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HOW TO JOIN

Get job satisfaction as you grow or transition your business to Assante. We are a team-based company built to champion serious, professional financial advisors. 

Contact your regional representative

Ted Bader NATIONAL CONTACT

Ted Bader

SVP, Head of Business Development, CI Wealth
Phone: (437) 833-6610 Email: [email protected]

With over 25 years in Canada’s financial services industry, I have built a reputation as a leader in both the broker‑dealer and asset management channels. I have guided advisors in scaling their businesses by integrating model portfolios, designing innovative products, and strengthening operational and compliance frameworks. My leadership reflects a consistent focus on enabling advisors to deliver better outcomes for their clients while positioning their practices for long‑term growth.

Micheline Cousineau NATIONAL CONTACT

Micheline Cousineau

National Coordinator, Advisor Recruitment, Book Acquisition Services & Business Development
Phone: (514) 824-7281 Email: [email protected]

In my role as a coordinator, I support the Regional Recruitment & Business Development teams throughout Canada. I will be your main point of contact before and after you join our organization. I will interact with different departments by managing a variety of activities and processes relating to your transition to Assante Wealth Management. From coordinating due diligence meetings with senior management in Toronto to monitoring the onboarding process for the full year after you join our team – I help make your transition as smooth and successful as possible.

With the support of various teams at Assante head office, we developed a bilingual on-boarding plan tailored to each of our prospective advisors. I will schedule conference calls, webinars and face-to-face meetings with our trainers on your behalf. Our team of trainers will introduce you and your team to the systems and processes we use at Assante, and ensure your practice has what it needs to excel. I will help you liaise with our marketing professionals should you wish to make an announcement about your move in your local paper, through social media or plan a special event for your clients.

With more than 25 years of experience in finance, human resources, event planning and as a former business owner being exposed to a variety of administrative and marketing roles, I understand what it takes to make a transition of this nature successful. I am well positioned to welcome you and your team to our organization, making available all of the services and programs, in both English and French, that Assante has to offer its advisors and their teams to facilitate your integration.

My mission is to provide you with the necessary support and resources to ensure that Assante welcomes you as best we can.

 

Shane Smallwood CENTRAL CANADA

Shane Smallwood

Regional Vice President, Business Development and Recruitment
Phone: (416) 428-4302 Email: [email protected]

In my 28 years in financial services, I have seen the industry go through periods of incredible growth, but also evolving challenges. This is particularly true for Canadian investors, who require complete and sound financial advice now more than ever. The one thing these dips and turns have in common is the opportunities they can provide. The difference is how you capitalize on them.
 

My job is to ensure you have the tools and resources to do just that. By providing the right team, industry experts and personalized solutions, our advisors can navigate the increasing complexities investors face and position themselves and their practice as a trusted source for their clients' wealth panning needs.
 

There's no way to know what new challenges are on the horizon, but having a comprehensive plan backed by a strong reputable team is the best way to bring long-term success to your business and your clients' financial well being.

Deepak Chitra EASTERN CANADA

Deepak Chitra

Regional Vice President, Business Development
Phone: (438) 282-1460 Email: [email protected]

I have over 15 years of experience in the broker‑dealer channel as a business development leader, renowned for transforming advisor channels and driving digital innovation in wealth management. My experience spans national digital transformation and recruitment growth strategy, coaching advisors, and launching new technology tools to support practice growth across Canada.

Throughout my career, I’ve built and scaled key initiatives, including launching Canada’s first robo‑advice ETF platform. I consistently drive growth by recruiting top talent and forging strategic partnerships. During my time at Morningstar and Equisoft, I strengthened both B2B2C and direct‑to‑client engagement by optimizing digital, distribution, and go‑to‑market strategies.

Saleema Ali NATIONAL CONTACT

Saleema Ali

Strategic Coordinator, Business Development
Phone: (647) 292-8955 Email: [email protected]

I am a Strategic Coordinator, Business Development at CI Assante Wealth Management, supporting Recruitment and the Business Development team across Canada. I contribute to national advisor growth initiatives and assist with marketing and operational projects that enhance efficiency, strengthen processes, and elevate the overall advisor and team experience. My work focuses on creating streamlined solutions that help my team operate more effectively and deliver consistent, high‑quality support.
 

I bring extensive experience in advisor support, marketing execution, and project coordination within the financial services industry. I’m known for my collaborative approach, strong communication skills, and ability to translate business needs into practical, well‑organized solutions.
 

Outside of work, I’m a passionate runner and an avid traveler who loves exploring new cultures and the richness that global travel offers. I’m also a dedicated Formula One fan and have recently begun attending races around the world.