Bryan J.W. Baker, CIM®
Senior Portfolio Manager
Senior Wealth Advisor
Branch Manager
As a Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor with over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, Bryan specializes in financial planning for affluent individuals, institutions and charitable foundations. He ensures his clients' investment plan is geared towards their risk tolerance level, investment goals and cash flow requirements. Bryan currently manages over $1 billion in assets and is a proven leader in the delivery of exemplary client service.
Bryan has extensive experience in many of the significant cycles in the financial markets - recessions, market bubbles and meltdowns. This experience allows him to take a skillful and professional approach to decision making in the financial markets.
Bryan was appointed Director, CIBC Wood Gundy in 1996. He is a graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University, is a Chartered Investment Manager, and has attained level II of the Insurance and Planning Licence.
Bryan and his wife, Andrea, are committed to making a difference in the community: Bryan formerly sat on the Foundation Board for Hinks-Dellcrest, an organization that researches and treats children's mental health.
"If I want an answer that is straightforward and honest, I call Bryan." Ronald V Joyce, Co-Founder of Tim Hortons and Philanthropist
"Bryan Baker is intuitive, insightful and smart."
Dr. L, Cardiologist and Business Owner
Lisa Barton
Associate Wealth Advisor
Lisa has been part of Bryan's team since 1989 and has become an integral part of both his business development and client service. Lisa has many qualifications, including the Canadian Securities Course, the Conduct and Practices Handbook, the Options license, Life and Accident and Sickness Insurance license and Professional Financial Planning certificate. Her skills and experience allow her to contribute to all aspects of the business.
Jonathan Baker, JD, CIM®
Senior Portfolio Manager
Senior Wealth Advisor
Jonathan obtained his Juris Doctor (law degree), specializing in International Trade Law and International Financial Systems. Prior to that, he obtained a double degree in Finance and Economics at Western University. He began his career in capital markets in 2007 as an associate with CIBC's Retail Structured Product Group. In 2009, he was then competitively hired by a leading Canadian bank to fulfill the roll of Regional Director for Ontario and later all of Western Canada. During his tenure in capital markets, Jonathan worked with advisors across the country to develop investment strategies that specialized in the implementation of equity, commodity and fixed-income derivatives in a portfolio management context.
Now having been a Portfolio Manager with CIBC Wood Gundy for 10 years, he oversees all of the alternative asset classes for Baker Financial Group’s clientele and personally manages over $100M in a very specialized proprietary offering by Baker Financial Group focused on risk mitigation and income enhancement via equity derivative investment.
Jonathan is a licensed Senior Wealth Advisor and Portfolio Manager with CIBC Wood Gundy and holds the Chartered Investment Manager CIM® designation. Additionally, he has licences in Options and Derivatives, Insurance, and Technical Analysis.
Nicholas Sarjeant, CFA
Financial Associate
Nicholas works in the capacity of an investment analyst for the Baker Financial Group. Charged with controlling the quantitative equity and relative strength software systems, he evaluates potential investment opportunities and provides ongoing portfolio management advice to the team by leading weekly investment meetings for the discretionary investment portfolios. In pursuit of superior risk adjusted portfolio performance, Nicholas spends time deeply analyzing fundamental and statistical trends. Nicholas earned a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Queen's University with a specialization in finance and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He is industry registered as a registered representative and has completed a number of Canadian Securities Institute courses including the Technical Analysis Course, Canadian Securities Course, and the Conduct of Practices Handbook.
Lindsey Bentham
Client Associate
Lindsey joined our team in October 2021 with four years of experience at CIBC Wood Gundy as well as roles at a major Canadian financial institution. She graduated from the University of Northern British Columbia with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in finance and relocated to Toronto in 2016. Lindsey is a licensed registered representative and can execute trades on behalf of our team. She has passed numerous industry courses including the Canadian Securities Course, the Conduct and Practices Handbook, Wealth Management Essentials, Advanced Investment Strategies, Portfolio Management Techniques, and CFA Level 1.
Christian Mitri
Client Associate
Christian, a graduate from McMaster University where he received an Honors Bachelor of Commerce (with a focus in finance) has joined the Baker Financial Team after previous experience in the wealth management field. His current responsibilities are to manage the day-to-day requirements for clients. Christian is industry registered and has completed both his Canadian Securities Course and the Conduct and Practices Handbook.
Gabriele Tatangelo
Client Associate
Gabe, a recent graduate from the Schulich School of Business (where he specialized in finance) joins the Baker Financial team after spending over a year in a technical support role with CIBC Wood Gundy. His current responsibilities are to manage the day-to-day tasks for clients as well as ensuring excellent client service at all times. Gabe is currently working on becoming industry registered and has completed the Canadian Securities Course.
Bryan J.W. Baker, CIM®
As a Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor with over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, Bryan specializes in financial planning for affluent individuals, institutions and charitable foundations. He ensures his clients' investment plan is geared towards their risk tolerance level, investment goals and cash flow requirements. Bryan currently manages over $1 billion in assets and is a proven leader in the delivery of exemplary client service.
Bryan has extensive experience in many of the significant cycles in the financial markets - recessions, market bubbles and meltdowns. This experience allows him to take a skillful and professional approach to decision making in the financial markets.
Bryan was appointed Director, CIBC Wood Gundy in 1996. He is a graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University, is a Chartered Investment Manager, and has attained level II of the Insurance and Planning Licence.
Bryan and his wife, Andrea, are committed to making a difference in the community: Bryan formerly sat on the Foundation Board for Hinks-Dellcrest, an organization that researches and treats children's mental health.
"If I want an answer that is straightforward and honest, I call Bryan." Ronald V Joyce, Co-Founder of Tim Hortons and Philanthropist
"Bryan Baker is intuitive, insightful and smart."
Dr. L, Cardiologist and Business Owner
Lisa Barton
Lisa has been part of Bryan's team since 1989 and has become an integral part of both his business development and client service. Lisa has many qualifications, including the Canadian Securities Course, the Conduct and Practices Handbook, the Options license, Life and Accident and Sickness Insurance license and Professional Financial Planning certificate. Her skills and experience allow her to contribute to all aspects of the business.
Jonathan Baker, JD, CIM®
Jonathan obtained his Juris Doctor (law degree), specializing in International Trade Law and International Financial Systems. Prior to that, he obtained a double degree in Finance and Economics at Western University. He began his career in capital markets in 2007 as an associate with CIBC's Retail Structured Product Group. In 2009, he was then competitively hired by a leading Canadian bank to fulfill the roll of Regional Director for Ontario and later all of Western Canada. During his tenure in capital markets, Jonathan worked with advisors across the country to develop investment strategies that specialized in the implementation of equity, commodity and fixed-income derivatives in a portfolio management context.
Now having been a Portfolio Manager with CIBC Wood Gundy for 10 years, he oversees all of the alternative asset classes for Baker Financial Group’s clientele and personally manages over $100M in a very specialized proprietary offering by Baker Financial Group focused on risk mitigation and income enhancement via equity derivative investment.
Jonathan is a licensed Senior Wealth Advisor and Portfolio Manager with CIBC Wood Gundy and holds the Chartered Investment Manager CIM® designation. Additionally, he has licences in Options and Derivatives, Insurance, and Technical Analysis.
Nicholas Sarjeant, CFA
Nicholas works in the capacity of an investment analyst for the Baker Financial Group. Charged with controlling the quantitative equity and relative strength software systems, he evaluates potential investment opportunities and provides ongoing portfolio management advice to the team by leading weekly investment meetings for the discretionary investment portfolios. In pursuit of superior risk adjusted portfolio performance, Nicholas spends time deeply analyzing fundamental and statistical trends. Nicholas earned a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Queen's University with a specialization in finance and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He is industry registered as a registered representative and has completed a number of Canadian Securities Institute courses including the Technical Analysis Course, Canadian Securities Course, and the Conduct of Practices Handbook.
Lindsey Bentham
Lindsey joined our team in October 2021 with four years of experience at CIBC Wood Gundy as well as roles at a major Canadian financial institution. She graduated from the University of Northern British Columbia with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in finance and relocated to Toronto in 2016. Lindsey is a licensed registered representative and can execute trades on behalf of our team. She has passed numerous industry courses including the Canadian Securities Course, the Conduct and Practices Handbook, Wealth Management Essentials, Advanced Investment Strategies, Portfolio Management Techniques, and CFA Level 1.
Christian Mitri
Christian, a graduate from McMaster University where he received an Honors Bachelor of Commerce (with a focus in finance) has joined the Baker Financial Team after previous experience in the wealth management field. His current responsibilities are to manage the day-to-day requirements for clients. Christian is industry registered and has completed both his Canadian Securities Course and the Conduct and Practices Handbook.
Gabriele Tatangelo
Gabe, a recent graduate from the Schulich School of Business (where he specialized in finance) joins the Baker Financial team after spending over a year in a technical support role with CIBC Wood Gundy. His current responsibilities are to manage the day-to-day tasks for clients as well as ensuring excellent client service at all times. Gabe is currently working on becoming industry registered and has completed the Canadian Securities Course.
Our partners
We partner with CIBC experts to help address all of your wealth needs.
Victoria Ng, PFP, CFP®
Senior Private Banking Advisor
Victoria believes that a key part of her role is to provide clients and their family with convenience, flexibility and peace of mind through the services she provides and the financial solutions she offers. Working together with her clients she develops a financial plan that supports their values and goals, and allows them to grow and preserve their wealth. Victoria's clients greatly value this level of highly personalized attention and service.
Meghan Meade-Flynn, B.Comm.
Senior Private Banking Advisor
Meghan has considerable experience working with small business owners and high-net-worth individuals, providing them with the financial advice necessary to help them achieve their goals. She and her associate work closely with partners from across the CIBC Group of Companies to provide answers to our client’s immediate questions and provide recommendations on how to best position their financial resources for the future. Meghan has been with CIBC since 2010, and prior to that spent a number of years working with a boutique financial institution in Ireland where she developed her true passion for client service.
Crina Hodis, B.Sc., CFP
Private Banking Advisor
Crina cares about her clients and is passionate about helping them achieve their financial goals. She starts by understanding the financial goals of our clients, whether in terms of cash and credit management, investments or planning, and develops services customized to their unique needs. Her clients benefit from the access she has to highly qualified professionals from across the CIBC Group of Companies who have the knowledge and experience to design effective strategies to help them achieve their financial goals.
Natalie Bender
Senior Trust and Estate Consultant
Natalie believes that a key component of any wealth management plan is an estate plan; one that protects you and your family, your assets, preserves your legacy and ensures that your plans occur as you desire. By fully assessing her client's needs, Natalie identifies appropriate CIBC Trust services that can assist them, their family, or their appointed representative. Administering an estate, trust or acting as an attorney for property is time consuming and requires a knowledge of many different areas. Natalie and her team have the expertise to execute, or assist others with the execution of those roles effectively and efficiently, thereby relieving the burden of the administration from those appointed and allowing them to focus on what matters most. Natalie has been with CIBC since 2018.
Aram Agopian, TEP, CLU, CHS, EPC, FMA, FCSI
Estate Planning Specialist
With over 20 years of experience in the life insurance industry, Aram works with affluent families, business owners and executives to create tax efficient insurance based strategies that build and safeguard wealth. Insurance planning with both personal or corporate wealth is tailored to each client with the end goal of providing certainty that enhances the lives of clients, their families and businesses.
Aram strongly believes best results are achieved through a holistic team approach. He will work collaboratively with other trusted advisors ensuring wealth is sheltered for both future generations and philanthropic aspirations.
Aram is fully committed to his profession and views continuing education as vital. He has earned several industry designations, including the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Financial Management Advisor (FMA), Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations. It is his knowledge, experience and high ethical standards that allows him to add value and educate each client.
Jim Stevenson
Estate Planning Specialist
Jim has supported wealth advisors and their clients for close to 30 years, helping thousands of high-net-worth families better plan their estates with straightforward advice.
An expert in Canadian life insurance strategies, Jim helps clients develop a robust estate plan, providing guidance on deferring and/or funding tax liabilities and tax-sheltered insurance to provide immediate liquidity, ensuring family assets remain in the family. He helps families navigate complex value and ownership situations including managing the division of non-liquid assets, such as a private business, family farm or cottage.
Jim also ensures that families take into account philanthropic goals and consider all possible insurance strategies to preserve wealth for future generations.
Elaine Liao, CFP, CLU, CFA
Wealth Strategist
Elaine obtained extensive experience in wealth planning for high-net-worth and ultra-net-worth clients through various roles in some of the largest financial institutions.
As a Wealth Strategist, Elaine takes an in-depth approach guiding clients through our integrated wealth planning process with thoughtful consideration of each client and their family’s unique financial situation and their long-term goals for the future.
Elaine collaborates with internal and external teams of specialists to develop a customized wealth plan that is comprehensive and forward-looking to help each client and their family achieve their financial success, as they define it, and further to the stewardship of their family wealth and legacy. Elaine also holds an MBA degree and speaks Mandarin and Cantonese.
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Raj Dhawan, MBA, CLU, PFP
Financial Planning Specialist
Raj joined the financial services industry in 2007 and has held various positions in Financial Planning, Wealth Management and Private Banking. He uses his knowledge and experience to help Canadian families achieve their financial goals and enjoy peace of mind.
As a Financial Planning Specialist, Raj aims to provide clients with a comprehensive financial planning experience taking an in-depth approach to understanding their needs and goals.
- Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
Jamie Golombek, CPA, CA, CFP®, CLU, TEP, FCPA
Managing Director Tax and Estate Planning
As CIBC’s tax expert, Jamie supports CIBC Wood Gundy investment advisors in delivering integrated financial planning and advisory solutions to our high-net-worth clients. Jamie is quoted frequently in the national media and writes a weekly National Post column called Tax Expert.
Victoria Ng, PFP, CFP®
Victoria believes that a key part of her role is to provide clients and their family with convenience, flexibility and peace of mind through the services she provides and the financial solutions she offers. Working together with her clients she develops a financial plan that supports their values and goals, and allows them to grow and preserve their wealth. Victoria's clients greatly value this level of highly personalized attention and service.
Meghan Meade-Flynn, B.Comm.
Meghan has considerable experience working with small business owners and high-net-worth individuals, providing them with the financial advice necessary to help them achieve their goals. She and her associate work closely with partners from across the CIBC Group of Companies to provide answers to our client’s immediate questions and provide recommendations on how to best position their financial resources for the future. Meghan has been with CIBC since 2010, and prior to that spent a number of years working with a boutique financial institution in Ireland where she developed her true passion for client service.
Crina Hodis, B.Sc., CFP
Crina cares about her clients and is passionate about helping them achieve their financial goals. She starts by understanding the financial goals of our clients, whether in terms of cash and credit management, investments or planning, and develops services customized to their unique needs. Her clients benefit from the access she has to highly qualified professionals from across the CIBC Group of Companies who have the knowledge and experience to design effective strategies to help them achieve their financial goals.
Natalie Bender
Natalie believes that a key component of any wealth management plan is an estate plan; one that protects you and your family, your assets, preserves your legacy and ensures that your plans occur as you desire. By fully assessing her client's needs, Natalie identifies appropriate CIBC Trust services that can assist them, their family, or their appointed representative. Administering an estate, trust or acting as an attorney for property is time consuming and requires a knowledge of many different areas. Natalie and her team have the expertise to execute, or assist others with the execution of those roles effectively and efficiently, thereby relieving the burden of the administration from those appointed and allowing them to focus on what matters most. Natalie has been with CIBC since 2018.
Aram Agopian, TEP, CLU, CHS, EPC, FMA, FCSI
With over 20 years of experience in the life insurance industry, Aram works with affluent families, business owners and executives to create tax efficient insurance based strategies that build and safeguard wealth. Insurance planning with both personal or corporate wealth is tailored to each client with the end goal of providing certainty that enhances the lives of clients, their families and businesses.
Aram strongly believes best results are achieved through a holistic team approach. He will work collaboratively with other trusted advisors ensuring wealth is sheltered for both future generations and philanthropic aspirations.
Aram is fully committed to his profession and views continuing education as vital. He has earned several industry designations, including the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Financial Management Advisor (FMA), Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations. It is his knowledge, experience and high ethical standards that allows him to add value and educate each client.
Jim Stevenson
Jim has supported wealth advisors and their clients for close to 30 years, helping thousands of high-net-worth families better plan their estates with straightforward advice.
An expert in Canadian life insurance strategies, Jim helps clients develop a robust estate plan, providing guidance on deferring and/or funding tax liabilities and tax-sheltered insurance to provide immediate liquidity, ensuring family assets remain in the family. He helps families navigate complex value and ownership situations including managing the division of non-liquid assets, such as a private business, family farm or cottage.
Jim also ensures that families take into account philanthropic goals and consider all possible insurance strategies to preserve wealth for future generations.
Elaine Liao, CFP, CLU, CFA
Elaine obtained extensive experience in wealth planning for high-net-worth and ultra-net-worth clients through various roles in some of the largest financial institutions.
As a Wealth Strategist, Elaine takes an in-depth approach guiding clients through our integrated wealth planning process with thoughtful consideration of each client and their family’s unique financial situation and their long-term goals for the future.
Elaine collaborates with internal and external teams of specialists to develop a customized wealth plan that is comprehensive and forward-looking to help each client and their family achieve their financial success, as they define it, and further to the stewardship of their family wealth and legacy. Elaine also holds an MBA degree and speaks Mandarin and Cantonese.
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Raj Dhawan, MBA, CLU, PFP
Raj joined the financial services industry in 2007 and has held various positions in Financial Planning, Wealth Management and Private Banking. He uses his knowledge and experience to help Canadian families achieve their financial goals and enjoy peace of mind.
As a Financial Planning Specialist, Raj aims to provide clients with a comprehensive financial planning experience taking an in-depth approach to understanding their needs and goals.
- Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
Jamie Golombek, CPA, CA, CFP®, CLU, TEP, FCPA
As CIBC’s tax expert, Jamie supports CIBC Wood Gundy investment advisors in delivering integrated financial planning and advisory solutions to our high-net-worth clients. Jamie is quoted frequently in the national media and writes a weekly National Post column called Tax Expert.