BECKER AND CHENG WEALTH GROUP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Associate
Alexandra Epp Administrative Assistant 403-299-7165 alexandra.epp@rbc.com What does wealth management mean to you? Wealth management represents an ongoing relationship with individuals and their families. I strive to create genuine connections that are foundational to our approach at Hamilton Foss Wealth Management. We want to be there to support you and your family as you continue to navigate each new stage of life. What's your personal approach? I lead with curiosity and compassion. Our industry is everchanging, and so are the needs of our clients. We want to ensure that we capture everything from the small details to the big ones; using them to help you meet your goals as they grow, develop, and change. Through collaboration with my knowledgeable team, we will continue to work hard to provide you with solutions for all of your financial needs. What are you passionate about outside of work? Movement and community are two key aspects of my life. I spend a lot of my time continually integrating myself into the group fitness community in Calgary. I've been a spin instructor for the last six years and it has been foundational to my sense of belonging, wherever I go. Career and accomplishments Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Mount Royal University Certificate in Business and Entrepreneurship from SAIT
Aliza first joined RBC as part of a co-op program where she gained valuable experience as a client advisor. She has always been interested in financial planning, which became the focus of her Bachelor of Business Administration degree while she was studying at Mount Royal University.
After graduating in 2019, Aliza joined Becker and Cheng Wealth Group. Today, she supports our team with client service and administration; she expertly handles all client requests seamlessly and efficiently. Aliza is often the first point of contact - and the cheerful voice on the other side of the phone.
During her undergraduate career, Aliza volunteered with several educational groups, including the Women and Capital Markets. She is also the 2019 provincial champion for the CFA Societies of Canada Ethics Challenge.
In her spare time, Aliza enjoys the outdoors, whether it's hiking, camping, skiing, or biking. She also loves spending quality time with friends and family.
Ayako Matsumaru Associate 403-299-7130 ayako.matsumaru@rbc.com What does wealth management mean to you? Constantly learning new things and improving processes for the benefit of our clients. Whether I'm assisting with fund transfers, contributions, account openings, or general inquiries, I ensure no stone is left unturned and that you and your family are satisfied with the results. What's your personal approach? I strive to be that friendly, familiar, and consistent voice on the phone when you call. I am committed to delivering excellent client service and personalizing it to your specific needs, and aim to present solutions and documentation as clearly, accurately, and simply as possible. What are you passionate about outside of work? I enjoy running - I've competed in many marathons at home and abroad - hiking the mountains, going to the gym, and cooking. I like to surround myself with healthy minded people who push me to be the healthiest version of myself, and I am thankful to work alongside a team that values mental and physical health. Career and accomplishments Diploma in Business Administration from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Completed the Canadian Securities Course
Braden Kabeary Associate 403-299-7054 braden.kabeary@rbc.com LinkedIn What does wealth management mean to you? A balance between forming meaningful relationships with you while also delivering expert analysis of your financial situation. I strive to identify your needs and goals and implement innovative strategies to help you achieve them, all while delivering the best possible service and advice. What's your personal approach? I take a big-picture view of your financial picture while never losing sight of the details that matter. As a natural problem solver, I enjoy looking at every piece of the puzzle and working alongside my team to make sure things fit together seamlessly. From administration and trades to ad-hoc opportunities and challenges, I approach them all with the same desire to exceed your expectations. What are you passionate about outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my partner, Angela, and pushing our abilities in the kitchen to their limits with new and complicated recipes. I also enjoy fishing - fly fishing, in particular, which continues to pose a fun challenge for me - and socializing with friends in person or by playing video games. Career and accomplishments Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from the University of Calgary Completed the Canadian Securities Course, Conduct & Practices Handbook Course, and Derivatives and Options Licensing Course
Brett earned a spot on the St. Louis Private Wealth team in 2021 as an associate, having impressed us with his disciplined mindset, sense of responsibility, and eagerness to learn - things that cannot be taught. For his part, Brett is on the same page: "It's hard not to be at your best every single day when you're working with such excellent leadership. The work ethic here is second to none."
Brett manages a variety of responsibilities to keep our operation running smoothly. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the portfolio including asset allocation, portfolio rebalancing & modeling, and execution of trades. Brett has become very interested in the world of portfolio management and has taken on more responsibility in this area as he continues to gain experience.
A graduate of Mount Royal University, Brett holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in finance, and has also completed multiple courses through the Canadian Securities Institute to become a Registered Representative in the Canadian investment industry.
Job Titles:
- Investment Advisor
- Senior Portfolio Manager
- Holds Chartered Investment Manager ( CIM ) Designation
Financial education. As co-leader of Hamilton Foss Wealth, I am determined to make your understanding, knowledge, and comfortability a priority for our team. I strive to instill peace of mind by ensuring your needs and goals are accounted for in your overall wealth and investment plan. I am proud to work alongside Mike and a team of experts that share my drive for excellence, and I enjoy collaborating with them to provide truly comprehensive advice in all facets of your wealth - from financial planning to tax planning and beyond.
Job Titles:
- Senior Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor
Daniel offers clients total financial empowerment through a rigorous and disciplined investment approach that is typically only available to large institutions and funds. Formerly the lead portfolio manager for a top-ranked Canadian dividend fund, a small-cap fund, and an energy fund, Daniel leverages 20 years of extensive experience that includes investment banking and equity research to protect and grow the wealth of our clients.
As senior portfolio manager and wealth advisor for Becker and Cheng Wealth Group, Daniel takes immense pride in helping clients fulfill their life goals. With an income-oriented and risk-managed dividend growth style, Daniel skillfully guides our clients through various life stages by providing them with unbiased wealth management counsel and personalized portfolio management.
In addition to his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business, Dan holds the most esteemed designations in the industry, including Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI). He is also life insurance licensed, allowing him to provide a comprehensive approach to estate protection and preservation strategies.
Daniel is a huge advocate for being actively involved in the community and serves on the boards of several local organizations, including the Wing Kei Care Centre and the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, where he serves on the board of directors. Daniel is also a student mentor for the University of Calgary's Calgary Portfolio Management Trust (CPMT) program is co-chair of the Up the Down Dinner in support of the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, which he has supported for more than 10 years. To further his knowledge and skills in this area, Daniel has completed the Institute of Corporate Directors - Rotman Governance Essentials Program.
A lifelong Calgarian, Daniel takes full advantage of the nearby mountains during ski season. In the warmer months, you can find him outside either on the tennis court or cycling. He also loves to spend quality time with his wife and two young daughters.
Job Titles:
- BBA, FMA
- Senior Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor
Devin continues to find excitement in his work every day, maintaining a slow and steady path toward what motivates him most of all: giving people financial freedom. "When you don't stress about money - that's a life changer," says Devin.
Coming from modest means, Devin's eye is always on the prize, and he puts in the hard work it takes to earn it. With several years' worth of experience in various roles at RBC in Kelowna and Calgary, Devin took on the challenge of becoming an investment advisor in 2009. Before long, he had distinguished himself among his peers, showcasing integrity and commitment to client experience excellence, which earned him the prestigious President of the President's Club title. Today, he leads one of the top investment and wealth management teams at RBC Dominion Securities.
While determination and discipline have propelled Devin to the top of his league, he is never, ever too busy to give of his time - be it to advise on how the firm operates (Devin sits on the Dominion Securities Advisory Board), counsel a fellow investment advisor, attend to a client need, or even help a client's friend or relative. "We want clients to come to us with whatever financial problems they have, big or small," says Devin.
Devin has achieved the recognition of Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) - the highest accolade in our industry - and also holds additional designations, including the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), and Financial Management Advisor (FMA). Devin began his academic journey at Okanagan University College, where he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree with a specialization in finance.
When Devin is not working, he and his wife, Andrea, travel the world - they've visited more than 40 countries so far, and counting. An avid wine collector, Devin continually advances his knowledge and appreciation for wine and the culinary arts, including completing levels two and three at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Associate
- CIM / Associate Advisor
For almost a decade, Edward has broadened his expertise in investment management and accounting. Today, he supports Becker and Cheng Wealth Group with modelling and trading.
Having scored in the top one percentile in his Master of Business Administration's graduating class, Edward has continued to elevate his education. He has completed the professional accounting designations (Certified Management Accountant, Chartered Professional Accountant) and is currently working toward the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Edward likes to be active in the community; he volunteered for the Calgary Drop-In Centre, Inn from the Cold, and Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids. From 2020 to 2024, he volunteered on the board of directors for the Oi Kwan Foundation, which supports seniors in the community.
Gareth has partnered with Investment Advisors for the last 20 years providing business and financial solutions that create success for their clients. Working at several of Canada's largest investment management firms has provided valuable insights into how exceptional Advisor Teams provide industry leading Wealth Management, Advice and Service. For 9 years Gareth had the privilege of supporting Advisors as a District Vice President at RBC Global Asset Management in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer. Originally from Moose Jaw, SK Gareth lives in Calgary with his wife Allison and their Labradors, Cookie and Ralphie. He is an enthusiastic fisherman, hunter and gardener and an aspiring woodworker. Gareth has a Certificate in Advanced Investment Advice, a Certificate in Derivatives Market Strategies and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.
Golman Shirali Associate 403-299-7122 golman.shirali@rbc.com LinkedIn What does wealth management mean to you? I believe that wealth management is more than just investing and picking stocks - although that's one of my passions - it's about taking care of your short- and long-term needs by helping you and your family plan for your goals. To that end, I look forward to learning about your unique objectives and ensuring your needs are met in the most efficient and effective way possible. What's your personal approach? Taking the time to learn about your specific circumstances, leveraging my expertise and that of our knowledgeable team, and bringing it all together for your benefit. At the end of the day, my aim is to support you with your investment, trading, and financial planning needs in order to help you reach your goals and have you leave each conversation with a genuine smile. What are you passionate about outside of work? I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my cats. I am interested in art - in particular hyperrealist drawings in charcoal and pencil - as well as working out and watching movies. I also try to give back when I can through different volunteering activities. Career and accomplishments Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Azad University of Tehran Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Alberta
Job Titles:
- Branch Operations Manager
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Investment Advisor
With a passion for markets, investing, and personal finance, Graham draws on over 15 years of experience in global capital markets. He previously worked in investment banking and equity research at one of the largest independent research providers as well as one of Canada's largest financial institutions. In addition, Graham spent over a decade working in investor relations and corporate planning for one of Canada's largest integrated energy companies.
Today, Graham is focused on investment strategy and portfolio management at Becker and Cheng Wealth Group. Born and raised in Calgary, Graham completed his Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from the University of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business. There, he participated in The Calgary Portfolio Management Trust (CPMT) Program, a specialized program for select students to manage a real money portfolio of North American Equities. Graham is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.
In his spare time, Graham enjoys golf, baseball, traveling, and spending time with his wife and two young sons.
Job Titles:
- CIM
- Senior Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor
Gwen has been empowering clients to reach their goals on their respective financial journeys for over 40 years. Leveraging decades of experience in private banking, mortgages, small business and agricultural lending, investment counselling, and wealth planning, Gwen set out to build a boutique practice, with a "family office" style approach, backed by the strength and breadth of Canada's largest financial institution.
Now, as a senior portfolio manager and wealth advisor for Becker and Cheng Wealth Group, Gwen specializes in providing personalized wealth management and investment solutions for affluent individuals and families. Recognized for her exceptional collaborative approach and capital markets expertise, she helps our clients achieve complete financial peace of mind.
A firm believer in empowerment through education, Gwen has obtained the highest industry designations, including the Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), and Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) designations. She is also life insurance licensed.
True to her personal motto to "never stop giving," Gwen continually gives back to the community through numerous Calgary-based philanthropic associations. A resident expert in educating women about finance, she founded and has served as chair for Women Investing In Knowledge (WINK), and she takes great pride in offering expert financial guidance to women experiencing major life events. For over 20 years, she has been part of the Calgary Flames Ambassadors and has served on the board for 17 years.
Born and raised on a remote farm in Bear Canyon, part of the Peace River block, Gwen enjoys being outdoors; her favourite activities include golfing, long-distance running, and surfing. She is married with three adult sons and nine grandchildren.
Jameson Blasken Associate 403-476-8806 Jameson.blasken@rbc.com What does wealth management mean to you? Creating a holistic approach to managing financial resources in accordance with each client's personal values and goals. I am committed to helping you secure your financial future, and supporting the legacy plans you hope to leave. What's your personal approach? Taking the time to learn about your specific circumstances, leveraging my expertise and that of our knowledgeable team, and bringing it all together for your benefit. At the end of the day, my aim is to support you with your investment, trading, and financial planning needs in order to help you reach your goals and have you leave each conversation with a genuine smile. What are you passionate about outside of work? As a licensed pilot, I enjoy exploring the ever-changing landscapes of western Canada and the northwest United States. I place great importance on my physical health, constantly pushing my limits and challenging what I believe I can achieve each day. A firm believer in lifelong learning, I'm always exploring new topics that pique my interest, and am passionate about pursuing professional development. Career and accomplishments Bachelor of Management in Finance from the University of Lethbridge Completed the Canadian Securities Course and Wealth Management Essentials course
John oversees the operation of RBC DS Calgary Dome Tower - Suites 1300, 1400 and is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the firm at the branch level.
John began his career with RBC Dominion Securities in Edmonton in 2005. After working as an Investment Advisor and Assistant Branch Manager, he moved to Calgary in 2012 to manage the Calgary Northwest branch. In 2016, John joined the Calgary Dome Tower management team before progressing to Co-Branch Manager in 2020, Branch Manager in 2021 and Branch Director in 2022.
Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, John moved to Alberta and attended Concordia University College where he commenced his studies and played varsity basketball before transferring to the University of Alberta where he completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree. John has earned his Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI).
While attending Trinity Western University's Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, Jordan developed a passion for financial planning. After graduating in 2021, he joined RBC on the retail side where he diligently assisted clients with their day-to-day banking needs.
In 2022, Jordan joined Becker and Cheng Wealth Group, bringing with him his enthusiasm for finance and his desire to learn.
His experience in retail banking has given him an appreciation for excellent client service - a high standard that he strives to exceed with each interaction.
For Jordan, the most rewarding part of his role is being able to figure out what people wouldn't know to ask and then helping them find the right solutions. He believes the best client experience comes from building personalized relationships.
When he's not working, Jordan enjoys playing chess, playing badminton, and watching movies.
Kristen Telle Associate Advisor 403-299-7188 kristen.telle@rbc.com What does wealth management mean to you? Helping clients make the most of the money they've worked so hard for - whatever that means to them. From meeting regularly with you about your financial plan to in-depth analysis of your portfolio design, I ensure your comfort and best interests are always top of mind. Our aim as a team is to make your lives better by delivering meaningful results at every stage in your financial journey, and I look forward to assisting you in any way that I can. What's your personal approach? I take pride in knowing you, your family, and your financial situation in order to deliver sound, trustworthy, and thoughtful investment management advice. I enjoy working in a fast-paced environment alongside a genuinely caring team, and I truly appreciate the wonderful client relationships that make my work worthwhile. What are you passionate about outside of work? Most of my time is spent alongside my husband, Devon, as we chase after our young daughter, Alice. We enjoy camping, hiking, and following our favourite hockey and baseball teams, often travelling to different cities to check out the stadiums and watch a game. Needless to say, our hearts are broken by our beloved Calgary Flames and Toronto Blue Jays year after year. Inspired by our cat, Milo, and our love of animals, most of our charitable efforts are focused on supporting the Calgary Humane Society and other animal-related charities. Career and accomplishments Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the University of Calgary Completed the Canadian Securities Course and the Wealth Management Essentials course
Job Titles:
- Associate Wealth & Investment Advisor
- CIM / Associate Wealth & Investment Advisor
Decades of experience in the financial services industry have given Lana well-rounded knowledge of all aspects of wealth management. Having worked exclusively with private, highly affluent clients since 1991, Lana holds a sophisticated understanding of the most complex wealth needs.
Today, as an associate wealth advisor for Becker and Cheng Wealth Group, Lana leverages her extensive financial experience to empower clients with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind. Acting as a liaison between clients, professional services, and the specialists within RBC, she expertly facilitates the many moving parts of a comprehensive wealth plan.
As a licensed associate, Lana brings a high-level, big-picture approach to address clients' evolving needs. With a strong focus on wealth management, she provides valuable oversight and support, conducting portfolio reviews, file updates, and financial planning.
Known for her thorough attention to detail and growth mindset, Lana is held in high regard by clients for her well-informed financial perspective, backed by some of the top designations of the industry, including the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. Lana loves nothing more than to help clients achieve success, whether it's by developing a strong financial plan for them or by connecting them with relevant experts.
When she's not in the office, Lana enjoys outdoor pursuits - golfing, gardening, travelling - and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- National Branch Technology Specialist Lead
Equipped with a business degree from Camosun College in Victoria, Maryann brought her keen interest in business to RBC Dominion Securities in 2014. With almost a decade of experience in financial services, she is known for her client-centred approach and acute attention to detail.
Since joining Becker and Cheng Wealth Group in 2022, Maryann has become an integral part of our operations. Supporting the team to help manage our complex structures as well as interface with client on a daily basis Maryann ensures that all client requests are handled in a timely manner. As someone who enjoys helping people, Maryann takes great pride in collaborating with our team to find the right solutions for our clients.
Maryann and her husband keep busy raising their two children. When she can, she likes spending time with her family outdoors; her two favourite outdoor activities are hiking and biking.
Job Titles:
- Investment Advisor
- Senior Portfolio Manager
- CIM / Senior Portfolio Manager & Investment Advisor
Job Titles:
- Senior Investment Advisor
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Shannon
Absolutely nothing slips by Shannon, who keeps all of our client matters - from booking meetings to processing documentation - perfectly sorted and organized. In her 25-plus years in the business, Shannon has yet to come across a client query she can't find the answer to swiftly and communicate it succinctly. She relies on hands-on experience as well as technical knowledge gained by completing the Canadian Securities Course (CSC), the Conduct and Practices Handbook (CPH) Course, the Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC), the Professional Financial Planning Course (PFPC), and the Branch Compliance Officer (BCO) Course.
Just as important, says Devin, "she keeps us in line," explaining that Shannon's scrupulous scheduling helps him and the rest of the team operate at peak efficiency. "Shannon is the engine - she always gets us and our clients where we need to be."
In her off hours, Shannon enjoys engaging in just about any outdoor activity, especially in the mountains, with her husband. They lead an active lifestyle that involves indoor and outdoor soccer, golf, downhill skiing, and snowboarding.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Investment Advisor
There is no language barrier in numbers, which is why Tom flocked to them as a French immersion student, growing up in Manitoba. His keen interest led Tom to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from the University of New Brunswick (UNB), with specializations in finance and economics. Having gained experience in wealth management at RBC Dominion Securities and another major financial institution in the Greater Toronto Area, Tom soon took his talents to Calgary to take up a new opportunity (and get away from Toronto traffic). Tom was in the right city but on the wrong team, but before long, in 2015, he found his professional fit with St. Louis Private Wealth.
As associate investment advisor, Tom expertly identifies market opportunities and risks to model and maintain tax-efficient portfolios that align with clients' long-term financial goals. Not surprisingly, one of Tom's favourite parts is seeing the numbers coming together. "There are a lot of moving parts in investing, so you're constantly adapting," he says, adding that being "on it" for clients is rewarding. But for Tom, the ultimate sense of pride comes from the bigger picture - protecting clients' wealth long term. In his words, "I'm proud to be part of a team that delivers."
Committed to ongoing professional development, Tom holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation, he has also completed Level 1 and Level 2 of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program.
Outside of work, Tom volunteers as the treasurer for the Calgary Chapter of UNB's Alumni Association. He also plays softball, and makes the most of mountain culture by skiing (particularly ski touring), hiking, and exploring Alberta's parks with his wife and dogs.
Job Titles:
- Branch Operations Manager