Our Team
Jim has over 20 years of experience designing portfolios and managing assets for his clients. Jim was an early adopter in the use of passive investment vehicles. His belief in a low cost, market-based investment approach led him away from RBC Dominion Securities, and he has been steadfast in his approach ever since. Jim is well connected in the Ottawa financial market where he is past-President of the CFA Ottawa Society. Jim was a founding partner of WDS Investment Management Ltd in 2004. He has earned the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). He now leads the management and design of all portfolios at Polaris Financial.
Chris has 20 years of leadership experience in both technical and operational roles at small and large international corporations. Chris manages the Polaris Financial back office processes and systems, overseeing the firm’s daily operations. Chris works closely with our back office partners to provide top quality service to our clients.
Steve has successfully led teams through large corporate mergers, and business process redesign projects. He was a business leader at one of Canada’s largest and first ever profitable online retail operations. Steve has been instrumental in the strategic development and growth of the businesses that he has served while maintaining a customer-centric focus at all times.
Jeff has a background in Mathematics, Engineering, and IT. He worked in aerospace and developed models used in simulation and design tools. He has extensive experience in telecommunications and e-commerce as both a software designer and a manager of engineering and technical operations. Jeff oversees the maintenance of the technical infrastructure at Polaris Financial.
Stephen Lowrie, CFA has 17 years industry experience with both small and mid-sized (non-bank owned) firms. His Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation – earned in 1996 – is globally recognized as the pinnacle of professional excellence within the investment community. In offering unbiased solutions to help his clients achieve their financial goals, Steve combines his expertise with the science of investing to develop and implement investment strategies.
Alan Acton has been successfully assisting professionals in the Ontario and Quebec region for over 15 years. He prides himself on being able to provide clients with the attention and customization that allows them to successfully meet their financial goals. Since obtaining his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Canadian Investment Manager (CIM), Alan has been able to provide sound advice using his wealth of knowledge regarding the global financial system. As a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute, and a member of the CFA Institute, he has the experience to assist his clients in all areas of their financial life: personal banking, debt management, insurance, investments, education planning, and retirement and estate planning.
Gordon is a strong advocate of disciplined investment strategies with careful scrutiny placed on risk versus return. His belief that saving on investment fees is an important component of an effective wealth building plan motivated him to partner with Polaris financial. Gordon shares the view that clients have far more to gain by "working with" the market rather that "against it".
- Jim Steel, Ottawa
- Steve Lowrie, Toronto
- Alan Acton, Ottawa
- Gordon Henley, Ottawa