MARK-HENRY CHAU, CIM®, Senior Investment Advisor, Portfolio Manager, TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, in Pointe-Claire, Montreal, Quebec
MARK-HENRY CHAU
“Navigating Financial Objectives with Care”
Mark-Henry Chau, CIM® brings a caring and genuine approach to wealth management. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, Mark aims to build lasting relationships based on trust and integrity, ensuring clients navigate their financial journeys with confidence.
“My career began in 2008 when I was working in retail while studying business at Concordia University,” he says. “Without having office experience at the time, I took a leap of faith by applying for a job posting for a marketing assistant position at a brokerage firm.” This position soon revealed itself to involve telemarketing.
“As I engaged with the Advisors, I began asking them about their profession and slowly started to understand the financial markets, and the financial services industry. I found that the job aligned with what I was looking for in a career: working with people, making a positive impact on their lives, and having an entrepreneurial spirit to build my own clientele.”
Holistic Wealth Strategies: Navigating Financial Objectives with Care
As a Portfolio Manager and Senior Investment Advisor for TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, Mark’s approach centres around holistic strategies that encompass various aspects that he believes to be essential for clients to achieve their financial objectives efficiently and comfortably.
“While investments constitute a significant part, it is merely one piece of the puzzle,” he says. “As a discretionary Advisor, my role differs from traditional Investment Advisors, as clients entrust me with day-to-day investment decisions, relying on my expertise and tailored approach.”
Mark's Services include comprehensive guidance and support. “Similar to visiting a doctor, clients may not grasp all the intricacies of their financial situation, but they might seek someone they can trust to comprehend them and offer the right guidance.”
An area that Mark considers essential to successful wealth management is patience. “I pride myself on being a patient listener, which is crucial because many individuals do not truly listen during conversations,” he says. “Instead, they may have preconceived ideas about a client which can contribute to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for connection. By being patient and attentive, I make sure to understand clients’ needs and concerns fully, especially when discussing sensitive topics.”
Another layer of fostering a deeper connection with clients is Mark’s ability to draw in empathetic understanding. “Being willing and able to put myself in others’ shoes helps me deeply understand their perspective and emotions. When I sit down and discuss clients’ financial situations, goals, and priorities, I need to genuinely grasp what motivates them to provide effective guidance. With patience and empathy, I can craft a clear course of action and illustrate how we can serve as their guides and support team throughout their financial journey.”
Maximizing Wealth Transfer: Focus on the Next Generation
Though Mark does not actively pursue a niche client market, he has organically found success catering his services to clients over 65.
“I have often been described as being an old soul,” he says. “In my experience, this demographic is at a stage where they can truly benefit from the comprehensive services we offer. While earlier stages may focus on building and growing net worth, this stage typically revolves around ensuring financial security and maximizing wealth transfer to the next generation.”
From strategies for tax efficiency to wealth preservation through clients’ lifetimes, Mark and his team are capable of catering their services to address these concerns with care, precision, and expertise. “I want clients to feel confident in my ability and trust that I can effectively manage their financial affairs,” he says. “I take pride in my technical proficiency in understanding the intricacies of numbers, investments, and finance to not only support my clients but to help them excel in achieving their financial goals and securing their legacy.”
By staying updated on financial changes and market trends, Mark ensures that he can provide well-informed guidance tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. He also acknowledges the importance of team collaboration. “Acting as a quarterback, I know when to involve specialists in areas like tax and estate planning or insurance to address specific client needs effectively.”
Success through Collaboration and Mentorship
Mark defines success in his career as the satisfaction he derives from working with people and helping them achieve their financial goals. “When I meet with clients and discuss their financial situation, develop a plan, or complete a review, it brings me immense satisfaction to help them and see the relief on their faces. Witnessing their confidence, comfort, and happiness reassures me that I have provided them with a sense of security.”
“Consistently delivering this level of support to my clients is my primary objective, and I believe that everything else will fall into place as a result.”
On the rare occasion that clients’ expectations may not align with reality, Mark believes in addressing these issues with total transparency. “I am continually making adjustments and striving to improve,” he begins. “This includes adapting to changes in technology, market cycles, and evolving strategies. Communication plays a vital role in this process; I prioritize honest discussions about the state of affairs and the steps needed to move forward.”
“It is also important to recognize that we do not have all the answers and to remain open to learning from others. I'm not someone who lets pride get in the way. I actively seek input and perspectives from a diverse range of people.”
Mark firmly believes that everyone has something valuable to offer and is eager to engage in conversations and bounce ideas off others. “I have found that different perspectives often lead to fresh insights, and I am continually surprised by the unique viewpoints people bring to the table. These interactions fuel my curiosity, and I am constantly learning from those around me.”
Balancing Work, Lifestyle, and Volunteerism
Mark’s career path diverged from the conventional nine-to-five schedule, as he mentions “I tend to work more hours, even today. However, the work I do offers me a lifestyle that aligns with my values and interests, and it fulfills me in ways that many other jobs would not.”
Despite acknowledging that finding a balance has been a journey, one that Mark has yet to master, he says “I am fortunate to genuinely enjoy what I do.”
More recently, Mark has been actively working on integrating healthier lifestyle habits into his routine. “This includes prioritizing better sleep, improving my diet, and taking supplements. By consciously building these habits, I hope to achieve a greater sense of balance in both my personal and professional life.”
“I am also involved in various volunteer activities outside of work,” he says. “For the past decade, I have been an active member of the Rotary Club, where I have held roles such as fundraising chair and president.” Despite the significant time and effort required, Mark finds fulfillment in his involvement with the Rotary Club, valuing the organization’s commitment to philanthropy with an approximate 90% self-funding rate and 100% of donations directly benefiting causes.
As evidenced by his volunteer work, Mark consistently prioritizes the best interests of others, whether they are his clients or members of his community. “Professionally, I aspire to cultivate a reputation rooted in integrity and genuine care for clients,” he says. “For me, it is about being known as a team that consistently goes above and beyond, embodying honesty and sincerity in every interaction.”
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Mark-Henry Chau, CIM®
Senior Investment Advisor, Portfolio Manager
TD Wealth Private Investment Advice
6500 Trans-Canada Hwy Suite 200
Pointe-Claire, Quebec M9R 0A5
514.695.5027
The views expressed are those of Mark Chau, Portfolio Manager, Senior Investment Advisor of TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, as of September 5, 2024, and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. All insurance products and services are offered by life licensed advisors of TD Waterhouse Insurance Services Inc., a member of TD Bank Group. TD Wealth Private Investment Advice is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ®The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries.