Client Experience

James Wong

James Wong, CPA, CBV, M.Comm.

Vice President, Business Owner Planning

James brings over 20 years of experience working directly with business families in developing their business and wealth transition. He shares his knowledge and experience in this area in a co-authored book, “The Transition Experience – What every Canadian family business owner should know beyond succession planning”.

Central to his approach is exploring with family and family members, the impact and responsibility that comes with “trans-generational” wealth, and ultimately developing goals and governance associated with the stewardship of wealth. 

James started his career practicing tax, business valuation and corporate insolvency in a national accounting firm. He joined BMO in 2000 to develop and lead a then new initiative, business succession planning. His experience in business transition planning underpins his wider work with families in developing their wealth legacy. He meets with multiple generations of each family as part of his work to develop lasting stewardship of wealth. Educating younger generations on financial fluency is part of his legacy planning work. 

Andy Guidi

Andy Guidi, CPA, CA

Director, Tax Planning

Andy is a dedicated professional helping people preserve and grow their wealth. With an expertise in Canadian income tax, Andy assists clients on business structures, succession and estate planning, owner- manager remuneration, corporate reorganizations, the appropriate use of trusts and holding companies, asset divestitures, business split-ups and a variety of other tax planning strategies.

Drawing on public practice experience, he offers a depth of practical insight, as well as the unique ability to translate complex tax concepts into efficient strategies clients can easily comprehend.

Andy joined BMO Wealth Management in 2014, after filling progressively senior management roles in the domestic tax practice of Grant Thornton LLP, where he developed and implemented tax planning strategies for business owners and high net worth individuals.

Elizabeth Creates

Elizabeth Creates, LL.B

Director, Estate Planning

Elizabeth provides estate planning guidance to high and ultra high net worth individuals, families and business owners in the context of their personal wealth and business succession planning.  Her background as an estates lawyer and over 20 years of experience in the wealth management industry allow Elizabeth to facilitate wealth transfer decision-making for clients and assist them with action planning regarding their legacy goals (financial and non-financial).  Her modern approach focuses on the well-being and personal empowerment of clients by bringing them peace of mind and encouraging the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

She works collaboratively with internal and external advisors in order to ensure that all aspects of a client’s wealth plan support their estate planning, succession and legacy goals. She has LL.B. and B.Comm. degrees from McGill University and is a member of both the Law Society of Ontario and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

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Karen Sparks, MBA, CFP®, TEP

Director, Philanthropic Advisory Services

Karen advises high net worth families and business owners on comprehensive wealth planning solutions, as part of an integrated team of Wealth Consultants and in-house technical specialists. Drawing on extensive financial product expertise and planning acumen, Karen helps clients articulate and understand their unique objectives for accumulated wealth. A skilled listener, she acts as a value-add resource for Investment Advisors and their clients, ultimately providing a blueprint from which to execute a customized – and optimized – wealth plan.

Karen joined BMO Wealth Management in 2011, following progressively senior roles in the financial services industry, specializing in wealth planning, marketing and communications, and business development. In her previous role, she worked as a Vice President for a private investment counsel firm where she provided high net worth clients with comprehensive wealth planning and investment counselling services.

Tim Simpson

Timothy Simpson

Estate & Insurance Advisor

Tim joined BMO Nesbitt Burns in 2007 after twelve years in various Risk Management positions in the financial services industry. Consistently delivering a polished and professional approach to life insurance, Tim is available to our clients to give personal guidance with estate planning and risk management needs. 

Whether for a business organization or for you personally, he specializes in creating custom-designed solutions to meet your specific needs and integrate them with your wealth management plan. Clients and their respective tax and legal advisors have come to trust and rely upon Tim's valuable knowledge and sound advice. An active Sports enthusiast and philanthropist, Tim is a firm believer in giving back to the community.