MATT O’TOOLE, CIM®, Investment Advisor, RBC Dominion Securities, Ottawa, Ontario

MATT O’TOOLE

“When people have the right guidance – it’s a game changer.”

In a world where information and technology are at our fingertips, people today value a personalized wealth management approach built on trust and financial education. With that in mind, Matt O’Toole, Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities in Ottawa, has built a practice that places thoughtful customization over one-size-fits-all efficiency.

“Just because there’s a more efficient way to help a client achieve their desired goal, it doesn’t mean the right way is best for each client at a specific time,” says Matt, adding that his diverse clientele spans Canada and extends into the U.S. “We work to understand our clients’ needs from the perspective of what’s most important to them and ensure we’re supporting them to generate wealth in a way that meets that vision.”

Born in Sydney, Australia, Matt has a unique global perspective. The cultural foundation that shapes his philosophy today began with a modest upbringing that illustrated the impact financial success has on families, and the importance of financial literacy in building better futures. “I saw at a very young age that if you don’t understand how money works and the importance of it, retirement becomes increasingly unrealistic,” says Matt. “Once I could read, I spent most of my childhood studying this, working out what does and doesn’t work. I’ve always felt compelled to pass that on.”

Since moving to Ottawa, the strong sense of community and prosperous work opportunities have grown on Matt. He thanks his wife Michelle for her strong support at home so he can be present during family time with their two young children and focus on caring for clients and their families while at work. “I lean on Michelle and our family a lot. She’s always someone I can depend on. It’s not an easy role, but it’s so important and her support impacts my focus on our business and the clients we support,” says Matt.

All that family perspective, combined with his belief in the impact strategic wealth management has on families and businesses, shapes his daily work. “Financial education is lacking across the board and around the world,” he says. “But when we educate clients from the first generation to the next on that journey – personally or in business – our clients get lasting results that grow over generations through the work we do.”

That educational rigor is something Matt and his team are committed to on their side of the relationship as well. “Professional development is hugely important and we work on it every week,” he says. “We participate in regular seminars, and I’m always reading. This industry changes by the moment. With everything coming up – emerging technologies, new companies, different ways of looking at things, new markets, segments, and asset classes – you’ve got to be on top every day. Otherwise, you’re falling behind.”

With that in mind, Matt appreciates the expertise he gained earning his Certified Investment Manager (CIM®) designation. “The CIM gives you a broader understanding of financial markets, how they intertwine with each other, and how to build and analyze portfolios in terms of different asset classes,” he says. “It’s not only about understanding the more traditional scenarios but also moving into some non-traditional asset classes that are now at the forefront.”

With that all-around growth and learning focus, Matt and his team look to partner with those who appreciate their unique approach. “At the forefront, we’re focused on the planning side –financial, tax, and estate planning,” he says, adding that he’s supported by his small hands-on team. That includes his associate Wissam Helwani, described by Matt as the team’s heavy lifter, ensuring every task and request is always covered. “Our meticulous planning and execution foundation supports the customized investment strategy. Together, all of this gets results in the unique way that works for each client. The clients that see and value that philosophy are the ones we work best with.”

These are often clients who have been down the financial advisement road but are not seeing the return they anticipated. “We show these people the other side of the equation where we put the planning first to work out the numbers they need to achieve, back-test and adjust the portfolio along the way as change occurs, all to make sure they see how we will get them there,” says Matt.

Another sector Matt excels in is the small business owner, particularly those considering all the pieces involved in an eventual transition or exit. “Sometimes we meet clients who have been managing things on their own, are ready to sell, but are looking for guidance. We can do that, but the sooner we come onboard the stronger understanding we can solidify of how the parts of a business all interrelate for the actual people,” says Matt. “We work towards a detailed understanding of what it is they’re doing and what they want to achieve. The more time and levers we have available, the more options to get them their desired outcome.”

In many cases, Matt and his team are a family support for those times when the unexpected arises. “Sometimes, one partner has been managing their own investments for a long time, and they’re good at it; that’s great. Our question to them is always: ‘What happens if you pass away and your spouse doesn’t want or know how to deal with this? They’re grieving. They’re struggling to find a relationship to help manage this,’” says Matt. “When we can form that trust early – even if you just have to let go of some of the reins – to make sure there’s a plan for a cohesive transition process if anything does happen, we can shoulder so much of that stress.”

In making his services more accessible, Matt embraces technology and its ability to bridge gaps across space and time. “Where we might typically go out and see a client once a year, our touch points can be done more frequently and conveniently using technology,” he says. “Regardless of their age, a lot of people are proficient with technology now and it’s enabled us to reach more clients. Distance is no longer a barrier.”

AI is also helping the team back-test different scenarios. “Potential strategies that would take weeks to run from a financial planning perspective can now be done in minutes. We can leave no stone unturned and get a good sense of every single scenario that might come up, pivoting on a dime for our clients,” says Matt. “That provides clarity in the decision-making process. With AI, you can run a scenario a hundred different ways in five minutes and go back to the client with a confident answer.”

In his comprehensive planning and client-first engagement, RBC Dominion Securities is the home to support Matt’s highly personalized service. That includes the holistic integration of financial, health, and wellness services that go along with wealth management strategy.

“The size of the organization brings depth in resources and research,” says Matt. “Beyond holistic financial planning, tax strategy, and wealth management, RBC DS is also focused on real life considerations, including programs that support healthier, longer lives lived in people’s own homes. It’s all intertwined. Money, at the end of the day, is the vehicle to get out of life what we want and to get those experiences. But if we don’t have our health, what’s it all for?

“A lot of people fail to understand that wealth touches every fibre in the fabric of your life and everything that you do. But no one – including schools – ever teaches us about it,” adds Matt. “It’s tough to see people fall behind based on not having the right information. Because when they do have the right guidance, it’s a game changer.”

Natalie Noble’s love of writing stems from her passion for hearing and sharing people’s stories. Over the years, she has written for various business, real estate, and agriculture publications. At the heart of her work is a desire to continuously learn and connect.

Matt O'Toole, CIM®, PFP®

Investment Advisor | RBC Dominion Securities

45 O'Connor Street

Suite 900

Ottawa, ON, K1P 5E1

Website:

LinkedIn

613 606 9510

matt.otoole@rbc.com