One of the founding leaders of Ascendant Wealth Partners, Jim expertly advises upon and manages the wealth of private families, foundations, and institutions.

 
 

A dedicated portfolio manager with advanced investment expertise, Jim works together with clients to develop and implement an overall financial strategy, manage their investments, and execute their bespoke wealth plans. For clients with international ties, particularly to the United States, Jim draws on considerable experience working with families in different parts of the world.

Jim is a seasoned leader with more than 30 years of investment and finance experience. A veteran of the financial industry since 1988, he began his career in accounting, tax, and insolvency at a leading multinational accounting consultancy firm. He has held multiple senior leadership roles, including Head of Canadian Equity Research at a global investment bank and, most recently, a Vice-Chair and member of the Asset Allocation and Investment committees at a leading Canadian wealth management boutique. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA), Jim also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto.

Outside of work, Jim contributes his time to community causes near to his heart. In recent years, he has focused his attention on mental health and sits on the board for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation and is a member of the Finance Committee. Jim appreciates the arts and is a past board member of Canadian photography festival CONTACT.

Jim likes to spend his downtime with his wife, Dina, as well as their daughter, Athena, and son, Andrew – especially when the family is able to travel together. Jim is an affable golfer and a passionate Raptors fan. He also enjoys reading biographies and adding to his sneaker collection.

Portrait photography, Ira Kotliar