Meet Our Team

Joseph Fanaki

Senior Portfolio Manager

Joseph Fanaki is an accomplished Senior Portfolio Manager at BMO Nesbitt Burns, bringing over 25 years of expertise in the investment and financial services industry. Prior to joining BMO Nesbitt Burns, Joseph held a successful career as Manager, Group Sales Employee Benefits at one of Canada's leading insurance companies. He maintains full insurance licensing to this day.

 

Joseph has extensive experience in portfolio management and financial planning. He understands that each client has unique needs and objectives and works closely with them to develop tailored investment strategies to help them achieve their financial goals.

 

Joseph's approach to portfolio management is characterized by a risk-controlled approach to asset management. He seeks to target consistent, reliable, and above-average performance for his clients, while minimizing risk through diversification and asset allocation. Joseph's expertise in financial planning and investment management has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor among his clients.

 

Joseph’s expertise in the financial industry is extensive, and he is well-versed in various asset classes, including equities, fixed income, and alternative investments. He leverages his knowledge to create customized portfolios for his clients that align with their specific needs and objectives. His investment strategies are grounded in thorough research and analysis, and he is always looking for new opportunities to maximize returns while minimizing risk

 

Joseph holds a Financial Planning Designation, placing him among the industry's most accredited Portfolio Managers and Investment Advisors. This designation, along with his Economics Degree from the University of Western Ontario, has provided him with a solid foundation in financial theory and practice, which he uses to benefit his clients.

 

Throughout his career, Joseph's loyalty and integrity have been critical factors in his personal and professional successes. He is committed to building long-term relationships with his clients based on trust, respect, and open communication. His dedication to personalized service and his expertise in portfolio management and financial planning, has earned him a strong following among his clients and peers in the industry.

Wendi Ferguson

Senior Investment Associate

Wendi Ferguson is a seasoned professional in the financial services industry with over three decades of experience. She currently serves as a Senior Investment Associate at BMO Nesbitt Burns, where she plays a critical role in managing client portfolios and providing expert advice on investment strategies.

 

Wendi holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph, where she majored in Management Economics. Her educational background has equipped her with a deep understanding of economic principles and the financial markets, enabling her to make sound investment decisions on behalf of clients.

 

One of Wendi's core strengths is her unwavering commitment to client service. She is known for conducting continuous reviews of client portfolios, carefully analyzing market trends and performance metrics to ensure that clients' investments remain on track to meet their financial goals. She goes above and beyond to develop strong relationships with clients, taking the time to understand their unique financial circumstances, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives. This personalized approach has helped her build a loyal client base, many of whom have been with her for decades.

 

Outside of her professional life, Wendi Ferguson has a deep passion for fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle. She believes that physical activity is essential for overall well-being and is an essential part of a balanced life.

Taylor Zak

Investment Associate

Taylor is an accomplished Investment Associate at BMO Nesbitt Burns with over 10 years of experience in finance and financial services.

 

Taylor received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph, where he majored in Management, Economics, and Finance. During this time, Taylor developed a keen interest in investment management and financial analysis, which led him to pursue a career in finance.

 

After completing his degree, Taylor gained extensive experience working with one of Canada's largest asset management firms. He was responsible for working with both traditional and alternative investment solutions, which gave him a broad range of experience and knowledge.

 

As an Investment Associate, Taylor is known for his attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with clients. He is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that clients' needs are met and their investments are managed to the highest standard.

 

In his role as an Investment Associate, Taylor is committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for all clients. He understands that each client has unique needs and goals, and he works tirelessly to develop investment strategies that are tailored to their specific requirements.

 

Outside of work, Taylor is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing rugby and alpine skiing. He is also actively involved in his local community, volunteering his time to support various charitable organizations such as Movember and Sick Kids.

Kelly McIlwain

Senior Client Service Associate

Kelly is a highly accomplished licensed Senior Client Service Associate at BMO Nesbitt Burns, bringing a wealth of experience to the role. Kelly began her career at one of Canada's leading investment dealers in the Syndication department, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become a Senior Sales Assistant to one of the firm's top producers specializing in derivatives and options.

 

After completing the necessary exams, Kelly further honed her skills in commodity risk management for some of the world's largest corporations at one of Canada's Schedule A banks. With her exceptional analytical and trading skills, Kelly joined BMO Nesbitt Burns in 2002 as a Senior Client Service Associate, where she continues to excel in providing top-notch service to clients.

 

Kelly's unwavering commitment to quality and client satisfaction is evident in her approach to client service. She takes the time to listen to clients' needs and concerns, and works tirelessly to ensure that their expectations are met and exceeded. Her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail enable her to provide clients with prompt, efficient service, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and professionalism.

 

Kelly's ability to build strong relationships with clients is a testament to her communication skills and her ability to connect with people on a personal level. She understands that each client is unique and has specific needs and objectives. Her expert knowledge of the financial services industry, combined with her dedication to client service, has earned her a loyal following among clients.