Kate Watt
Edmonton,AB
Summary
Dynamic leader in wealth management with a proven track record in team management and business development. Skilled in driving process improvements and implementing strategic initiatives that enhance client satisfaction while supporting organizational growth. Passionate about mentoring talent, building high-performing teams, and fostering an inclusive work environment that drives performance and accountability.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr Advisor Business Initiative and Network Support
National Bank Financial
Edmonton, Alberta
02.2024 - Current
- DAAI Implementation: Successfully implemented the Documentation and Account Administration Initiative (DAAI) network-wide, achieving over an 80% reduction in missing documents and a 25% decrease in off-book accounts. Identified IRIS interventions and OSS transmission discrepancies to enhance operational efficiency.
- Process Redesign: Led the redesign of the annual re-documentation process and reviewed unclaimed property processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while streamlining operations for improved workflow.
- Governance Communication: Responsible for governance communication from the team to the network regarding initiatives, projects, and incidents. Enhanced procedures and templates, defining a target network experience with actionable plans to improve engagement and efficiency.
- Communication Strategy: Evaluated and enhanced communication mediums for project delivery to the network and internal teams, establishing clear guidelines for effective messaging and ensuring timely information dissemination.
- CIRO Audit Coordination: Acted as the primary contact for CIRO Audit-related tasks within the Business Initiatives Team, ensuring thorough follow-up and resolution of audit items to maintain compliance and operational integrity.
- CWB Advisor Integration: Served as co-lead on the CWB Advisor integration strategy, managing all aspects of onboarding procedures and providing insights to facilitate a smooth transition for new advisors into the network.
- Data Analysis & Automation: Conducted detailed data analysis on current IRIS and OSS transmission data, identifying issues and generating business rules. Implemented automation solutions to enhance efficiency for Wealth Advisors and Operations teams.
- Client Engagement Improvement: Improved client engagement regarding outstanding requirements by executing a comprehensive communication strategy based on inventory analysis conducted for Client Services, focusing on outstanding IA codes.
- Team Rebranding: Spearheaded the rebranding of the Business Initiatives and Network Support Team, enhancing visibility and recognition of team contributions within the organization.
- Mentorship & Development: Mentored and empowered a team of 6 interns within a short span of 2 months, enabling them to effectively address client inquiries regarding off-book accounts and missing documentation, fostering their professional growth.
Regional Administrative Manager
National Bank Financial
Edmonton, Alberta
11.2020 - 05.2023
- Leadership & Management: Collaborated to manage a team of 189 employees across the Alberta and Okanagan Regions, including 72 Wealth Advisors, 6 Branch Administrators, and 111 Associates, overseeing $11.3 billion in assets under management (AUM) across 11 branches.
- Compliance & Risk Management: Navigated complex regional compliance and risk management requirements, including anti-money laundering initiatives, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards while implementing technology and operational rollouts.
- Event Organization & Presentation: Collaborated with partners to organize and present at the NBFWM Women's Symposium and the Regional Conference, enhancing professional development opportunities for Wealth Advisors.
- Mentorship Program: Founded and led the "Power of the Pack," a female mentorship program aimed at supporting and empowering NBFWM’s female Associate Wealth Advisors, fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
- Financial Oversight: Monitored profit and loss (P&L) statements and optimized cost-saving measures across the region, ensuring financial health and accountability.
- Support for Wealth Advisors: Provided ongoing support to Wealth Advisors with business planning, team dynamics, and operational strategies to enhance performance and client satisfaction.
- National Deployment & Strategy: Represented the NBFWM network on the National Deployment Squad, overseeing the development of a national roadmap for the network and assisting in the rollout strategies for various initiatives.
- Guidance & Escalation Management: Managed regional escalations for Alberta, Prairies, and Atlantic regions, providing guidance and support to Wealth Advisors and their teams in collaboration with head office partners.
- Conference Management: Organized, managed, and hosted a two-day Regional Best Practices Conference covering essential topics such as succession planning and team management, enhancing knowledge-sharing across teams.
- KPI Communication: Developed and led regional calls to communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) and updates on operational and compliance changes, facilitating effective change management across the network.
- Recruitment & Onboarding: Successfully collaborated with Regional Managers to recruit Wealth Advisors and oversaw the onboarding and departure processes within the region, including the implementation of a firm-wide onboarding procedure.
- Branch Development: Onboarded a new branch in September 2020 and facilitated the opening of two additional branches in Medicine Hat and Calgary, including engaging in real estate planning and renovations.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborated with partners from various lines of business, such as Private Banking, Insurance, Commercial, Operations, and Private Placements, to create synergies that offered tailored solutions to clients.
- Performance Reviews: Completed annual employee reviews for 111 Associates by developing a comprehensive regional process, ensuring each team member received constructive feedback and support for professional growth.
- HR Collaboration: Worked directly with HR and legal partners on hiring, disciplinary measures, and dismissals, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulations.
- Knowledge Transfer Initiatives: Established a Regional SA HUB using Teams to facilitate knowledge transfer and create a collaborative environment; organized an Associates Symposium to share best practices among Associates.
Branch Administrator
National Bank Fiancial
Edmonton, Alberta
09.2019 - 11.2020
- Branch Operations: Managed day-to-day tasks of the branch, including meetings, Investment Advisor (IA) support, and office organization to ensure smooth operations.
- Client Documentation: Processed and followed up on client documentation, ensuring proper maintenance of accounts and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Communication & Coordination: Organized meetings and schedules, collected and distributed mail/packages, and managed incoming calls to facilitate efficient branch communication.
- Administrative Support: Performed administrative duties such as preparing branch reports, processing invoices, and assisting the Branch Manager with special projects and responsibilities.
- Customer Service: Responded effectively to inquiries from clients, couriers, and employees in a professional manner, maintaining high standards of customer service.
Branch Administrator
National Bank Financial
Edmonton, Alberta
02.2011 - 04.2014
- Same as above
Subsitute Teacher
Canadian Rockies Public School
Canmore, Alberta
01.2010 - 02.2011
Education
Conduct And Practices Handbook - Wealth Management
Canadian Securities Institute
Edmonton, AB08-2019
Canadian Securities Course - Wealth Management
Canadian Securities Institute
Edmonton, AB06-2019
B. Ed - Secondary Education
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB12-2009
Skills
- Innovation management
- Relationship building and management
- Data Analytics
- Business Development
- Organizational Development
- Wealth Management
- Presentations and public speaking
- Stakeholder Management
- Strategic Planning
- Team Building and Leadership
Accomplishments
- Founder of "Bringing Home the Dream" (2005): Established a breast cancer fundraiser that raised over $450,000 for research in Alberta, significantly impacting the community.
- Philanthropy Recognition (2008): Named to Edmontonian's Magazine's "Sizzling 20 Under 30" for outstanding contributions to philanthropy.
- Canadian Equestrian Team (2009): Shortlisted for the Canadian Equestrian Team in Show Jumping, showcasing competitive excellence.
- Committee Member (2011 - 2012): Served on the committee for the Alberta Cancer Institute's breast cancer fundraiser "Bust a Move," contributing to community engagement and awareness efforts.
- Founder of Royal Glenora Club Hockey Committee (2018 - November 2020): Established and led the committee to promote hockey programs and community involvement.
- Volunteer Team Manager (2020 - Present): Actively manage multiple Hockey Super League franchises, enhancing team performance and fostering player development.
Timeline
Sr Advisor Business Initiative and Network Support
National Bank Financial
02.2024 - Current
Regional Administrative Manager
National Bank Financial
11.2020 - 05.2023
Branch Administrator
National Bank Fiancial
09.2019 - 11.2020
Branch Administrator
National Bank Financial
02.2011 - 04.2014
Subsitute Teacher
Canadian Rockies Public School
01.2010 - 02.2011
Conduct And Practices Handbook - Wealth Management
Canadian Securities Institute
Canadian Securities Course - Wealth Management
Canadian Securities Institute
B. Ed - Secondary Education
University of Alberta
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