About us

The people behind
your advice.

Three Portfolio Managers working together on your investments, financial plan and the decisions ahead.

Meet our team.

You work directly with the people managing your portfolio.

Debbie Bongard

Debbie Bongard

CIM · FCSI

VP, Senior Wealth Advisor And Senior Portfolio Manager

Debbie founded the practice and leads its investment management. Her mastery training through the Financial Transitionist Institute supports her work with people facing major life changes.

More about Debbie

Debbie has over 35 years of experience. She began her career on the institutional bond desk at Wood Gundy before joining her family at Nesbitt Thomson Bongard. She later founded her own practice with guidance from her father and grandfather.

She has completed specialized mastery training through the Financial Transitionist Institute in the United States. Her work includes helping individuals and families make financial decisions during major life changes.

At Bongard Wealth Advisory, Debbie leads the practice’s investment management and works with clients on their financial plans.

Outside of work, Debbie has three sons and two Labradors. She enjoys summers at her cottage in Pointe au Baril. She serves on the board of the West Parry Sound Hospital Foundation and chairs its Northern Angel Council.

Christopher Bowlby

Christopher Bowlby

CFA · CFP

Portfolio Manager

Christopher works on portfolio construction and financial planning. He also builds Exit Studio for business owners planning for life after ownership.

More about Christopher

Christopher joined Bongard Wealth Advisory in 2011. He works on portfolio construction and financial planning, and explains investment decisions to clients.

He holds the CFA and CFP designations and writes the team’s blog and client newsletters on investing and financial planning.

Christopher is the fifth generation of the Bongard family in finance. He works alongside Debbie and Mark on the team’s portfolios and client plans.

Outside of work, Christopher enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. His interests include travel, cooking, tennis, running and skiing.

Mark Parent

Mark Parent

CIM · CEPA

Portfolio Manager

Mark works on investment implementation and risk management. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, he helps business owners consider how a business transition will affect their finances and plans for life after ownership.

More about Mark

Mark has 28 years of industry experience, including 25 with BMO Nesbitt Burns. His mother’s career at National Bank introduced him to banking and the responsibility of looking after clients’ wealth.

At Bongard Wealth Advisory, Mark works closely with Debbie and Christopher to manage portfolios and implement investment strategies. He holds the CIM and CEPA designations.

Outside of work, Mark lives in Markham with his wife, Concetta, and their two daughters, Victoria and Olivia. He enjoys baseball and playing in softball leagues.

Our family history

Five generations
in finance.

The Bongard family’s history in Canadian finance began in 1912. Debbie and Christopher are its fourth and fifth generations.

Debbie built her practice with guidance from her father and grandfather. Christopher joined her in 2011.

Explore our family history
Bongard, Leslie & Co. name painted on an office window.Archival portrait of Robert Ross Bongard.Archival portrait of Gordon R. Bongard.

Get to know the practice.

How we work with you

How the relationship works, what’s included and how we explain fees.

Our approach

The advice we provide

Explore investment management, financial planning and coordination with your other advisers.

Our services

Talk it through
with our team.

Tell us about the decision you’re facing, or ask about working with us.