Our Team

Since coming to Canada in 1998, Ahmed has been conducting research in Mechanical Engineering within two prominent Canadian universities. Ahmed received his M.Sc. in 2000 and his Ph.D. in 2005. When he started investing with his banking institution in a Mutual Fund portfolio back in 2001, he did much research on equity markets and consequently, he began to develop a passion for market research. Ahmed entered the financial services industry in August 2009 and joined Assante Capital Management Ltd. in March 2011. Ahmed is insurance and security licensed, and he is a Certified Investment Manager (CIM®), Certified Financial Planner professional, and Chartered Life Underwriter, CLU®.

Ahmed is passionate about financial planning, and he is a firm believer that proper planning is an essential element in wealth management. He takes client services very seriously, and client satisfaction is his number one priority.

Ahmed lives in Ottawa with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys watching soccer, thrillers, and history documentaries.

Meet with Ahmed.

Since graduating from the University of Ottawa in 2011, Steve developed a passion for finance and investing. Steve is a CFP professional, Chartered Life Underwriter as well as a Certified Investment Manager.

Steve gained valuable experience and knowledge about the mutual fund business working as a financial service representative at CI investments Inc. before moving to Assante Wealth Management where he became more familiar with the advisory side of the business. After transitioning into an advisor role with Assante’s National Accounts program, Steve realized that the most rewarding part of the business is helping clients set and achieve their financial goals.

We are happy to Welcome our newest team member, Meredith Haggart!

Meredith began her journey in financial services in Toronto, gaining early experience as an Executive Assistant at a Big 5 Canadian bank. Prior to joining our team, Meredith was the Manager of Client Services at a private investment fund in Toronto. 

Meredith graduated with honors from Carleton University with a Degree in Political Science, specializing in International Political Economics. In her spare time, she enjoys sailing, hiking & camping and generally being active outdoors. We’re confident that she will be a great addition to our team!

Ben Azih is responsible for aiding with the client service operations of the team. Ben is a graduate of Carleton University with a Bachelors and Masters in Mechanical Engineering. He brings experience in problem solving, process efficiency and a passion for helping clients achieve their goals.

In his spare time Ben likes playing the piano/keyboard, watching soccer, and watching/reading material on history and development theory.

As Regional Vice-President, Wealth Planning, John works closely with our high-net-worth clients to identify issues and provide complex, tactical, wealth planning support that complements their wealth plans. John has a focus on tax and estate planning strategies for business owners, professionals and other affluent individuals and families.

John joined CI Assante Private Client in 2020 after working as a Senior Tax Manager at Ernst and Young LLP. As part of Ernst and Young’s tax team, John provided tax planning and compliance services to owner-managed companies and crossborder businesses. John also worked as a Tax Manager at KPMG LLP in their Enterprise practice. There, he worked with various high-net-worth families and provided estate and succession planning for their businesses. John brings more than 15 years of professional wealth planning experience to CI Assante Private Client.

John is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) who has completed the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants’ (now Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada) In-Depth Tax Program. In addition, he holds the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) and Certified Financial Planner® designations.

As Regional Vice-President, Wealth Planning, Dilmini works closely with our high-net-worth clients to identify issues and provide complex, tactical wealth planning support that complements their wealth plans.

Dilmini has a particular focus on estate planning and wealth transfer strategies for business owners, professionals, and other affluent individuals and families. Dilmini joined CI Assante Private Client in 2019 after working as an estate lawyer in private practice. During her time in private practice, Dilmini assisted clients with establishing and implementing individualized estate plans and represented clients in estate litigation matters. As a litigator, she appeared before all levels of court in Ontario while representing beneficiaries, estate trustees, and guardians of property and personal care.

Dilmini is a lawyer and member of the Law Society of Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Law degree (LL.B), Master of Laws degree in Taxation Law (LL.M), and has designations as a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) and Master Financial Advisor in Philanthropy (MFA-P™).