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Our lean team boasts diverse accolades and backgrounds, from cross-border tax to technology, which enable us to offer a specialized service that is unmatched in our industry.
Senior Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor
A self-professed math geek, Geoff was interested in finance from the very start. As a kid, he always served as the “bank” when playing Monopoly, carefully doling out deeds and depositing cash. Fittingly, Geoff majored in accounting for his Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Wilfred Laurier University, and his co-op at EY went on to earn him a full-time role in the cross-border tax group after graduation.
As a tax manager for EY’s multinational corporate clients, Geoff helped individuals whose work took them to other parts of the world, consulting on and completing their domestic and foreign income tax filing and planning in advance of departure, during their tenure abroad, and upon arrival back in Canada. Most of these professionals traversed North America, so Geoff quickly became very well versed in U.S. tax, in addition to his Canadian tax expertise. “Cross-border income tax planning is incredibly complex,” he says. “I got a lot of satisfaction from simplifying that for people.” But Geoff could only help to a certain point, which nagged at him. “People had a lot of questions about their broader finances, their investments, things like their RRSPs. I was part of numerous discussions with investment advisors, and none of them had the answers for their cross-border clients. Not one.”
Identifying a clear need in the market and following his natural tendency toward full service, after a decade at EY, Geoff joined RBC Dominion Securities and founded Hartley Advisory Group in 2011. As an investment advisor serving Canadians with or without ties to the United States, he acts as a personal CFO, coordinating all elements of clients’ wealth, collaborating with specialists ranging from estate planners to accountants. “So many people are uncertain about their financial situation, and that’s especially true of people whose finances are more complex than average,” he says. “I love making somebody’s life a little bit easier and simpler.” Core to Geoff’s work is an in-depth understanding of each client’s “absolute” goals, which helps guide the investment strategy he devises for them.
Outside of work, Geoff spends as much time as he can with his wife, Lianne, and their young son, Brodie, who loves building LEGO with Mom and Dad and working at his arts and crafts table. Geoff likes to cook up new creations for his family, especially on the barbecue. He also keeps active, golfing and playing ball hockey when he can, and jogs almost daily, rain or shine. The family spends several months every year in Lianne’s hometown of Glasgow, which never fails to reinforce for Geoff his already intimate understanding of the unique challenges of being a global citizen.
Associate Wealth & Investment Advisor
When Ryan does something, he puts his whole heart and soul into it. That’s why after three years of pursuing a degree in IT at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology – “I thought I wanted to make video games for a living, but I realized I didn’t want to program all day,” he says – Ryan pivoted to a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in finance. Upon graduating, Ryan got a sought-after position in capital markets, but the cut-throat world of private equity proved “exactly what I did not want to do,” says Ryan, one for collaboration and connection, not competition. Following a keen interest in helping people – demonstrated early in life when he earned the coveted Chief Scout’s Award as a 14 year old – Ryan brought his investing acumen to wealth management, joining Hartley Advisory Group in 2015.
Ryan works very closely with Geoff, acting as an extension of him to answer client questions and execute investment strategies. Ryan uses complex financial modelling and forecasting, as well as conducting real-time quantitative and qualitative research, to help inform client portfolios. Another key part of Ryan’s role is relationship building – often a first point of contact, he always takes the time to connect with clients to uncover needs.
Ryan’s industry-specific education is extensive and his commitment to continual learning is ongoing. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and holds various certifications from the Canadian Securities Institute, including the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and the Fellow of CSI (FCSI®) designations.
In his off hours, Ryan likes to spend time outdoors with his wife, Stephanie, and their Mini Goldendoodle, Beau. He also loves to play video games and recreational hockey, and enjoys experimenting in the kitchen.
Associate
Dilaun joined RBC Dominion Securities in 2021, serving as an administrator for six different investment advisors. Over the course of five months in the role, he became adept at the technical requirements of procedural and compliance standards, and he built up his strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
In 2022, Dilaun brought his can-do attitude, agile approach, and industry know-how to the Hartley Advisory Group. As administrative assistant, he supports Geoff and Ryan by performing day-to-day tasks, such as funds transfers and account maintenance.
Dilaun holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management with specializations in finance, marketing, and economics.
Having grown up in the United States with Canadian parents, Boston-born Dilaun has personal experience with the unique challenges that clients with cross-border needs face. He is a big music buff and sports fan, and likes to spend time playing or watching a game with friends.
