About Qopia Financial
Qopia Financial
Behind the Name
Qopia (kōpēə) Financial was created with a goal to create a holistic financial services office. Qopia (derived from the word Cornucopia) symbolizes plenty, abundance, and nourishment.
The 5 letters in Qopia represent our 5 business services (financial services, mortgage services, estate law, accounting, and general insurance) that work together within our office. The letter “i” in Qopia is highlighted as it represents our client and their own unique needs. Let our team of professionals support you through your most important financial life priorities.
What Makes Qopia Great?
A Team With a Skillset as Diverse as Canada is
Founded in Calgary in 2016, Qopia Financial brings together more than 75+ combined years of financial expertise.
Our diverse team leverages unique skill sets, empowering us to deploy smart solutions that benefit from our internal expertise.
Our Team
Who is Qopia Financial?
We’re proud of our team and the culture we have built.
Arif Kanji, CFP, CLU, CIM
Managing Director & Financial Planner of Qopia Financial / Associate Portfolio Manager of Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
Benjamin Lewandowski, CFP, CIM
Managing Director & Financial Planner of Qopia Financial / Portfolio Manager of Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
Matt Donnelly, CIM
Financial Planner of Qopia Financial / Associate Portfolio Manager of Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
Mark Kotris, CFP, CLU, CHFC
Senior Financial Planner of Qopia Financial / Investment Advisor of Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
Guy Fortier
Sareena Dhalla
Branch Manager of Qopia Financial and Branch Administrator of Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
Luke Demjen, CFA
Analyst of Qopia Financial / Associate of Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
Dennis Audette
Senior Financial Consultant
Jordan Salvador
Life Insurance & Group Benefits Advisor
Shannon Donnelly
Branch Administrator of Qopia Financial and Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
Kyle Hoeght
Life Insurance Advisor
Andres Castillo
Financial Consultant
Bailey Brisbois
Branch Administrator
Vinay Thanawala, B.Comm, B.A
Life Insurance Advisor
Introducing
Your Teams
Insurance Team
Group Benefit Team
Investment/Planning Team
Arif Kanji, CFP, CLU, CIM
Managing Director & Financial Planner of Qopia Financial / Associate Portfolio Manager of Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
Every year I help dozens of families with their financial planning needs. I’d love an opportunity to help you with yours.
Since 2012, I have been helping Canadian families with their financial planning needs, with solutions ranging from personal and corporate life insurance and living benefits to estate preservation tools. As a registered investment advisor with Aligned Capital Partners Inc., I am able to provide investment strategies that are tailored to each individual’s needs. I have earned the distinguished Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Canada’s premier wealth transfer and estate planning designation as well as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation which is the gold standard in the financial planning industry.
Benjamin Lewandowski, CFP, CIM
Managing Director & Financial Planner of Qopia Financial / Portfolio Manager of Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
I help the disengaged investor reach their financial goals by taking the guesswork out of their investment strategy and bringing clarity to their financial 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, expert 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.
Dave Rodgers, FMA, CFP
Senior Financial Planner of Qopia Financial / Investment Advisor of Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
I am sure you are here not because you want to know about me, but to learn how I can help you achieve what you want.
I provide advice and recommendations to people seeking more than the status quo. To grow, protect their wealth, experience fulfilling lives and realize their bucket list.
I research, study, ask questions and turn solutions upside down, shake and pull them apart so I can see the benefits and weaknesses from all angles and conditions so you do not have to. A thorough understanding gives me the ability to provide the best solution for your situation.
Mark Kotris, CFP, CLU, CHFC
Senior Financial Planner of Qopia Financial / Investment Advisor of Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
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
Analyst of Qopia Financial / Associate of Aligned Capital Partners Inc
I obtained my Economics Degree from the University of Calgary and 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.
Dennis Audette
Senior Financial Consultant
I believe in common sense investment strategies for my clients. I am committed to building their financial future with honesty, integrity, and sincerity, along with providing the best of service.
I moved from a small town in Saskatchewan at the age of 18 and in 1976, trained as a service engineer in Pau, France. I have worked in many capacities in the Arctic, Northern Africa, Greece, London (UK), and Calgary, all before I was 27 years of age. I had an innate drive to work for myself and help people ever since I can remember. My business career started in 1979 when my wife and I relocated to Lethbridge and purchased a business. The business grew to include three additional enterprises. After we sold the business in 1998, I was head hunted by a financial securities company to become an Advisor. For the next twenty-four years, my small business experience greatly influenced my capacity as an Advisor. I have helped create wealth and security for several hundred clients and their families. I remain committed to personalized attention to my client’s individual circumstances.
Jordan Salvador
Life Insurance & Group Benefits Advisor
I love what I do and care for the people I help. I believe in choices and the cliché one-size-fits-all fits no one. My specialty revolves around helping business owners with both their group benefit needs and business succession plans through insurance products. Our team at KL Advisory Group provides coverage that’s completely customized for your unique needs, whether the concern is for yourself, your family, or your business.
We are committed to providing you with professional advice and personalized service. Whether you are purchasing your first home, starting a small business or the CEO of a large company, our team has the knowledge and expertise to provide you piece of mind.
Andres Castillo
Financial Consultant
I help individuals, families, and businesses like yours make well informed financial decisions that align with your present and future objectives.
I have an educational background in Mechanical Engineering and 15 years of Financial Planning experience while working in personal and commercial banking for some of the largest banks in Canada. I help small and medium sized business owners, and their families, make well informed financial decisions and implement strategies that will benefit both their business and family interests. Through insurance, investments, and advisory strategies I help see more clearly what initially is complex. I am proud to be part of a team of professionals that are genuine, client focused and dedicated to providing expert advice in order to help you achieve your desired results.
Bailey Brisbois
Branch Administrator
With several years of administrative experience, I have developed strong skills in all aspects of supporting a team and delivering excellent customer service. Whether it be a colleague looking for assistance to complete a task in a pinch, or a client calling with a question about their account, my passion lies in helping others and I’m always willing to lend a helping hand. I have an affinity for the arts, and in my spare time, you’ll often find me painting or crocheting. I also have two cats, Nessie and Monster, whom I adore.
Vinay Thanawala, B.Comm, B.A
Life Insurance Advisor
I provide honest, professional Mortgage & Life Insurance advice to my clients with a focus on creating long-term wealth.
I hold a joint Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and Bachelor of Arts (Economics) degree from the University of Calgary. I have worked for TD Waterhouse, UBS, and as an instructor at the University of Calgary. Relying on my teaching experience, I strive to educate clients on the best options for their financial needs. With over 15 years of business experience, clients have come to appreciate my kindness, sincerity, and expert advice.
Kyle Hoeght
Life Insurance Advisor
Since 2016, I have been assisting Albertans in insuring their most valuable assets as well as helping to mitigate risk where possible. I am a full-service insurance advisor specializing in term and whole life, critical illness and disability insurance. My education at Mount Royal University in Marketing and Small Business Entrepreneurship along with being a key member of KL Advisory Group has provided me the tools to understand my clients needs and provide them with valuable solutions that protect them and their families.
When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time on the golf course. I consider myself a celebrity chef to my wife Trena and son Max and I am a die-hard Calgary Flames, LA Rams and Boston Red Sox fan.
Matt Donnelly, CIM
Financial Planner of Qopia Financial / Portfolio Manager of Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
I grew up in a small town south of Ottawa, called Metcalfe, ON and graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2012. My love for sports is a major reason why I place so much importance on performance and this includes performing for clients. Those closest to me would describe me as straightforward, but also generous, driven, and dynamic. As a coach, teammate, and partner of my clients, I want to see that everyone wins.
Since 2017, I have been working as a Financial Advisor and have always had a natural affinity for business and investments. In early 2021, I completed my Chartered Investment Management (CIM) ®designation, which has helped me select and recommend the highest quality investments for my clients. My goal is to provide the most competitive, transparent, and cost-effective Estate Planning and Investment Management service in Canada, which focuses on Tax minimization, Growth and Protection.
I don’t do it alone. At Qopia, I have a team of dedicated administrative staff, in-house analysts, insurance specialists, lawyers, accountants as well other Financial Advisors with whom I can consult. I pride myself on striving to deliver the industry’s top service for my clients.
Shannon Donnelly
Branch Administrator of Qopia Financial and Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
Jason McCaw
Life Insurance & Group Benefits Advisor
Sareena Dhalla
Branch Manager of Qopia Financial and Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
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 educational background in human resources, recruitment, client service and office management help contribute to the overall growth and success of Qopia Financial.
When am I 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
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.
My path has taken me from farming, mining, logging, manufacturing, and oil field to public administration before I returned to the University of Calgary. A finance Degree moved me successfully within my securities and financial planning career.
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.
Madison Audette
Branch Administrator
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