Background
Ian is a Portfolio Manager, Director, and Vice President of Odlum Brown, and is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Prior to joining Odlum Brown in 1997, he spent five years with the Federal Government, where he held several positions with a financial or economic focus – including postings in Ottawa with the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Ian has completed the CFA designation, which is focused on global investment knowledge, professional standards and ethics (see www.cfainstitute.org), as well as the Responsible Investment Advisor Certification (see www.riacanada.ca) which is focused on the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in the selection and management of investments.
Ian and his team are able to offer fee-based discretionary portfolio management services, including responsible investment, to a limited number of new clients with investible assets above $2,000,000.
Portfolio Managed Accounts (PMA)
After an initial consultation, Ian and his team take several steps to ensure clients' investment needs are met.
First, they work with clients to establish overall financial goals in writing. Detailed financial projections, which can highlight retirement and estate planning considerations, are usually central to this step.
Second, they focus on investment strategies that are consistent with those goals, including clients’ interest in ESG issues and responsible investment. Specific attention is given to asset allocation (mix of equities and fixed income), geographic exposure (Canada, U.S., Global), behavioral finance, taxation, and risk minimization.
Finally, once overall goals are agreed upon and investment strategies understood, client portfolios are invested, with any equity portion including securities from the Odlum Brown Model Portfolio.
Communication and education are central to the team's investment approach. Ongoing communication ensures that investment strategies stay consistent with client goals, and particular care is given to explaining why specific investments are being used, and how they will help achieve the goals.
Professional Designations & University Education
Certificate
Post-Grad Dipl.
Exec Ed
ICD.D
CFA
MA
MBA
BA
BSc |
ESG Investing (CFA Institute)
Strategy & Innovation (Oxford)
Advanced Management & Leadership (Oxford)
Institute of Corporate Directors
Chartered Financial Analyst
Public Administration (Carleton)
International Business (Dalhousie)
English Literature (UBC)
Zoology (UBC) |
2022
2016
2014
2010
2000
1995
1992
1988
1986 |
Ian is committed to continuing education, ensuring that clients receive the most current investment advice.
Professional Associations
Outside Interests
Ian is a former President of CFA Vancouver and continues to volunteer with its affiliated global body, CFA Institute. He served as chair of CFA Institute’s annual conference, held in Vancouver in 2007, which hosted more than 1,800 investment professionals from around the world. Ian is also a member of the Responsible Investment Association’s board of directors.
Ian is also a past Chair of the UBC Alumni Association, current Chair of UBC Athletics' Thunderbird Council, and remains active with the UBC Varsity Swim Team alumni. He chaired the fundraising committee for UBC’s new Alumni Centre at the University’s Vancouver campus, and served on the university’s Campaign Cabinet, which advised on the dual goals of raising $1.5 billion and doubling alumni engagement.
Ian is a past Governor and President of the Royal Lifesaving Society (BC & Yukon), and was recognized by the Commonwealth governing body with two awards: the Service Medal and the Service Cross.
He is a longstanding classroom volunteer with Junior Achievement and has participated in mentorship programs at both UBC and SFU. Ian is also a contributor to the United Way, and has served in several leadership roles with the organisation. In the past, he has volunteered with St. Paul's Hospital Foundation (Planned Giving Committee) and the Canadian Cancer Society (former Director).