Our partners
We partner with CIBC experts to help address all of your wealth needs.
Matthew Makarenko, CFP®
Financial Planning Specialist
Matthew brings over 12 years of experience in financial planning and advice. He is a Certified Financial Planner and is actively pursuing the Certified International Wealth Manager designation.
In addition to his experience and education, Matthew brings a dynamic approach to wealth planning that invites clients to participate in designing their wealth strategy.
Outside of work, Matthew is an avid traveller who has recently made Calgary his new home.
Julia Garner, CFP®, CLU, CHS
Senior Estate Planning Specialist
Julia Garner is an Estate Planning Specialist with CIBC Wood Gundy. She began her career in insurance 12 years ago with a focus on values-based risk management, helping individuals, families, and businesses protect what is most important to them. Julia is an expert in facilitating conversations around successful wealth transition, business succession and financial security.
Julia graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a major in Finance. She is committed to constantly learning and evolving in advisory services. Julia is a Certified Financial Planner®, Chartered Life Underwriter®, and Certified Health Insurance Specialist. She is experienced in the family enterprise space, having facilitated family meetings, and completed level 1 of the Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) designation.
Julia and her family enjoy spending time in the mountains, travelling, and cooking.
Samson Lau, CFP®, FCSI, CIWM, CSWP, RRC
Senior Private Banking Advisor
As a first-generation Canadian, I've personally seen the struggle that people like my parents face when they come to this wonderful country looking to establish a better life for them and their family. All too often, resources like financial literacy and financial strategy are out of their reach or are limited. This has led me to a career of providing objective and quality financial advice.
My aim is to ensure that you and your family have a smooth and effortless banking experience. Building a relationship with my clients is a priority. Once I understand your story, I partner with expert professionals across CIBC to provide you with tailored solutions best suited to your unique needs.
Away from work, I make time for several important community organizations, including the United Way, Junior Achievement, Calgary Food Bank, the local women’s shelter, and drop-in centers. I'm also passionate about being a father to my son, and for all things culinary.
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®)
- Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM)
- Chartered Strategic Wealth Professional (CSWP®)
- Registered Retirement Consultant (RRC®)
Laurie Johnston, B.Comm., PFP, MTI
Senior Trust and Estate Consultant
Laurie's goal is to provide you and your family with confidence and peace of mind. She and her team offer services as a professional executor, power of attorney for property or trustee. She can also support someone else you appoint for these roles. Effectively administering a trust or acting as an attorney, can require time and an understanding of investments and taxes. Laurie and her team have the expertise to execute or assist others in efficiently executing that role. Laurie has been in the financial services industry since 1999 and with CIBC since 2012.
Matthew Makarenko, CFP®
Matthew brings over 12 years of experience in financial planning and advice. He is a Certified Financial Planner and is actively pursuing the Certified International Wealth Manager designation.
In addition to his experience and education, Matthew brings a dynamic approach to wealth planning that invites clients to participate in designing their wealth strategy.
Outside of work, Matthew is an avid traveller who has recently made Calgary his new home.
Julia Garner, CFP®, CLU, CHS
Julia Garner is an Estate Planning Specialist with CIBC Wood Gundy. She began her career in insurance 12 years ago with a focus on values-based risk management, helping individuals, families, and businesses protect what is most important to them. Julia is an expert in facilitating conversations around successful wealth transition, business succession and financial security.
Julia graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a major in Finance. She is committed to constantly learning and evolving in advisory services. Julia is a Certified Financial Planner®, Chartered Life Underwriter®, and Certified Health Insurance Specialist. She is experienced in the family enterprise space, having facilitated family meetings, and completed level 1 of the Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) designation.
Julia and her family enjoy spending time in the mountains, travelling, and cooking.
Samson Lau, CFP®, FCSI, CIWM, CSWP, RRC
As a first-generation Canadian, I've personally seen the struggle that people like my parents face when they come to this wonderful country looking to establish a better life for them and their family. All too often, resources like financial literacy and financial strategy are out of their reach or are limited. This has led me to a career of providing objective and quality financial advice.
My aim is to ensure that you and your family have a smooth and effortless banking experience. Building a relationship with my clients is a priority. Once I understand your story, I partner with expert professionals across CIBC to provide you with tailored solutions best suited to your unique needs.
Away from work, I make time for several important community organizations, including the United Way, Junior Achievement, Calgary Food Bank, the local women’s shelter, and drop-in centers. I'm also passionate about being a father to my son, and for all things culinary.
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®)
- Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM)
- Chartered Strategic Wealth Professional (CSWP®)
- Registered Retirement Consultant (RRC®)
Laurie Johnston, B.Comm., PFP, MTI
Laurie's goal is to provide you and your family with confidence and peace of mind. She and her team offer services as a professional executor, power of attorney for property or trustee. She can also support someone else you appoint for these roles. Effectively administering a trust or acting as an attorney, can require time and an understanding of investments and taxes. Laurie and her team have the expertise to execute or assist others in efficiently executing that role. Laurie has been in the financial services industry since 1999 and with CIBC since 2012.