RICARDO FERNANDEZ De CORDOBA, Wealth Manager & Team Leader, Scotia Wealth Management, International Private Banking, Toronto, ON

RICARDO FERNANDEZ De CORDOBA

"This journey is more than a career shift — it’s a transformation of self. It’s about confronting doubt, embracing discipline, and daring to dream again. A better life doesn’t arrive by chance; it’s built through vision, resilience, and the courage to begin, no matter where you are. One truth I hold close is this: it’s never too late to start over. I want people to look at my story and think, if he could do it, maybe I can too.”

Ricardo Fernandez de Cordoba built a distinguished career in Ecuador before starting anew in Canada. He began his professional journey at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, later transitioning in the 2000s to legal and financial consulting, where he founded his own boutique law firm. His firm represented several Ecuadorian banks, specializing in trade collateral, trust structuring, asset pledges, and mergers and acquisitions. On July 7, 2021, Ricardo arrived in Canada with his wife and two daughters—leaving behind a successful career to embrace a fresh start.

Just days before the fourth anniversary of Ricardo’s arrival in Canada, he paused to reflect on a journey defined by purpose, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. “Failure was not an option,” he says. “Ecuador had become increasingly unsafe, and we reached a point where we had to ask ourselves, ‘What kind of future can we build here—for our daughters, and for ourselves?’” Despite a lifetime of professional accomplishments, Ricardo knew that starting over would be necessary. And he embraced it with courage and conviction.

“What’s difficult about starting over in a new country is losing the seniority and recognition you once had,” Ricardo reflects. In January 2022—on a snowy “Blue Monday”—he found himself at home in Toronto, overwhelmed by the weight of change. “I told my wife, ‘Just a year ago, I was a respected attorney in my city. I had received awards for my work.’” Now, he was in a landing job, reshaping his résumé to fit a new reality. “I even had to learn how to use a massive, complicated photocopier,” he says with a laugh, calling it a “monster.” Behind the humor, though, was a deeper truth: reinvention is emotionally demanding, requiring humility, adaptability, and strength.

There’s no question—it was a humbling journey. But Ricardo embraced it with the mindset of a lifelong learner. Determined to enter the Canadian banking sector, he earned his Canadian Securities Course (CSC) certification and became a Certified Financial Crime Specialist, building a profile tailored to the expectations of Canadian financial institutions.

Today, he serves as Wealth Manager & Team Lead in the International Private Banking division at Scotia Wealth Management, advising high-net-worth clients across Latin America, particularly in Colombia and Mexico. With more than 20 years of experience, Ricardo supports clients in navigating complex cross-border financial planning, estate strategies, and asset diversification. His multifaceted background—as a lawyer, public officer, and entrepreneur—uniquely equips him for success in private banking. “Strong interpersonal skills are essential,” he says. “In this field, you need to be able to connect with anyone—confidently and respectfully—no matter their background or title.”

Ricardo’s early career at Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to serve him well today. “The ability to build rapport virtually is essential,” he explains. “Many of my clients are based outside of Canada—some I’ve never met in person. But trust remains the cornerstone of every relationship.” His diplomatic training helps him navigate cultural nuances, communicate with empathy, and foster meaningful connections across borders. “You have to listen closely, understand the context, and build credibility—even through a screen,” he adds. “That’s where diplomacy and private banking naturally intersect.”

He adds that his legal background plays a key role in areas like compliance, due diligence, and trust structures. “My legal background allows me to quickly provide well-informed guidance when clients face complex regulatory or structural questions,” he says.

Some of Ricardo’s most fulfilling work is with entrepreneurs. “I love working with people who take risks—people with stories,” he says. “I’m inspired by those who’ve failed multiple times and still found a way to build something successful. Their resilience reminds me that there are no limits to what we can achieve.”

He credits his emotional resilience, the unwavering support of his spouse, and—above all—his family as his main source of strength, along with access to health resources in Canada, for helping him navigate the transition. “During the first two years, I was running on adrenaline—I didn’t feel much,” Ricardo recalls. “But by the third year, the stress began to manifest physically. It felt like my body was finally sending me the bill.” Over time, he came to understand the importance of prioritizing his overall well-being. “Back home, taking care of your health—especially mental health—isn’t always encouraged. Here, it’s seen as a normal and essential part of life, and that shift in mindset has made a real difference.”

A clear and detailed vision has been central to Ricardo’s success. “A career coach once told me that when creating a five-year plan, you should start with year five,” he recalls. “Where are you living? What kind of food are you eating? Who are your friends? What does your home smell like? How much are you earning? Where are you traveling? What kind of work are you doing—and how does it make you feel?” The more specific the vision, the more powerful it became. For Ricardo, this wasn’t just a mental exercise—he mapped it all out in an Excel spreadsheet. “It sounds funny, but I’m now in the exact role I had written down in that plan. And I achieved it in less than two years.”

Adapting to a new culture in Canada has been both a rewarding and challenging part of building a new life. Ricardo embraced Canadian workplace culture with curiosity and intention, and it was his friend Emilie who introduced him to Geert Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions—a framework that helped him better understand the differences. “In Ecuador, we tend to communicate more indirectly. Canadians are more straightforward—you don’t beat around the bush here,” he explains. “There’s also a stronger sense of individualism in Canada, whereas in Ecuador, collaboration and group work are more deeply ingrained. Recognizing these subtle but important differences has helped me adjust and thrive.” He adds with a smile, “Sometimes, we find angels along the way. Emilie was mine during my journey to Canada.”

Today, Ricardo shares his experience with other newcomers through informal coaching. He listens carefully to their goals and helps them chart a realistic path forward. “I never tell someone their dream is impossible,” he says. “Instead, I say, ‘Yes, you can achieve it—but let’s identify the skills you need and take it one step at a time.’” His approach is grounded in encouragement, strategy, and the belief that with the right plan, progress is always possible.

He’s also found joy in life’s simple pleasures—barbecuing, running, going to the gym, and caring for the wildlife that visits his backyard. “Every spring, the ducks return. I’m pretty sure it’s the same couple each year,” he says with a smile. Recently, he added a bird feeder to welcome smaller birds as well. “Now there’s always something to watch—it brings a sense of peace to the day.”

Throughout his journey, Ricardo’s anchor has always been his family. “Sometimes I ask my wife how she sees me, and she tells me, ‘There’s nobody I admire more than you,’” he shares quietly. Her words reflect the pride she feels in how he helped guide their family through such a significant transition. His focus was never just on building a new career—it was about ensuring stability for his daughters and preserving the quality of life they had known. “At the end of the day, this isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal,” he says. “If you want a better life, you work hard, stay focused, and keep your family at the center of it all.”

“One thing I always try to share with others is that it’s never too late,” Ricardo says. “I hope people can look at my story and think, ‘If he could do it, maybe I can too.’” His journey isn’t just about changing countries or careers—it’s about personal transformation shaped by perseverance, clarity, humility, and resilience. “You just have to keep moving forward,” he adds. “If you can picture it, if you truly believe in it, you can make it happen.”

Carmen Morgan is a skilled business writer and storyteller, collaborating with business owners and executives to tell their stories and share perspectives on growth and success, as well as perseverance and adversity. Over two decades she has refined her interview, writing and editing skills to capture the nuggets and captivating details that engage readers and make a story memorable. 

RICARDO FERNANDEZ De CORDOBA,

Wealth Manager & Team Leader

40 King St. W. 16th Floor

Toronto, ON, M5H 3Y2

647 - 278 - 2908

ricardo.fernandezdecordoba@scotiabank.com

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