In its fifth annual iteration, Wealth Professional has unveiled its prestigious 5-Star Advisory Teams for 2026, recognizing 35 exceptional wealth management firms and teams that have demonstrably excelled in serving their clients. This year’s selection, driven by a rigorous national investor nomination process, highlights a critical shift in the financial advisory landscape: the paramount importance of proactive, holistic client engagement, particularly in navigating an increasingly complex economic environment. The recognition underscores the dedication of these teams to providing comprehensive, forward-thinking service that transcends traditional investment selection, offering clients robust guidance and reassurance across all market conditions.
The Evolution of Client Engagement in Wealth Management
The past year has significantly reshaped client expectations and the very definition of a differentiator in wealth management. Lindsey Tropea, a partner in EY Canada’s wealth and asset management advisory practice, observed that "client engagement has truly turned into a differentiator." She elaborated, stating, "The teams that stand out are the ones that engage proactively and consistently, not just reactively when markets move. Clients are looking for reassurance, context, and guidance through uncertainty."
This sentiment is strongly supported by EY’s Global Wealth Research, which revealed a substantial increase in investor-advisor interaction during periods of market volatility. The research indicated that 52 percent of global investors contacted their advisor to discuss market events, while an impressive 44 percent increased the frequency of their planning meetings. This data paints a clear picture: in times of uncertainty, clients actively seek the counsel and stability that trusted financial advisors can provide, moving beyond simple portfolio management to a more deeply integrated relationship.
A Rigorous Selection Process Driven by Investor Trust
The methodology behind the 5-Star Advisory Teams list is designed to reflect genuine client satisfaction and the tangible impact of advisory services. Wealth Professional initiated the process by inviting investors across Canada to nominate their advisory teams. Participants were asked to articulate the specific service offerings and client experiences that distinguished their chosen teams. This direct feedback from the end-users of wealth management services ensures that the recognized teams are those that are truly making a difference in their clients’ financial lives.
To qualify for consideration, teams were required to consist of three or more advisors. This criterion emphasizes the collaborative nature of modern wealth management, recognizing that complex client needs are often best met by a coordinated group of professionals. Following the investor nomination phase, the Wealth Professional editorial team undertook a thorough review of every submission. This meticulous evaluation process involved assessing each team’s contributions not only to their individual clients but also to the broader financial services industry, ensuring that the final selection represented the pinnacle of excellence and innovation. The culmination of this process is the identification of 35 advisory teams that have set a new benchmark for client service and advisory excellence.
Spotlight on Excellence: BGY Wealth Management and Stenner Wealth Partners+
Among the distinguished honorees, two teams exemplify the proactive and client-centric approach that defines this year’s recognition: BGY Wealth Management and Stenner Wealth Partners+.
BGY Wealth Management: A Commitment to Precision and Proactive Service
Based in Quebec and operating under the iA Private Wealth umbrella, BGY Wealth Management has forged a unique path in the industry with its distinctive staffing model. The firm’s philosophy centers on a staffing approach that deviates significantly from the conventional industry norm. Instead of prioritizing sales volume or referral targets as primary metrics of success, BGY Wealth Management implements a model where multiple professionals are assigned to each qualifying household. This often involves pairing a dedicated portfolio manager with a specialist in accounting or tax planning, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated approach to client financial well-being.
David Poliquin, a portfolio manager and partner at BGY Wealth Management, explained the strategic advantage of their model: "Every portfolio manager or advisor has fewer clients than the industry standard, so we can devote more time to each client and deliver a level of service and precision that is well above average." This reduced client-to-advisor ratio allows for deeper client relationships, more personalized strategies, and a higher degree of responsiveness.
The firm primarily serves a sophisticated clientele, including entrepreneurs, high-income earners, and medical professionals, many of whom manage complex corporate structures, holdings, and trusts. BGY Wealth Management has earned a strong reputation for its adept use of tax-efficient strategies, including flow-through shares, and crucially, its commitment to a compensation structure that is entirely divorced from sales or referral targets. This ensures that client interests remain paramount and are never compromised by potential conflicts of interest.
A notable aspect of BGY’s client base is the significant number, over 300, who themselves work in the finance industry. This dynamic shapes the team’s communication style and strategic approach. Poliquin highlighted this, stating that the firm excels at "explaining complex strategies clearly so clients can make informed decisions while keeping confidence in the discretionary process." This ability to translate intricate financial concepts into understandable terms is vital for clients who possess a high degree of financial literacy and demand transparency and informed decision-making.
Stenner Wealth Partners+ of CG Wealth Management: Mastering Downside Protection for the Ultra-Affluent
In British Columbia, Stenner Wealth Partners+ of CG Wealth Management has dedicated 25 years to meticulously refining downside protection strategies for a select roster of ultra-high-net-worth clients. Led by Senior Portfolio Manager Thane Stenner, the 13-person team serves a focused group of 53 households, each with a minimum requirement of $10 million in liquid assets or $25 million in net worth. This stringent client selection underscores the team’s commitment to providing an exceptionally high level of personalized service.
Operating under an "all-serve-all" model, no client is ever assigned to a single advisor. This ensures that clients benefit from the collective expertise of the entire team, providing continuity and a comprehensive perspective on their financial affairs. Stenner articulated the core philosophy driving this approach: "Wealthy investors want to be wealthy once, not twice. They want to stay wealthy. You protect capital in bad times, and they remember it." This emphasis on capital preservation and long-term wealth retention is a cornerstone of their strategy, particularly resonant during periods of market turbulence.
Stenner Wealth Partners+ views market disruptions not as threats to be endured, but as opportunities to be strategically leveraged. "Volatility creates opportunity," Stenner stated. "You can either wilt away or you can lean into it and try to do something about it." This proactive mindset allows the team to navigate market fluctuations with agility, seeking out opportunities that align with their clients’ long-term financial objectives.
Proactive communication is deeply embedded in their operational model. Clients can expect to be contacted between 24 and 60 times annually by the team, without initiating contact themselves. This consistent engagement ensures clients remain informed and confident, fostering a strong sense of partnership. The team’s selectivity in client acquisition is equally deliberate. Out of more than 100 introductions annually, they accept approximately eight new clients. Stenner frames this decision not as a limitation on growth, but as a deliberate choice to safeguard service quality and maintain the exceptional level of attention that their existing clientele deserves.
Broader Implications and Trends Shaping Canadian Wealth Management
The recognition of these 35 elite teams by Wealth Professional signifies more than just individual achievements; it reflects broader trends that are reshaping the Canadian wealth management industry. The emphasis on proactive engagement, holistic service delivery, and client-centricity is becoming non-negotiable. As economic uncertainties persist and client expectations evolve, advisory firms that fail to adapt risk being left behind.
The data from EY Canada and the qualitative insights from the recognized teams highlight a clear demand for advisors who can provide not just investment advice, but also emotional support, strategic guidance, and a reliable presence during turbulent times. This means embracing technology to enhance client communication and data analysis, while simultaneously nurturing the human element of trust and personalized relationships.
The methodology of the 5-Star Advisory Teams award, driven by investor nominations, provides a valuable barometer for the industry. It underscores the power of client testimonials and direct feedback in shaping reputations and driving business success. For consumers seeking wealth management services, lists like these offer a curated guide to firms that are demonstrably exceeding expectations.
Looking ahead, the insights gleaned from these top-performing teams suggest a future where wealth management is increasingly defined by:
- Deepened Relationships: Moving beyond transactional interactions to become true financial partners.
- Proactive Communication: Anticipating client needs and market shifts, rather than reacting to them.
- Holistic Planning: Integrating investment management with tax, estate, and legacy planning.
- Specialized Expertise: Developing niche capabilities to serve specific client segments effectively.
- Unwavering Client Focus: Prioritizing client outcomes and satisfaction above all else.
The 5-Star Advisory Teams 2026 list serves as both a recognition of current excellence and a roadmap for the future of wealth management in Canada. The full report, detailing all honourees, the methodology, and a deeper analysis of the trends impacting the sector, is available for review, offering valuable insights for both industry professionals and consumers alike.
