CHRISTOS FARFARAS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- CIM / Senior Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor
- Senior Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor
After his studies at Concordia University, Alexander started his wealth management practice from the ground up. Coming from humble beginnings, he learned about the value of money at an early age and now sees his work as a higher calling. His insatiable curiosity, passion for helping people and his unparalleled work ethic has led him to establish himself as one of the fastest growing advisors in Canada. He obtained the advanced designation of Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) and he is an accredited Portfolio Manager. Alexander was one of the select few advisors to be named to the firm's Prestigious President's Circle award as well as the Director's Council. He is often asked to speak to other investment professionals to share best practices as well as various groups of bankers, businesspeople and University students.
Alexander manages the assets of wealthy families and guides them through various stages of their lives. Harnessing his highly specialized knowledge in portfolio management as well as financial, tax, retirement & estate planning, he devises a personalized strategy for each family and he makes the investment decisions.
On a personal level, Alex holds a black belt in Kyokushin Karate and likes to stay active. When he is not working, Alex enjoys reading, traveling, playing guitar and spending time with friends & family.
Amelia graduated with a bachelor's degree in Finance from John Molson School of Business. She joined RBC in 2020, and since then she has been fulfilling various roles while supporting different expertise departments of the business. She has been able to provide remarkable service and help deepen relationships with clients through ongoing efficient assistance. In her spare time, she enjoys remaining active by playing team sports such as volleyball and tennis.
Benjamin Otto is motivated to serve others. "My dad is a pastor. Growing up, I often went with him visiting congregational members in their homes, hospitals and nursing homes. I saw him working extremely hard for others and the positive impact it had on them."
Job Titles:
- Branch Operations Manager
Since 1989, Caroline Gauthier has been a leading force in guiding high net worth investors towards their financial goals. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from Concordia University and a Chartered Financial Analyst designation, Caroline brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field of wealth management. Her expertise includes a wide range of services such as discretionary portfolio management, all delivered through a holistic approach that seamlessly integrates financial and estate planning.
Caroline's distinct approach involves meticulously preparing financial models and devising strategies that resonate with the unique stories and aspirations of each client. Her commitment to personalized service has garnered Caroline widespread trust and numerous referrals. She has advised many families across two to three generations, and remarkably, one family through five generations, underscoring her expertise in long-term financial security and legacy planning.
Beyond her professional realm, Caroline's love for reading, particularly biographies and finance literature, underscores her continuous pursuit of knowledge. Similarly, her enjoyment of long walks in the woods reflects her philosophy of balance, a principle she applies both in finance and in life.
Job Titles:
- Estate Planning Specialist
Deborah (Debbie) graduated from l'Université de Montréal in 2009 with a Bachelor's degree in Science and a minor in Economics. Soon after graduating, she began her career with RBC Dominion Securities. Her experience and development brought her to work with Caroline Gauthier in early 2014. She is licensed as an Investment Representative and oversees all procedures on the team. In 2022, Debbie received the RBC Performance Award and attended the annual convention; an honor given to a chosen few each year.
From Italian descent, Debbie was born and raised in Montreal. In her spare time, she loves to read, watch movies and talking over a great meal with friends and family. She enjoys equally a night out or a quiet evening at home with her cat, Groot.
Denis Received his Bachelor's degree in Finance at John Molson School of Business. He first started his journey with RBC Direct Investing in 2021, as an Investment Service Representative and grasped the self-directed model of the industry. In early 2024, he joined RBC Dominion Securities to expand his knowledge and promote stellar client relationships with his commitment and client first attitude.
Denis is a huge fan of Real Madrid and enjoys watching European football. He has even travelled to Europe to watch some derbies. In his spare time, he will get creative with delicious cooking and stay active by working out at the gym consistently.
Job Titles:
- Branch Operations Assistant
Ethan graduated with an Economics degree from John Molson School of Business and has been working in RBC Dominion Securities since March 2022.
After acquiring experience in the financial sector from working at IA Private Wealth, he further polished his financial knowledge and interpersonal skills to deliver an excellent level of customer service. He joined the Gauthier-Leclerc team in late 2023, where he develops his career and high level of interest in market and economic analysis. Ethan enjoys spending time being active climbing at the bouldering gym with his friends and going snowboarding during the winter months.
Prior to joining RBC Wealth Management, Joseph Di Niro began his career as a Notary in private practice at a notarial firm in Montreal. During this period, Joseph developed an expertise in Will and estate planning and also acquired specialized knowledge in estate settlements and non-contentious matters. To further his knowledge in the field of taxation, Joseph later joined a multinational accounting organization, where he specialized in tax planning for individual and corporate clients.
Member of the Board of Notaries of the Province of Quebec (Chambre des Notaires du Québec) since 2010, Joseph obtained his Notarial Law Degree(D.D.N.) from Université de Montréal in 2009, after having obtained his Bachelor of Law LL.B.) from the Université de Québec à Montréal (UQAM) in 2007. Joseph is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Taxation from the University of Sherbrooke.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Investment Advisor
- Associate Investment Advisor With RBC Dominion Securities
- CIM / Associate Investment Advisor
As an Associate Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities, Julia Gauthier provides access to a comprehensive range of services to help you build and protect your wealth. A graduate of the John Molson School of Business, Julia obtained a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Finance. A firm believer in ongoing education, she has acquired the advanced industry designations of Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and holds her Insurance of Persons license with the AMF.
Being part of this industry since 2011, Julia draws on her expert knowledge, including previous position as Investment Associate for one of the largest team in the industry, to develop comprehensive wealth management solutions for her clients. Julia's breadth of experience, expertise and credentials help ensure sound advice, expert execution, and peace of mind for clients who need solutions for broad and complex wealth management needs.
Outside of work, Julia is a devoted mother to her two daughters with whom she loves to stay active. A competitive swimmer for many years, Julia still tries to get in the water as often as possible whether it be at the Hudson Yacht Club where she has been a lifelong member or on her family travels.
Job Titles:
- Branch Operations Manager
Job Titles:
- Branch Operations Assistant
Pascale Leclerc's approach to wealth planning is defined by her belief that each client's financial situation is unique. A Senior Portfolio Manager with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from McGill University and a Chartered Financial Analyst designation, she brings over twenty years of experience in crafting bespoke financial solutions. Her expertise particularly benefits professionals, entrepreneurs, and women who are integral in managing their family's wealth.
Pascale is renowned for her role as a personal 'Chief Financial Officer' among her clients, who value her for her thorough approach, sound advice, flexibility, and proactive strategies. She is dedicated to meticulously reviewing each client's current situation and objectives, ensuring that the solutions she provides are the most suitable for their specific needs. Her focus on listening and truly understanding the personal narratives of her clients allows her to align financial strategies with their life stories.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Pascale is a proud mother of two daughters. Her commitment to an active lifestyle, which includes triathlons, skiing, and family travel, is reflective of the energy and dedication she brings to each client relationship.
Job Titles:
- CA, LL.M, TEP / Vice - President, High Net Worth Planning Services, RBC Family Office Services
- Member of the Executive Committee of STEP Montreal
Paule has a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from l'École des Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC) and a Master's degree in Tax Law from the Montreal University. She has completed the Securities Dealers Course from the Canadian Securities Institute.
As a Chartered Professional Accountant, Paule has more than 30 years of experience in tax and estate planning consulting, in CA firms as well as in life insurance and securities dealer companies. Paule is a frequent lecturer at annual conferences and technical seminars of l'Association de planification fiscale et financière and other professional associations and an active writer of reference papers on tax and estate planning topics.
Paule is a member of the executive committee of STEP Montreal and is regularly involved in various committees of the Association de planification fiscale et successorale. Paule is a member of the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec, the l'Association de planification fiscale et successorale, the Canadian Tax Foundation, the International Fiscal Association and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Richard has a Master in Business Administration (MBA) and a bachelor degree in Civil Law (LL.B.) from University of Sherbrooke as well as a bachelor degree in Common Law (Juris Doctor) from Queen's University in Kingston. He is a Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM), a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI), a Canadian Investment Manager (CIM), a Certified Financial Planner Professional (CFP) from the Financial Planner Standard Council and a Financial Planner from the "Institut Québécois de Planification Financière" (F.Pl.).
Before joining RBC Family Office Services in 2015, Richard worked in the securities industry with Canadian and American brokerage firms and with the Montreal Exchange, where he worked as a Trader, Banker, Financial Advisor, Private Advisor and Financial Planner. He also spent three years in a Montreal based law firm specialized in business law.
Richard's role is to work with and support your advisor in preparing and presenting comprehensive Compass Financial Plans for clients.
After graduating from Concordia University with a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Rina's journey in the financial industry began in her previous role at RBC Direct Investing where she was responsible for servicing clients and executing trades over the phone. After acquiring the necessary skills, she joined the Petrov Wealth Management Group. She has since established herself as an instrumental member of the team.
Rina's role is to ensure that the team delivers the perfect client experience. She oversees client onboarding process, relationship management, executing on client requests and follow up on our service plan. Rina also serves as the liaison between our clients and our team of wealth specialists. Her focus and knack for problem-solving enable clients to feel supported at every step in their financial journey, even on a day-to-day basis.
On her own time, Rina likes to stay active and she enjoys hiking, working out, traveling and cultural dancing. She also enjoys playing and watching basketball.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Professional Accountant
- M.Tax, F.Pl. Financial Planning Specialist, RBC Family Office Services
Shawna is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), and holds a Master of Taxation (MTax) degree from the University of Waterloo as well as her Bachelor's degree in Commerce from McGill University. She is also a Financial Planner (F. Pl.), duly registered under the Institut Québécois de Planification Financière (IQPF).
Prior to joining RBC, Shawna was a taxation manager at a Montreal based accountant firm, providing sophisticated tax and wealth management planning to high net worth individuals and corporate clients.
Shawna's area of expertise includes personal, corporate and estate tax planning, wealth preservation and financial planning. As a Financial Planning Specialist at RBC Family Office Services, Shawna works jointly with your advisor to prepare and present your comprehensive Compass Financial Plan.