Our Team

Mike McPhillips, M.Sc., CIM, FCSI

Senior Portfolio Manager

Michael is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University and he completed graduate studies at the London School of Economics, earning a Masters of Science (Economics).

After four years as an analyst at a major Canadian multinational, Michael joined BMO Nesbitt Burns in 1983 as an Investment Advisor. Beginning in 1986, he has held a number of management positions within the Private Client Division. Mike has been managing client portfolios exclusively since 1997.

Hani Zakaria, CFA

Portfolio Manager

Hani holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Specialization in Finance and in Management, from the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto. He is also a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Charterholder.

While completing his B.Comm, Hani was selected through Rotman for an internship position with the firm and remains a dedicated team member today, eight years later in his full-time Investment Advisory position. The breadth of his CFA & university training in Investment Management and Capital Markets, coupled with the practical experience he gained at BMO Nesbitt Burns provide a valuable combination of academic insights and real world know-how.

In his time away from the office, Hani has acted on both stage and television as well as being an accomplished musician. Some of Hani’s philanthropic passions include the Bay Street Performers, benefitting Arts For Children And Youth, as well as the Friends For Life Bike Rally, benefitting the Toronto People With Aids Foundation.

Mark Thomas

Administrative Assistant

Mark Thomas is a dedicated employee at BMO Nesbitt Burns, where he has been contributing his expertise for the past five years. An alumnus of the University of Toronto, Mark has consistently demonstrated excellence in his field, earning numerous internal awards at BMO. Outside of work, he enjoys playing beach volleyball, which helps him stay active and balanced. His commitment to his work and his continuous pursuit of professional growth make him a valued member of the McPhillips Zakaria team.

Our Partners

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John Michael Durrant

Senior Estate & Insurance Advisor

John Michael is an expert in his field and a valuable member of the team. He has been working with high net worth clients with a targeted insurance focus for over 20 years. He specializes in structuring insurance as a risk management tool and as a unique asset class for our clients. He helps our clients  by maximizing  their wealth, minimizing tax, enhancing  philanthropic goals, and providing peace of mind. Collaborating with our team, other specialists within  the BMO wealth group, and our clients own trusted tax and legal advisors, John Michael structures tax intelligent insurance strategies for our clients using personal or corporate investment dollars. John Michael ensures our clients clearly understand the uniqueness of insurance as an asset class and how insurance planning complements and enhances their wealth management plans. Outside of the office he enjoys time with his family at the cottage, on the slopes and at countless hockey rinks. 

Rhonda Blanch

Rhonda Blanch

Estate and Insurance Advisor, BMO Nesbitt Burns Financial Services Inc.

Rhonda began her career in the financial services industry in 2001 and joined BMO Estate Insurance Advisory Services in 2013. A CFP® professional, Rhonda employs a comprehensive process to understand and assess your wealth management needs. Her objective is to ensure you meet your specific goals for building, preserving and passing on your wealth.

Where appropriate, insurance-based strategies are implemented to provide tax sheltered investment accumulation, mitigate financial risk, create tax-efficient income, and reduce investment and estate taxes.

Ieen Liu

Ieen Liu, PFP

Senior Private Banker

Private wealth management with a difference.

Ieen is a dedicated Senior Private Banker providing the highest level of services to successful and affluent individuals and families. With her longstanding, established financial services knowledge and experience, Ieen assists her clients in a number of key banking areas: tailoring services to meet individual client requirements, taking initiative to sustain personal contact, customized lending, business financing for professionals, U.S. banking and above all, maintaining discretion.