FEATURED WINNER

Chad Larson

“I had a picture of a house, and the house was Premiere Mortgage Centre”

Kerri Reed, Premiere Mortgage Centre

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Winner: The ICM Asset Management Award for Advisor of the Year - Alternative Investments

www.mywealthmanagement.ca

www.linkedin.com/in/chadrlarson

clarson@cgf.com

403-691-7821

40 Temperance St Suite 2100, Toronto, ON M5H 0B4

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Winner: The ICM Asset Management Award for Advisor of the Year – Alternative Investments

Chad Larson

facebook.com/reza.ghazi

@blackfishfinance

1188 Whakue St, Rotorua Central, Rotorua

@transalta

Why alternative investing demands a longer view and a different kind of advisor Chad Larson named Advisor of the Year at WP Awards for his disciplined, client-first approach to alternative investments For Chad Larson, alternative investments aren’t just a tactical overlay; they’re central to how he builds resilient portfolios in an increasingly uncertain market. Over years of portfolio reviews and client conversations, Chad saw the same patterns: high-net-worth investors looking for more stability than equities could offer, more yield than bonds were delivering, and more clarity than most alternative products provided. “I wasn’t going to just talk about private credit or real assets because they were trendy; I had to understand them well enough to explain them clearly, structure them responsibly, and stand behind them.” That mindset led to the launch of the Alterna Private Income Portfolio – a proprietary, open-market (OM) fund that provides diversified access to 14 alternative managers, spanning private credit, infrastructure, and niche real assets. Built in collaboration with Obsiido and monitored by US-based ACG Asset Consulting Group, Alterna reflects Chad’s core investment philosophy: rigorous diligence, accessible design, and a client-first mandate. Today, as Senior Portfolio Manager at MLD Wealth, a top-performing team within Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, Chad is recognized not only for delivering strong, risk-adjusted returns but also for making alternatives understandable. Whether through his educational podcast, Money Matters; regular conference keynotes; or his book Beyond Traditional, he’s become a trusted voice for investors and professionals navigating the complexities of the non-public markets. Chad was also recognized at the 2025 Wealth Professional Awards, where he was named Winner of the ICM Asset Management Award for Advisor of the Year – Alternative Investments. His approach begins with what many overlook – deep listening. From there, he builds portfolios aligned not just to return targets but also to liquidity needs, risk appetite, and personal values. Clients describe feeling “heard, not herded” – a sharp contrast in a space too often shaped by product overexposure and jargon. Chad has spent years developing a practice that prioritizes transparency, risk discipline, and investor education. “A key part of my work is simplifying complexity,” he says. “I take the time to walk clients through liquidity timelines, tax considerations, and performance drivers in plain language. That’s what allows them to make informed decisions and stay the course when things get noisy.” The result is high client retention, organic growth through referrals, and recognition as a leader in a space that still demands both caution and creativity. “We’re not chasing what’s new; the firm understands what’s different,” says Chad. “And guiding clients through that, with clarity, is where the real value lies.” As Chad emphasizes, alternatives require a higher level of trust and understanding. He points out they’re not short-term positions, so the client relationship needs to be built for the long haul. That means being accessible, being thorough, and never assuming understanding.

The Lakes College Culinary Club (TLCCC) started with a team of 12 students and has now expanded to over 30 members, showcasing its continued success through participation in college events and even catering for local community organisations. This program not only imparts valuable culinary skills but also teaches the significance of community service, fosters practical abilities and cultivates a professional work ethic. Spanning ages 11 to 18, the Culinary Club challenges students to create elaborate six-course degustation dinners and manage large-scale catering for college gatherings. Chloe, a Year 7 student, praises the program for imparting essential life skills in an enjoyable way among friends. Likewise, Emily values the connections she forms despite the program’s demanding pace. Under the guidance of Chef Joel, TLCCC contributes to the college’s ethos and the students’ personal growth. The program’s commitment to local ingredients and culinary adventures is evident as it expands to include barista training and Responsible Service of Alcohol certification. The program seamlessly merges science, art and food technology, promoting discipline and shared responsibility. TLCCC embodies a commitment to service, community engagement and student leadership, cementing its unique character and contribution to The Lakes College.

@mldwealthmanagementgroup5617

MLD Wealth

@blackfishfinance

Centurion manages a diverse portfolio of multi-family apartment units, medical offices, and student housing beds across 46 cities in Canada and the United States. This includes 160 properties: 134 multi-residential apartments, 16 student communities, and 10 medical offices, totaling 22,314 rental units. Centurion aims to provide investors with alternative investment solutions focusing on capital protection, regular cash flow, risk-adjusted returns, low volatility, diversification, and tax efficiencies. They strive to be a leading, reputable multi-disciplinary asset manager, capitalizing on new investment opportunities, embracing change, and driving continual improvements. Their core values of respect, integrity, simplicity, and excellence drive their mission. Investment/Financing Solutions: REIT: The Centurion Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) invests in a diversified portfolio of rental apartments and student housing properties, as well as mortgage and equity investments in property developments across Canada and the United States. The REIT focuses on areas with historically low vacancy rates, growing population demographics, addressing the growing need for housing and supporting the development of communities. CFiT: Centurion Financial Trust (CFiT) is an income and growth-oriented trust that invests in a diversified portfolio of debt investments, including mortgages, opportunistic real estate developments, and corporate debt. Mortgage: Centurion Asset Management Inc. is also a licensed mortgage broker (#12372) acting primarily on behalf of Centurion Apartment REIT. The team specializes in construction and term financing for multi-residential apartments, student housing, condominiums, and other traditional forms of real estate. They provide first and second mortgages, subordinate mezzanine, participating debt, and equity financing. Additionally, they fund development, bridge, and acquisition opportunities. Property Management: Centurion is a leading provider of quality multi-residential apartments and student communities in Canada and the United States. The goal has always been to provide residents and their families with clean, safe, and comfortable homes. The company enhances residents' living experiences by proactively attending to their needs and constantly seeking ways to elevate their rental experience. Corporate Responsibility: Centurion is committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable investing. The firm integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into its investment processes, ensuring that its investments contribute positively to society and the environment. Centurion supports various community initiatives and philanthropic efforts, reflecting its dedication to making a meaningful impact beyond financial markets. Leadership Team: The success of Centurion is driven by its experienced and visionary leadership team. The firm’s executives bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from diverse backgrounds in finance, real estate, and investment management. Their collective experience and strategic insight guide the firm’s operations, driving growth and innovation. Client-Centric Approach: At Centurion, clients are at the heart of everything they do. The firm prioritizes building long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. By understanding clients’ unique needs and objectives, Centurion delivers tailored solutions that help clients navigate complex financial landscapes and achieve their goals. Consistent Returns: Since inception, Centurion has offered investors positive annualized returns, making it a reliable choice for those seeking dependable investment opportunities.