Meet the Qopia Investments Team
Our Team
Who is Qopia Investments?
We’re proud of our team and the culture we have built.
Arif Kanji, CFP® CIM®
Portfolio Manager, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Benjamin Lewandowski, CFP®, CIM®
Portfolio Manager, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Scott Nelson
Mutual Fund Advisor, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Luke Demjen, CFA
Portfolio Manager, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Monty Souther, PFP®, CFP®
Mutual Fund Advisor, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Sareena Dhalla
Operations Manager, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Judy Tran
Administrative Assistant, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Connor Saunders
Branch Administrator, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Don Yuen
Associate Investment Advisor, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Garry Nanninga
Associate Investment Advisor, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Mark Kotris, CFP®, CLU, CHFC
Senior Wealth Advisor, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Guy Fortier
Senior Wealth Advisor, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Arif Kanji, CFP® CIM®
Portfolio Manager, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Every year I help dozens of families with their wealth planning needs. I’d love an opportunity to help you with yours.
Since 2012, I have been helping Canadian families with their wealth planning needs, with solutions such as estate preservation tools. As a registered Wealth Advisor with iAPW, I am able to provide investment strategies that are tailored to each individual’s needs. I have earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation which is the gold standard in the financial planning industry.
Benjamin Lewandowski, CFP®, CIM®
Portfolio Manager, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
I help the disengaged investor reach their financial goals by taking the guesswork out of their investment strategy and bringing clarity to their wealth plan. Let me build a personalized plan and help you reach financial independence.
From the beginning of my career, my biggest goal has been making sure clients feel like they have been given unbiased, knowledgeable advice. In an industry with very little transparency between the advisor and the client, not to mention the low barriers of entry, it is imperative for clients to have justified service for the costs they pay.
Mark Kotris, CFP®, CLU, CHFC
Senior Wealth Advisor, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Having worked in the financial service industry for over 40 years, my expertise includes offering tax strategies and preparation, life, disability and employee benefits alongside RRSP, pension and non-RRSP investment planning. Having been dual licensed since 1985 has allowed me to provide further alternative investment options for my clientele. Throughout my career, I have been a member of ADVOCIS, the premier national association for professional financial advisors. As an engaged member of the Calgary chapter, I am a strong advocate for continuing education in all areas of financial, investment and estate planning for all practitioners.
Luke Demjen, CFA
Associate Wealth Advisor, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
I have over 10 years of experience as an investment and lending advisor with one of the Big 5 banks in Canada. In 2018, I obtained the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation, the premiere investment analysis distinction in the financial services industry. My academic knowledge, along with my experience and insights into the banking system and capital markets help make sure I put my clients savings to work and have them financially prepared to meet all of life’s goals and milestones. I am passionate about making sure my clients receive the industry’s best in financial advice and attention.
In my spare time I enjoy performing martial arts as well as skiing, making music, and soaking up new experiences with friends and family.
Garry Nanninga
Associate Investment Advisor, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Life is a journey and because of what I do, I am able to help people along their way regardless of where they are and where they want to go. I believe planning is the key to financial success because with a plan you can adjust your path to be what you want life to be.
I enjoy exploring the possibilities with each client as they travel along life’s path. In doing so, I can provide planning solutions through the use of a variety of investments. This allows us, client and advisor, to create an effective plan which includes retirement and estate planning considerations.
I enjoy helping people, which probably comes from my farming background where there was a strong sense of community.
Judy Tran
Administrative Assistant, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
I launched my career in financial services in 2007, and have continued to hone my skills since then. One of my career highlights is that I am part of the iA Private Wealth BACTM Group! This dynamic team of experienced administrators meets to brainstorm and share ideas on enhancing our operations and applications—it’s a collaborative atmosphere that inspires us all to strive for excellence.
Outside of work, I’m an avid reader and a passionate gardener, always tending to the plants at home and in the office.
I am driven by a commitment to provide outstanding service to our clients, overseeing financial operations, and continuously improving our organizational efficiency. Every day presents a new opportunity to make a positive impact!
Monty Souther, PFP®, CFP®
Mutual Fund Advisor, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Born and raised in a small town in Saskatchewan has taught me the value of hard work and helping others. I moved to Calgary in 1999 to pursue opportunities in the financial sector and have spent the past 7+ years in the wealth planning industry. My diverse background allows me to connect with my clients and relate to them on a personal level. It also helps me to be able to provide tailored financial advice based on my clients unique situation and ensures they reach their goals. I have completed my CSC®, PFP®, QAFP® and most recently, my CFP®. Education is very important to me and I look forward to continuing to enhance my financial knowledge.
I have been married for over 20 years to wife Rocio and we have 2 beautiful daughters together Mariana and Isabella. When not working, we enjoy travelling to Mexico and exploring the off-beaten paths of my wife’s home country. We have a dog Ollie who is a Maltese and a very important part of our family.
Don Yuen
Associate Investment Advisor, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Since 1998, I have helped many families achieve their goals and live their desired lifestyles by developing wealth plans, designing and implementing personalized investment portfolios. Working as an independent advisor has allowed me to provide unbiased advice and ensure clients receive service and results that justify the costs they pay.
In 1998, with the encouragement of a friend, I changed careers to pursue my interests in investments and helping people, applying my analytical and problem-solving skills.
My family, including grandchildren are all very active, we regularly mountain bike, ski and snowboard. I have been involved with volunteering and non-profit organizations since high school – this includes instructing mountain biking and skiing.
Sareena Dhalla
Operations Manager, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Since the beginning of my career, I have always been passionate about building and managing client relationships, helping my organization succeed, and creating structure and process within a company. My background in human resources, recruitment, client service and office management help contribute to the overall growth and success of Qopia Investments.
When I am not busy helping clients, I enjoy trying new restaurants in the city with my husband and watching my daughter develop her own unique personality.
I look forward to contributing to the success of my team members and helping our clients achieve their financial goals.
Guy Fortier
Senior Wealth Advisor, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
I have put myself in the position of advising clients on financing their future through successful management of funds they have to invest. Years of experience through many business cycles, growth of the industry, significant changes of information flow and the technology boom have provided me with the tools to continue to manage my client’s goal.
I take great pleasure in the social and sporting activities in which I continue to participate.
I take the most pride in the fact that both my Daughter and Son are successful in their career within the financial arena.
Scott Nelson
Mutual Fund Advisor, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
My journey in finance began in the heart of Southern Alberta, where I grew up as a small-town boy with big dreams. From an early age, I developed a love for helping better people’s lives, and this passion has been the driving force behind my career in wealth planning.
One of my greatest strengths is my genuine enthusiasm for building relationships. I believe trust and communication are the cornerstones of any successful financial partnership. I’m here to understand your aspirations, concerns, and unique financial goals.
Outside of the financial world, I’m a devoted family man and a proud dad of five amazing children. My weekends are often spent at the lake, creating cherished memories with my loved ones. I understand the importance of family and the role finances play in supporting the lifestyle you desire. I’m not just here to grow your wealth; I’m here to help you make your own lifestyle dreams come true, whether it’s ensuring your children’s education, planning for retirement, or simply enjoying life to the fullest.
Connor Saunders
Branch Administrator, Qopia Investments, iA Private Wealth
Born in England and raised in Trinidad, Connor’s passion for REAL football mirrors his approach to finance: strategic, focused, and goal-oriented. Connor’s dedication to personal growth is evident in his constant pursuit of knowledge. Family is central to Connor’s life; growing up with two brothers instilled values of loyalty, trust, and support, which continue to shape his financial journey.
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