Support Team

BMO Capital Markets Research Team
Our portfolio management efforts are supported by BMO Capital Markets’ (institutional arm of BMO Nesbitt Burns) top rated research department. In its most recent survey, Brendan Wood International1, an independent consulting firm, has ranked BMO Capital Markets Research the number one research team in Canada, continuing BMO’ Nesbitt Burns long tradition of excellence in research. BMO Capital Markets has been ranked first in research in every BWI survey since 1980, which represents 29 consecutive years of commitment to being the leader in Canadian equity research.

BMO Capital Markets’ Research Department is the largest in Canada and has an excellent track record for identifying winning companies. Known for its independence and innovation, the department aims to be the leading provider of Canadian investment research.

Portfolio Advisory Team
Our investment team also benefits from the screening and pre-selection process of the Portfolio, Action & Research Team equity specialists. Not only do they constantly provide investment ideas but they are also a useful source to give us a second opinion and access to timely information on the various companies covered by the research departments.

Equity specialists:

Brent Joyce, CFA
Chief Investment Strategist and Managing Director, BMO Private Wealth
Brent Joyce joined BMO Private Wealth as Chief Investment Strategist and Managing Director in April 2022, accountable for multi-asset investment solutions, strategic and tactical asset allocation frameworks, and media profile. He collaborates closely with BMO Private Wealth’s Investment Manager Research and Product Team, Investment Management Platform Team, internal strategists, economic groups, regional partners, research analysts, and external stakeholders.
During his 25+ years in the financial services industry, Brent has developed a particular passion for the capital markets and a talent for helping advisors and clients understand the intersection between investment solutions, portfolio positioning, capital markets and economic conditions. Most recently, Brent was Investment Strategist for Mackenzie Investments and served on their Global Investment Committee. Prior to that, he was Chief Investment Strategist for GLC Asset Management Group the asset management arm of Canada Life, where he Co-Chaired the Global Multi-Asset Strategy Team.
Brent holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation from the CFA Institute, the Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designation from the Institute of Canadian Bankers and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Quantitative Methods from the University of Toronto. As a sought-after industry expert known for his straightforward market insights, practical investment strategies and ability to communicate complex subject matter in a clear and understandable way, Brent frequently contributes to national TV, radio and print media outlets and appears as a keynote speaker.

George Trapkov, CFA - Equity Specialist

Luigi Di Pede, Equity Specialist 

BMO Nesbitt Financial Services
The estate planning process is supported by our internal specialists.

Tax and estate specialist:

Olivier Paquin, LL.B, D. Tax.
Director of Tax planning, BMO Private Wealth
Olivier was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 2012. After completing a graduate degree in taxation, he worked at a renowned Montreal law firm where he advised a clientele of businesspeople and professionals on a multitude of tax issues for individuals, trusts and corporations. He has also been involved in a number of tax planning, corporate restructuring and business transfer mandates.
Olivier is a member of the BMO Private Wealth specialized planning services team and works in the areas of tax and estate planning. He advises high net worth clients and their families on achieving their goals by explaining complex tax concepts and helping them manage risks and identify opportunities.

Raphaelle Nadeau, M. Fisc., F. Pl.
Senior Wealth Planning Consultant, HNW Wealth Planning Services at BMO Wealth Management
Raphaelle offers BMO's high net worth clients personalized wealth planning advice. By identifying the client's needs and goals, and analyzing their personal and financial situation, she develops an appropriate plan that highlights the implications of financial planning, tax and estate planning and business succession. Raphaelle takes advantage of her skills acquired in a financial institution and an accounting firm to design quality wealth plans that raise awareness of potential risks and opportunities for clients. Raphaelle joined the BMO Wealth Management Team in August 2018. She began her career in 2010 as a personal financial advisor with another financial institution. This experience has allowed her to gain in-depth knowledge of financial products offered by financial institutions and to develop her financial advisory skills with a diverse clientele. After completing her master's degree in Taxation in 2013, Raphaelle joined the tax team of Deloitte Montreal, an international renowned firm that offers professional services.

Jean Richard, LL.L, LL.M, Mint Tax, TEP
Sr Manager Cross Border & International Tax Consultant
Jean Richard has developed a valuable expertise in taxation, estate, tax, and financial planning. Thanks to the experience gained in private cabinet and with the public service commission in commercial, civil law, and tax law matters, Jean brings an additional insight to wealth management analysis. Member of BMO Nesbitt Burns since 2001, he has completed a master degree in International Taxation to better serve our clients.

Fadia Abou-Nassif, Lawyer, TEP, LL.B.
Director, Estate Planning, BMO Private Wealth
Fadia advises high net worth individuals and families on specialized estate and trust solutions as part of an integrated wealth planning team. With a background in civil law, particularly in the areas of protecting incapacitated persons of full age; estates; trusts; and, contracts, Fadia helps that the legal documents that clients put in place reflect their unique circumstances, needs, and objectives while maximizing their estate value and asset protection. Fadia is a lawyer since 2006. In her professional career path, she has practiced at a corporate law firm, and then joined financial institutions as a Consultant in providing legal services, a Senior Trust and Estate Consultant, and now as Director, Estate Planning supporting the Quebec region. Having the interests of her clients and business partners at heart, she prioritizes their objectives and needs while ensuring her clients' peace of mind. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), is member of Quebec’s Bar and is also an Accredited Mediator in civil, commercial and labour law and Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP).

Jean-François Hébert

Senior Vice President, Financial Security Advisor

Jean-François provides Canadian investors with insurance solutions to enhance their wealth. He has been with BMO Financial Group since 2014 and has worked with national accounts for over 15 years, helping high-net-worth families increase their wealth, realize substantial tax savings, and develop their business succession plans.

Jean-François has completed rigorous training and acquired over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Zeina Khalife Director

Wealth Planning and Tax 

As a Tax lawyer and financial planner, Zeina advises high net worth families, professionals and entrepreneurs on specialized wealth planning solutions. Whether it’s thought leadership on estate planning, new family wealth, tax planning, or philanthropy, Zeina is dedicated to simplifying complex issues and providing practical and informed strategies. Zeina joined BMO in 2011 after several years as a tax lawyer in private practice. She was called to the Quebec Bar in 2001.

BMO Capital Markets is a trade-mark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence.