course adjustments are a valuable part of what we do.

Importantly, the plan also provides context for the Portfolio Management process…our discipline for thoughtfully helping you invest your money to achieve your financial goals.

Disciplined Portfolio Management

Our approach to portfolio construction starts with Risk Management. It is the primary determinant of long-term return expectations and the level of volatility an investor is likely to experience, so a well-structured asset allocation between fixed income and equity securities sets the foundational strategy for each client. It is based on your individual goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and a range of key considerations set forth in a personalized written Investment Policy Statement (IPS).

A key distinction of Gavin’s practice is his institutional experience and knowledge. As Vice President RBC Wealth Management, Gavin founded and led the firm-wide early development of RBC’s external asset manager program. That program has since become the most comprehensive and technically robust offering of it's kind in Canada, and it is a cornerstone of Gavin's open architecture portfolio approach. To enhance the diversification and expected return of existing portfolios, individual investors have access to a carefully vetted universe of specialists - the highest quality global asset managers in every major asset class, many of them exclusive to RBC. This objective, institutional-level approach is underpinned by exacting continuous oversight by RBC’s Global Manager Research team, enhanced consolidated performance reporting, and a transparent and accessible fee structure.

Every client portfolio benefits from ongoing monitoring, regular review and disciplined rebalancing – a consistent and purposeful plan of action to manage risk and to achieve your defined financial objectives. The effect of taxes on net returns is profound and nuanced, so tax efficiency is always a key focus when we set strategy, when we select individual investments and managers, and when we rebalance portfolios.

This disciplined approach prioritizes the preservation and protection of your wealth over the long term, while ensuring there is an action plan for the opportunities that emerge when financial markets fluctuate.

The financial peace of mind that comes from knowing.