Sheena Sanders
West Kelowna
Summary
Results-driven planning professional with extensive expertise in addressing the unique needs of high-net-worth business owners. Proficient in risk management and comprehensive financial planning, ensuring tailored strategies that align with client goals. Strong track record of delivering innovative solutions that enhance financial security and growth. Committed to fostering lasting relationships through exceptional service and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in wealth management.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Wealth Advisor
BDO Canada
02.2022 - Current
- Managed the oversight and implementation of comprehensive financial planning for 120+ high-net-worth families across British Columbia adn Alberta
- Developed and executed integrated financial plans covering retirement, estate, risk management, and generational wealth transfer.
- Educated clients on tailored wealth preservation strategies that maximize after-tax benefits, ensuring efficient growth and protection of assets.
- Conducted regular reviews of client plans, ensuring adjustments are made in response to changes in tax policy, laws, family dynamics, or financial situations.
- Partnered with legal professionals to design estate structures that optimize wealth transition, minimize estate taxes, and preserve family legacies.
- Acted as a liaison between my client's advisory team members, ensuring alignment and smooth execution of tasks.
- Provided oversight services to assurance clients including IPS creation, RFP creation and investment manager interview process
- Led partner and client education through seminars and webinars, focusing on estate planning, risk management, succession planning, and other wealth-building strategies.
- Chaired the Marketing Committee, spearheading initiatives that raised brand awareness, crafted educational content, and attracted new clientele.
- Fostered long-term client relationships built on trust, providing clear, actionable advice to empower clients to confidently navigate their financial futures.
Wealth Planning Specialist
First West Credit Union
01.2020 - 2022
- Provide comprehensive financial planning, estate planning, risk mitigation and succession planning to HNW, affluent commercial and business members exclusively, using Navi Plan Software
- Created and implemented detailed and customized Investment Policy Statements for local municipalities and non-profit organizations
- Collaborate with clients internal and external advisory teams (C-Suite, board, accountants and lawyers) to ensure a best-in-class experience and accurate, harmonious planning advice
- Coach commercial bankers, business bankers and their leaders in developing their ability to transition transactional conversations to advisory conversations in order to make quality referrals and enhance their members experience and financial futures
- Coach and mentored peers in other regions of the organization to set a minimum standard of care
- Stay up to date on industry changes including the Client Focused Reforms and coach to these changes
- Develop and execute change management strategies and a comprehensive business plan to increase wealth penetration
- Co-hosted a public Podcast and radio segment that provided awareness of our culture, abilities and services to the public while simultaneously providing curated financial literacy and planning advice
- Educated clients and the public on ESG practices and integration
Investment and Retirement Planner
RBC
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Attract and consolidate assets while anchoring clients using a wide variety of long-term investment solutions
- Anchor clients with appropriate partners to ensure ongoing relationship support and effective client retention
- Collaborate with Dominion Securities, Private banking, Group Advantage, Commercial/Business Banking, retail branches and PH&N to ensure all-encompassing financial wellness and support for a wide variety of clients
- Develop, coordinate and host client’s advice events to attract new investment clients
- Create and present financial plans using Navi Plan and internal digital advice software
- Coach and develop knowledge of financial planning, financial literacy and wealth management for all clients, colleagues and community partners
- Develop innovative business growth opportunities while collaborating with internal and external centers of influence
Investment Specialist
Connect First Credit Union
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Coach and develop knowledge of financial planning, financial literacy, and wealth management for all of First Calgary Financial members, staff and community partners
- Develop and implement financial plans for prospective and current credit union members
- Attract and consolidate assets to achieve net sales growth targets
- Create, strategize and implement business development initiatives eg. RDSP champion initiative, Commercial Collaboration, Financial Literacy innovation project
- Support IIROC Advisors with quality referrals of high-net-worth individuals
- Attracted, expanded and retained new relationships
- Developed and implemented investment plans for personal and business members including retirement and education plans
- Adhered to federal and provincial compliance and privacy guidelines including CRM2
- Managed and provided market and portfolio updates to vast book of mutual fund clients
- Deflated members concerns by providing education and support and remaining current on issues affecting the market
Front Line Fundraiser
United Nations High Commission For Refugees
01.2012
- Educated and engaged the public on complex refugee issues
- Collaborated with colleagues from an array of different backgrounds, cultures, views and opinions
- Maintained high quality and quantity of ongoing donation subscriptions
- Up held a professional reputation while promoting a well-respected but controversial economic and social agency
Education
Chartered Life Underwriter -
Advocis
12-2025
Trust And Estate Practitioner -
STEP Canada
01-2024
Certified Financial Planner -
FP Canada
01-2019
Diploma in Financial Planning - undefined
Canadian Institute of Financial Planning
Life License Qualification Program - undefined
Canadian Securities Institute
Responsible Investment Advisor -
Responsible Investment Association of Canada
Responsible Investment Specialist -
Responsible Investment Association of Canada
Registered Retirement Consultant -
Canadian Institute of Financial Planning
Accounting for Non-Accountants - undefined
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Mutual Funds License IFIC - undefined
Mount Royal University
Skills
- Relationship building and management
- Critical thinking
- Excellent communication and professionalism
- Financial analysis and planning
- Alternative investments
- Estate planning
- Business succession planning
- Strategic tax planning
- Risk evaluation
- Wealth management and oversight
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Wealth Advisor
BDO Canada
02.2022 - Current
Wealth Planning Specialist
First West Credit Union
01.2020 - 2022
Investment and Retirement Planner
RBC
01.2019 - 01.2020
Investment Specialist
Connect First Credit Union
01.2013 - 01.2019
Front Line Fundraiser
United Nations High Commission For Refugees
01.2012
Diploma in Financial Planning - undefined
Canadian Institute of Financial Planning
Life License Qualification Program - undefined
Canadian Securities Institute
Accounting for Non-Accountants - undefined
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Mutual Funds License IFIC - undefined
Mount Royal University
Chartered Life Underwriter -
Advocis
Trust And Estate Practitioner -
STEP Canada
Certified Financial Planner -
FP Canada
Responsible Investment Advisor -
Responsible Investment Association of Canada
Responsible Investment Specialist -
Responsible Investment Association of Canada
Registered Retirement Consultant -
Canadian Institute of Financial Planning
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