Shamin Khan, CFP®, CIM®
Shamin’s journey began in the bustling city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, where the entrepreneurial spirit of his family inspired him to carve his own path. Seeking to expand his horizons, he pursued a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus on Finance and International Business at North South University, an internationally accredited educational institution. The call for greater knowledge led him across the world to Canada, where he completed a Master’s in International Business with specializations on Finance and Marketing from Queen’s University. Canada has become his home—a transition made seamless as he found a community that shares his values of hard work and integrity.
From a very early stage, Shamin has developed an interest in getting to know different people and different cultures. This extends to finding joy in connecting with his clients, to understand their visions, and guide them towards their financial goals. Over the past decade, Shamin has honed on his experience across various roles in this industry, from advising healthcare professionals to working with business owners and incorporated professionals.
Believing firmly in the power of continuous learning, Shamin earned the Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Investment Manager designations. His commitment to education is unwavering, as it equips him to offer the most current and relevant advice in the dynamic world of wealth management.
In 2024, Shamin co-founded Pharus Wealth Advisory Group at CIBC Wood Gundy with a mission to deliver unparalleled Financial Planning and Wealth Management services. Shamin and his team are dedicated to using their collective expertise and network to support long-standing client relationships and to build new ones that will last for generations.
Away from the numbers and analysis, he is a family man at heart, cherishing moments with his wife, daughters, parents, and the whole family. Shamin is an avid European soccer fan and a music enthusiast, and yes, he'll sometimes indulge in Gaming on his PlayStation to unwind. Shamin and his wife share a love for culinary adventures, whether it’s experimenting with new recipes at home or exploring the city’s dining scene. Summer weekends find Shamin and his family basking in the sun and enjoying the serene beaches, a cherished ritual that rejuvenates their spirits.
William Carson, CFA, MBA, LLB
Bill is a distinguished professional in the financial services industry over 35 years of experience. His previous roles include working for some of the largest Canadian and U.S. financial institutions as well as helping found family offices for Toronto Families ranking among the 100 wealthiest in Canada.
He began his journey at the University of Western Ontario, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B). Bill continued at the University of Toronto, where he achieved an MBA specializing in Accounting and Finance, followed by earning the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. These academic achievements laid the foundation for a career defined by strategic insight with an in-depth understating of both public and private markets.
Bill has been instrumental in guiding affluent families and physicians through the complexities of wealth accumulation and preservation. His approach is holistic, recognizing that true wealth management is not just about numbers but about nurturing long-term relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
Bill’s passion for the markets is palpable, as is his commitment to customizing client portfolios to optimize risk-adjusted returns. In addition to his background in financial markets, Bill also has a background in law, which he utilizes in collaboration with his clients’ external advisors, ensuring a comprehensive strategy that encompasses all facets of managing their wealth. In 2024, Bill leveraged his extensive advisory experience and knowledge to co-found Pharus Wealth Advisory Group at CIBC Private Wealth. This venture represents his commitment to providing bespoke investment solutions that cater to the unique needs of each client he serves.
Bill's dedication to his clients’ investment success is unwavering, and his custom strategies allow his affluent clients to remain focused on other priorities in their lives.
Outside of the office, Bill can be found enjoying golfing, boating, and spending time with family and friends.
Kelvin Chan, CFP®, CIM®
Kelvin is passionate about advising clients and recognizes that everyone’s financial life and personal situations are truly unique. He believes taking the time to fully understand you and your family’s situation before offering advice is the first step towards every successful and long-lasting client relationship.
Kelvin holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designations. His professional duty to provide you with best-in-class advice is demonstrated through his commitment to education, self-development and keeping himself abreast of rapidly changing industry trends and solutions.
After spending a decade providing affluent individuals and families with tailored and comprehensive wealth management solutions, he co-founded Pharus Wealth Advisory Group at CIBC Wood Gundy in 2024. Alongside his team, network of partners and other trusted professionals, he aims to leverage his experience and education to foster long-lasting intergenerational relationships.
Away from his desk, he enjoys staying active and can be found lifting weights at the gym, playing basketball, hiking with his dog, or swimming. He is also an avid reader, loyal NFL and NBA follower, adventurous traveler and enjoys trying new hole-in-the-wall restaurants with family and friends.
Derek Kohalmi, CFP®, CIM®, CLU
Derek, a seasoned wealth management professional, brings over ten years of financial services experience to his role at Pharus Wealth Advisory Group, a team he co-founded in 2024. His educational foundation in finance and economics, obtained from Wilfrid Laurier University, has fueled his dedication to assisting individuals in realizing their wealth ambitions.
Understanding the profound effects of early parental health challenges on family life, Derek advocates for a comprehensive financial planning strategy that encompasses not only fiscal objectives but also personal well-being and health aspirations.
At CIBC Wood Gundy Pharus Wealth Advisory Group, the goal is unequivocal: deliver unparalleled financial planning and wealth management services. With a focus on building lasting client relationships and establishing intergenerational bonds, Derek and his proficient team are at the forefront of this mission.
Holding esteemed designations such as Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Investment Manager and Chartered Life Underwriter, Derek is recognized for his expertise. Outside the office, he cherishes moments with loved ones, indulges in travel, enjoys golf, and experiments with new culinary delights. A fervent hockey enthusiast, Derek dreams of witnessing the Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup within his lifetime.
Our partners
We partner with CIBC experts to help address all of your wealth needs.
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.
Benjamin Tal
Deputy Chief Economist, CIBC
Benjamin Tal is responsible for analyzing economic developments and their implications for North American fixed income, equity, foreign exchange and commodities markets. He also acts in an advisory capacity to bank officers on issues related to wealth management, household/corporate credit and risk. Benjamin is a regular commentator on financial and economic trends in the Canadian and American media.
Geoff Booth
Estate Planning Specialist
Geoff believes that a tailored approach is essential when implementing insurance solutions that are designed to preserve, enhance, transfer and protect the wealth of clients, whether personal or corporately owned.
Geoff has earned many professional designations throughout his career, including the CFP, CLU, CHS and CEA designations. Geoff also earned his Bachelor of Sports Management (BSM) Degree from Brock University.
Geoff resides in Oakville with his wife Jenn and daughter Emma.
Away from the office, you can find Geoff at the cottage with his family or playing recreational sports at the local hockey rink, baseball diamond, or golf course.
Michael Teng, CIM, CFP
Financial Planning Specialist
Michael’s financial planning philosophy stems from more than just learning about your financial goals. It is about understanding you; your values, concerns and aspirations. With years of experience developing diverse comprehensive financial plans for high and ultra-high net worth clients, Michael is able to paint a clear financial picture of your situation and create a roadmap to help you achieve your goals. He is equipped to provide sophisticated advice on various facets of financial planning including tax, retirement, business and estate planning. Having earned his Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Investment Manager designations, Michael has built his career on advising clients for over a decade.
David Duong, CPA, CMA, CIM, CLU
Wealth Strategist
David enjoys working with high-net-worth families, business owners, and senior executives to preserve their wealth through the use of tax, insurance, trust and estate planning strategies.
David draws on his wealth planning experiences to provide a team-based approach by involving a client’s non-CIBC advisors (i.e., lawyer, accountant) and partners at CIBC.
David has a passion for financial literacy and formerly served as an Advisory Board member on CPA Canada's Financial Literacy Program.
- l Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- l Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®)
- l Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.)
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.
Benjamin Tal
Benjamin Tal is responsible for analyzing economic developments and their implications for North American fixed income, equity, foreign exchange and commodities markets. He also acts in an advisory capacity to bank officers on issues related to wealth management, household/corporate credit and risk. Benjamin is a regular commentator on financial and economic trends in the Canadian and American media.
Geoff Booth
Geoff believes that a tailored approach is essential when implementing insurance solutions that are designed to preserve, enhance, transfer and protect the wealth of clients, whether personal or corporately owned.
Geoff has earned many professional designations throughout his career, including the CFP, CLU, CHS and CEA designations. Geoff also earned his Bachelor of Sports Management (BSM) Degree from Brock University.
Geoff resides in Oakville with his wife Jenn and daughter Emma.
Away from the office, you can find Geoff at the cottage with his family or playing recreational sports at the local hockey rink, baseball diamond, or golf course.
Michael Teng, CIM, CFP
Michael’s financial planning philosophy stems from more than just learning about your financial goals. It is about understanding you; your values, concerns and aspirations. With years of experience developing diverse comprehensive financial plans for high and ultra-high net worth clients, Michael is able to paint a clear financial picture of your situation and create a roadmap to help you achieve your goals. He is equipped to provide sophisticated advice on various facets of financial planning including tax, retirement, business and estate planning. Having earned his Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Investment Manager designations, Michael has built his career on advising clients for over a decade.
David Duong, CPA, CMA, CIM, CLU
David enjoys working with high-net-worth families, business owners, and senior executives to preserve their wealth through the use of tax, insurance, trust and estate planning strategies.
David draws on his wealth planning experiences to provide a team-based approach by involving a client’s non-CIBC advisors (i.e., lawyer, accountant) and partners at CIBC.
David has a passion for financial literacy and formerly served as an Advisory Board member on CPA Canada's Financial Literacy Program.
- l Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- l Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®)
- l Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.)