About Me

James Zhang stands at the intersection of sophisticated financial acumen and family-centred counsel. With a proven track record in tailoring investments for some of Canada's most successful families, James brings institutional-calibre expertise to the complexities of multigenerational wealth management.

His incisive, institutional-level financial acumen paired with genuine curiosity about his clients' businesses and personal aspirations served him well when managing proprietary investments for the family office behind Brookfield Asset Management, where he crafted bespoke investment solutions that balanced growth with preservation and addressed macroeconomic and tax planning considerations.

As former Interim Regional Director of Investments for BMO Private Investment Counsel in the GTA, James oversaw the strategic development of our $50+ billion investment platform. This institutional perspective informs his approach to private client work, particularly in alternative investments—private equity, credit, and hedge funds that can help to protect and enhance portfolios significantly.

James centres on his three core priorities: maximizing intergenerational wealth transfer, empowering philanthropic initiatives to support my clients’ causes, and constructing meaningful legacies that authentically reflect family values. He anticipates needs, listens between the lines, and transforms complex financial challenges into clear, bespoke strategies.

Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, James holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designations, a CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing, and an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University, where he completed his undergrad degree with Distinction.

When not crafting sophisticated wealth solutions, James enjoys travelling with his family and supporting his daughter's figure skating and swimming pursuits and his son's tennis and hockey endeavours. He serves on the parents’ committee at his children’s school and regularly contributes to BMO charitable events. A technology enthusiast fascinated by innovation, he stays active through tennis and badminton and is currently exploring curling and pickleball.

With nearly 25 years in financial services and fluency in both English and Mandarin, Alex Li has brought a highly principled approach to wealth management since 2008. His extensive experience encompasses portfolio management, commercial and private banking, trusts, and comprehensive financial planning. Alex guides successful retirees, incorporated professionals, business owners, executives, and their families with a steady hand and careful attention to detail. Clients who have entrusted their financial well-being to Alex speak of his thoughtfulness, accessibility, and meticulous service. These relationships, often spanning many years, reflect his unwavering commitment to ethical practice and client-centred service.

While Alex holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation and earned his MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University, he measures true success through the lasting and loyal relationships he has built. His prudent philosophy centres on patient wealth preservation rather than pursuing unnecessary risk for marginal gains. Capital preservation forms the foundation of their legacy planning.

Alex naturally connects with clients who value disciplined, comprehensive wealth management. He views an investment portfolio as an integral component within a broader wealth strategy that incorporates thoughtful cash flow management, retirement preparation, estate planning, and education funding. Additionally, he guides families who wish to align their investments with specific social, environmental, and governance principles.

Prior to joining BMO Private Investment Counsel, Alex served at another major financial institution but was drawn to BMO’s superior service for Mandarin-speaking investors and more structured private banking. His background includes analytical work at one of Canada's largest corporate trust companies, where he bridged traditional business practices with emerging technologies and honed processes. Currently, Alex leads an innovative initiative at BMO Private Investment Counsel that introduces a collaborative team platform in an industry traditionally dominated by individual practitioners.

Alex makes his home in Thornhill, Ontario with his wife and daughter, who pursues various athletic activities including golf, tennis, and swimming. The family cherishes their opportunities to explore different cultures through travel. To maintain balance, Alex enjoys golf, running, listening to music, and reading thoughtful biographies that offer insights into remarkable lives and journeys.