Financial Planning Specialist
Jennifer Janeczko completed her Masters of Taxation degree at the University of Waterloo in 2004 after completing a postgraduate diploma in Financial Planning from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2001.
Prior to joining RBC in 2015, Jennifer gained a unique understanding of planning for the owner-manager through various roles within the insurance and accounting industries. Her professional experience includes working extensively with high net worth individuals and their advisors dealing with estate and succession planning, corporate and personal tax, insurance planning, family trusts, private foundations and charitable organizations.
Jennifer has over 10 years of taxation experience, is a member of the Canadian Tax Foundation, sits on the board of directors of the Estate Planners’ Council of Hamilton and is a student member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Wills and Estates Specialist
Shannon worked in private practice for ten years before joining RBC in 2010.
She specialized in the areas of Wills & estate planning, estate administration and real estate. Shannon graduated from the University of Guelph with a Honours B.A. and received her LL.B. from the University of Toronto in 1998. She is a Member of the Law Society of Ontario.
Shannon lives in Woodstock, Ontario with her husband and three kids.
WMFS Insurance Inc.
Stephen Wiffen, CLU, CFP®, CH.F.C.
Estate Planning Specialist, RBC Wealth Management Financial Services Inc.
For over 30 years, Steve has helped families and business owners develop a framework using integrated wealth planning solutions. Clients and their advisors trust Steve’s ability and expertise to develop a solution based on client-centred needs and a values-based approach.
Steve examines insurance planning differently and recognizes that each client situation is unique. His approach is to plan first and then educate clients about their options, so they can make an informed choice best suited to their goals and objectives. Whether it be protection needed during income-earning/business-building years, the preservation of capital or ability to transfer accumulated wealth, Steve is there to help implement a solution that addresses your personal and corporate needs in a tax-efficient manner.
Evaluating the various insurance offerings from Canada’s top-ranked insurance providers, Steve will work together with your professional advisors to ensure you receive high-quality, cost-effective insurance solutions.
High Net Worth Planning Services
Murray Shapiro, BA, LL.B, TEP
Vice-President, High Net Worth Planning Services, RBC Family Office Services
Murray has been providing advice and technical support in relation to high-net-worth family wealth planning since 1994. Conversations include scenarios to be aware of in transitioning, including the costs of transitioning, your assets to your intended heirs. Additional areas of concern may include tax, asset preservation and philanthropic planning.
Murray’s expertise encompasses both domestic and international family circumstances, and in many cases is focused on the challenges of transitioning a family business. His guidance supports clients in their relationships with their external professional advisors, with whom he frequently interacts.
Before joining RBC’s Canadian Wealth Management Services team in 2008, Murray worked with RBC’s Global Private Banking group as the senior resource in their global trust business for over 13 years.
Prior to joining RBC, Murray practised law for six years in the areas of estate and tax planning, as well as various areas of business law.
Murray was a Director of STEP Canada (Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners) from its inception until 2009, and has been a member of the International Tax Planning Association and the Canadian Tax Foundation over the years. He has been a featured speaker at Estate Planning Councils, Law Society and STEP practitioner education conferences in Canada and abroad.
Private Banking
Daniel Bertrand brings 12 years of financial services experience to his role as Private Banker, in which he delivers personalized, discrete banking, credit and financial counsel to select clients in Hamilton and Brantford.
As a dedicated financial planner, Mr. Bertrand creates sophisticated banking packages and a full suite of personalized credit solutions for his clients and their families. He then draws on a team of RBC and external experts who assist with investments, commercial banking and domestic and international trust products to create a uniquely personalized banking experience for his clients.
To ensure personalized service and attention to detail, Mr. Bertrand works with a limited number of clients. This focused approach allows him to spend more time simplifying his clients' lives, working when necessary with his other professional advisors to deliver comprehensive, integrated financial solutions.
Mr. Bertrand holds the Personal Financial Planner (PFP) designation, which underscores the financial planning perspective he brings to his clients and holds a bachelor's degree with honours from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Born in Montreal and raised in Kitchener, Mr. Bertrand is active in his community. Outside of the office, he keeps busy with his wife and three young children.
Premier Banking
As a Premier Banking Advisor, Amy DiRenzo provides banking and credit solutions to select high net worth individuals and their families. Acting as a single point of contact, she partners with Investment Advisors and Counsellors in Hamilton, Brantford, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Simcoe and provides personalized service, and tailored advice to effectively and efficiently manage their day-to-day banking needs.
With over 17 years of experience in financial services within RBC, Amy is respected by her clients, peers and the industry, and has enjoyed success in several different roles in assisting clients to achieve their goals. She has also been awarded and recognized a top performer.
Amy is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She has volunteered with various charities such as the Ronald McDonald House as well as the Hospital for Sick Children.
Born and raised in Niagara Region, in her spare time, Amy enjoys spending time and travelling with her husband and four year old daughter.
Risk Assessment Insurance Specialist
RBC Royal Trust
As a Senior Trust Advisor, Susan Macdonald serves clients throughout Western Ontario and is located in the Hamilton office. With a career focused on client relationships, she is dedicated to her clients and provides a personalized service tailored to their specific needs. She provides a wealth of knowledge relating to trusts and their administration. Susan has continued to deepen her knowledge and expertise with key industry designations such as Member, Trust Institute (MTI) and Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designations.
Susan works with individuals, families and businesses to provide customized estate, trust and incapacity solutions. Whether it is helping someone to settle an estate, establishing a trust to ensure the successful transfer of family assets, or arranging to assist with the administration and responsibilities for a power of attorney, Susan can help.
With more than 20 years of industry experience, Susan brings to each client the necessary skill set to provide both the technical expertise as well as the genuine understanding of the emotional complexities that underlie these issues. Susan understands that no two clients are the same and so together with her RBC Royal Trust partners she can find the solution that’s right for you.