In a world where ego often overshadows insight, First Avenue’s Kash Pashootan and Michael Newton reveal why humility, curiosity, and true team depth are redefining the future of wealth management. In this Insight is Capital episode, host Pierre Daillie sits down with Kash Pashootan, CEO, and Michael Newton, Head of Wealth Management at First Avenue Investment Counsel, for a powerful, introspective discussion about the evolution of wealth management, the essence of humility in leadership, and the future of multi-generational wealth stewardship. Kash and Michael share their personal philosophies and the firm’s mission to bring pension-style investing and true family office depth to Canadian families. They emphasize the importance of curiosity, humility, and hands-on investing, while contrasting the depth of their integrated model with the “by-appointment” approach common in traditional advisory structures. Together, they explore how advisors can evolve from solo operators to multi-disciplinary teams that can truly serve the complex needs of high- and ultra-high-net-worth families. Pierre draws out reflections on how ego, conviction, and the hunger for relevance must evolve toward humility, curiosity, and collaboration. The result is a deeply human, highly practical conversation that challenges advisors and investors alike to rethink what stewardship means in today’s markets.

In this powerful episode of Insight is Capital, host Pierre Daillie sits down with Shana Sissel, CEO and Founder of Banríon Capital Management, widely known as the “Queen of Alternatives.” From breaking barriers in the world of alternative investments to surviving and thriving through profound personal adversity, Shana’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and innovation. She reveals how Banríon was built by advisors, for advisors — an open-architecture platform designed to help wealth managers make sense of alternatives and scale their use effectively. Shana and Pierre dig deep into what makes advisors successful, why emotional intelligence (EQ) matters more than ever, and how Banríon is redefining the bridge between asset managers and advisors. The conversation takes a personal and moving turn as Shana recounts launching her firm while battling stage-four cancer and the unexpected loss of her fiancé. Her perspective on perseverance, purpose, and leadership transforms this episode into an unforgettable masterclass in both business and humanity.

Private markets aren’t just the playground of institutions and the ultra-wealthy anymore. In this episode, we dig into how access to private credit, equity, and real assets is opening up—and why that shift is changing the way Canadian advisors build portfolios. Raphaëlle Gauthier-Grenier, Senior Director, Investment Solutions – Private Investments at National Bank Investments, and Ross Neilson, Principal at Apollo Global Management, join us for a candid look at the surge of private investing in Canada. Together, we unpack what’s driving the momentum, how new fund structures are breaking down barriers, and where private markets really belong in a modern portfolio. From the rise of evergreen fund structures to the behavioral edge of illiquidity, we unpack: • Why private markets are gaining momentum with advisors and investors. • How fund design and distribution partnerships are breaking down barriers. • The role of private credit, equity, and real assets in building resilient, diversified portfolios. • Canadian-specific trends in advisor adoption and product scrutiny. If you’re an advisor or investor wondering how to balance opportunity with liquidity in a modern portfolio, this episode delivers the insights you need.

“Things are priced for perfection—but the world isn’t perfect.” — Ilan Kolet What does it take to navigate a world where the U.S. is no longer the default safe haven? In this powerful episode, Pierre Daillie is joined by Ilan Kolet, Institutional Portfolio Manager on Fidelity Investments Canada’s Global Asset Allocation Team, to break down Fidelity’s latest asset allocation moves—and the four-pillar process guiding them. From trimming U.S. equities to boosting exposure to Europe and gold, to reassessing the Canadian market after a decade-long underweight, Kolet reveals how Fidelity is tactically rebalancing amid macro volatility, political headwinds, and shifting global capital flows. 📉 We unpack weakening U.S. labor data, 🇨🇦 Canada’s slow productivity renaissance, the potential loss of USD tailwind status, and why gold has emerged as a strategic diversifier in a fractured geopolitical landscape. Whether you're an advisor, institutional allocator, or just looking to sharpen your portfolio perspective, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Canada invented ETFs — but how did they grow into a trillion-dollar force, and where are they headed next? Pierre Daillie sits down with BMO ETF leaders Alain Desbiens and Tammy Cash to reveal the untold stories, the lessons learned, and what the future holds for advisors and investors. Episode Summary In this in-depth conversation, Pierre Daillie is joined by Alain Desbiens, Vice Chair at BMO ETFs, and Tammy Cash, Director of Distribution Strategy at BMO ETFs and Global Co-President of Women in ETFs. Together, they trace the remarkable journey of exchange-traded funds in Canada—from their early days as a disruptive upstart, to their current role as an essential building block in portfolio construction. Alain shares candid reflections on being one of BMO’s first ETF wholesalers and the skepticism he faced when ETFs were dismissed as a “trend.” Tammy recalls her path into the industry, her passion for democratization of investing, and her leadership in Women in ETFs, a global movement empowering women across financial services. The discussion covers the resilience it took to build the industry, the role of education and advisor partnerships, and how tools and technology are reshaping the advisor-client experience. Both leaders also look ahead to 2030, envisioning an ETF marketplace that is larger, more competitive, and increasingly shaped by innovation in active strategies, alternatives, and digital distribution. This is more than a story about the ETF industry — it’s about people, purpose, and the power of advice.

What if everything you thought you knew about the Fed, fiscal policy, and recession playbooks is already obsolete? In this episode, Darius Dale reveals why the U.S. economy has entered “Paradigm C” — a regime of fiscal dominance, deregulation, and coordinated support — and what it means for portfolios, the Fed, and your financial future. 📖 Episode Summary In this powerhouse conversation, hosts Pierre Daillie, Mike Philbrick, and Adam Butler welcome back Darius Dale, Founder of 42 Macro LLC, to dissect the seismic shifts reshaping markets in 2025. Dale explains why April’s bond market shock was the most important event since Lehman, forcing the U.S. into Paradigm C: a policy mix of fiscal dominance, deregulation, and an implicit partnership between the Treasury and the Fed. He argues that recession is no longer bullish for Treasuries, that the Fed’s outdated 2% inflation target is crushing those at the bottom of the “K-shaped” economy, and that retail investors have a once-in-a-generation edge over institutions if they stop chasing factor bets. From the decline of U.S. exceptionalism risk to the emergence of financial repression, Dale outlines why the simple KISS portfolio — may be the smartest way to retire on time and comfortably. This is a must-listen for advisors, investors, and anyone trying to navigate the most uncertain macro environment in decades. 🔑 4 Key Takeaways 1. Paradigm C Defined – The U.S. has shifted to a regime of fiscal dominance and deregulation, aiming to “outgrow” its debt problem rather than cut or print immediately. 2. The End of Old Playbooks – Recession is now bearish for Treasuries, Fed independence is eroding, and the 2% inflation target is increasingly destructive. 3. The Retail Investor Advantage – Unlike institutions, individuals can flexibly shift exposure, avoid factor risks, and stick to a simplified but powerful asset mix. 4. The KISS Portfolio – Darius champions a three-part framework as the most effective way to capture upside while hedging against fiscal repression and monetary debasement.

CRM3 (Total Cost Reporting) isn’t just another compliance box to check—it’s the biggest shift in cost transparency Canadian advisors have ever faced, and how you handle it could define your client relationships for years to come. In this episode of Insight is Capital, host Pierre Daillie sits down with three leading voices to unpack the realities—and the opportunities—of Total Cost Reporting (TCR/CRM3). Joining the conversation are Arnie Hochman, Senior Vice President & General Counsel at SIMA, Dr. David Lewis, Behavioural Scientist, Consultant & Independent Director, and Steve Braugiroux, Associate Vice President, Dealer Relations at National Bank Together, they break down why TCR matters, what advisors need to prepare for, and how transparency—far from being a threat—can actually deepen trust and strengthen the advisor-client relationship. From the mechanics of cost disclosure to the psychology of investor perception, this discussion explores how advisors can transform a regulatory requirement into a defining moment of value delivery. 🔑 Four Key Takeaways • Transparency Builds Trust - Research shows clients often overestimate hidden fees. When full costs are revealed, trust in advisors actually increases, making them more willing to pay for advice. • TCR Is a System Overhaul - Unlike CRM2, TCR requires advisors and dealers to report on costs they don’t directly control—demanding a new ecosystem of data sharing between managers, dealers, and service providers. • Advisors Must Get Ahead of the Conversation - Waiting until January 2027 to explain statements will create confusion and mistrust. Proactive education now will turn compliance into confidence.An • Opportunity for Better Advice - TCR creates a level playing field for comparing costs, paving the way for deeper portfolio conversations, fee budgeting, and demonstrating the true value of advice—especially in areas like asset allocation and behavioral coaching.

What if the riskiest move in your portfolio isn’t owning crypto—but ignoring it? In this powerful episode of Raise Your Average, hosts Pierre Daillie and Mike Philbrick sit down with legendary advisor, founder of the largest US RIA firm, author, and futurist Ric Edelman, Founder of DACFP (Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals). Edelman, long known as a trusted voice in personal finance, now makes his most provocative case yet: advisors and investors may need to rethink the role of crypto—moving beyond token allocations toward a meaningful presence in portfolios. Ric explains why today’s environment—marked by regulatory clarity, institutional adoption, and longer human lifespans—has shifted the crypto conversation from speculation to necessity. He argues that traditional 60/40 models are broken in a world of longevity risk, rising rates, and monetary debasement, and calls for a bold reallocation: 80/20 with up to half of the equity/growth sleeve in crypto-related equities and including somewhere between 10% and 40% allocated of that directly to bitcoin and other digital assets e.g. Ethereum, Solana, etc. The conversation spans regulatory breakthroughs, the psychology of allocation, fiduciary responsibility, and the mindset shifts advisors must embrace. As Edelman puts it, “Not owning crypto today is effectively shorting it.” This episode is a must-watch for financial professionals navigating the future of portfolio construction.

In a market climbing a wall of worry, Alfred Lee, Deputy CIO at Q Wealth Partners, breaks down what’s really driving resilience in equities, the pitfalls of the 60/40 portfolio, and why private markets may hold the key to asymmetric opportunities. Summary Alfred Lee, Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Q Wealth Partners, joins us for a deep dive into the future of portfolio construction, the limitations of legacy models, and the overlooked opportunities in private markets. With over two decades of experience—from building BMO’s ETF platform from the ground up to shaping Q Wealth’s investment platform—Alfred brings a candid, data-driven perspective on how advisors can navigate today’s uncertain environment. Our conversation ranges from the rise of independence in Canada’s wealth management industry, his role as Deputy CIO at Q Wealth Partners, one of Canada's leading independent advisor platforms where he has been for almost one year, to his views on navigating markets in the context of the push-pull dynamics between fiscal expansion and monetary caution. Alfred also shares his conviction that investors need to evolve beyond the traditional 60/40 and embrace a more diversified, resilient approach—one that integrates private equity, private debt, and liquid alternatives alongside public markets. This is a must-listen for advisors and investors looking to position portfolios for an era where fundamentals matter again, resilience is paramount, and opportunity often lies beyond the obvious.

In a world where inflation, currency debasement, and geopolitical shocks threaten portfolios, what if you could keep your core equity exposure and add the asymmetric upside of Bitcoin and the timeless stability of gold—without triggering investor panic or selling winners? In this episode, host Pierre Daillie sits down with Mike Philbrick, CEO at ReSolve Asset Management, co-founders, along with Newfound Research, of the Return Stacked ETFs Suite, to unpack a strategy that’s been in the institutional playbook for decades but is now accessible to everyday investors: return stacking. Against today’s backdrop of persistent inflation, volatile markets, and shifting perceptions of alternative assets, Philbrick explains why gold and Bitcoin are moving from “fringe” to “foundational” in modern portfolios—and how the RSSX ETF offers a disciplined, behaviorally resilient way to integrate them without sacrificing the stocks and bonds investors know and trust. From the behavioral traps that cause investors to abandon diversifiers at the worst moments, to the portfolio math that shows how modest allocations can improve returns and reduce risk, this conversation delivers both the “why” and the “how” of strategic diversification. Philbrick also addresses the shifting reputational risk for advisors—from owning Bitcoin to not owning it—and the growing regulatory clarity that’s opening the floodgates for institutional adoption.

In this episode of 'Insight is Capital,' Mark Robinson, the 'sh*tty leadership guy', and founder of The Sh*tty Leadership Series, joins us for a terrific conversation. With over 30 years of experience in leadership, Mark discusses the pitfalls of ego-driven management and the importance of honest, reflective leadership. We dive into the impact of fake perfection, ego, and micromanagement on team dynamics and innovation. Mark also shares practical advice on how leaders can improve by asking the right questions and fostering a culture of safety and growth. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your career, this episode provides valuable insights to help you lead like a real human, not just a manager.

What do advisors do when markets feel like a giant game of Jenga—top-heavy, fragile, and unpredictable with every move? Ahmed Farooq, Senior VP and Head of ETF Distribution at Franklin Templeton Canada joins us to explore how smart ETF design, active fixed income, and global diversification are helping advisors rebuild sturdier portfolios for an increasingly uncertain world. 🎧 Summary: In this episode, host Pierre Daillie welcomes Ahmed Farooq, for a wide-ranging, insight-packed conversation on the evolution of ETF usage by Canadian advisors. From navigating tariff turmoil and Mag-7 concentration risk to building smarter income solutions and global diversification strategies, Ahmed shares a front-line perspective from the road across Canada. He explains how Franklin Templeton is responding to market demand with low-cost passive offerings, factor-based ETFs like their Low Volatility High Dividend suite, and precision-focused actively managed fixed income solutions that are reshaping how advisors approach portfolio construction. With advisors seeking both protection and income, Farooq explains why it's time to get comfortable with complexity—because simplicity in this market can be costly.

🎯 "Investors Aren’t Just Asking ‘Will I Have Enough?’—They’re Asking ‘Will I Be Okay?’" In this episode of Insight is Capital, we're joined by Sam Febbraro, SVP of Wealth Solutions at Canada Life and President & CEO of Canada Life Investment Management Ltd.. With fresh insights from Canada Life’s 2025 Abacus Data survey in hand, Sam offers a compelling look at how Canadians are thinking about their investments, what’s driving client confidence (and where it breaks down), and why the role of the advisor has never been more important—or more human. 📝 Summary Sam Febbraro reveals how today’s investors are navigating a complex web of economic uncertainty, inflation pressures, and shifting priorities. It’s no longer just about performance—it’s about resilience, safety, and purpose. Drawing on the latest investor sentiment data, Sam explains why financial advisors must evolve from product-focused strategists to trusted navigators and educators. He outlines the power of segregated funds to deliver peace of mind and estate efficiency, underscores the importance of bridging the financial literacy gap, and calls on advisors to boldly articulate their value in a post-CRM3 world.

🎯 What if you could protect your portfolio during market crashes, boost returns, and still keep your core investments intact? That’s not a fantasy—it’s the power of trend following / managed futures via return stacking, and it's finally accessible to everyday investors. 🎙️ In this episode of Raise Your Average, Pierre Daillie sits down with Rodrigo Gordillo, President of ReSolve Asset Management, co-creators of the Return Stacked ETFs suite, for a deep dive into one of investing’s best-kept secrets: managed futures. Long embraced by institutions for their ability to deliver uncorrelated, crisis-resistant returns, managed futures are finally breaking into mainstream portfolios—thanks to innovations in return stacking. Rodrigo breaks it all down: why trend following works, how behavioral biases create opportunities, and how stacking strategies like RSST and RSBT let you keep your equities and bonds while adding diversifiers like managed futures on top. It’s a smarter way to use leverage, designed not to chase returns, but to smooth them out—even in the roughest markets. Whether you're trying to improve performance, reduce downside, or ease your clients’ diversification anxiety, this episode gives you the tools to rethink how portfolios are built in the modern era. ✅ Key Takeaways: • Trend following works because human behavior is predictable—anchoring, herding, and slow adjustments to new info create patterns to exploit. • Managed futures offer rare benefits: real diversification, low correlation to stocks and bonds, and strong upside when markets tumble.Return stacking lets you “stack” strategies like managed futures on top of your core holdings, without having to sell your stocks or bonds. • ETFs like RSST and RSBT make return stacking simple and accessible—bringing institutional tools to retail investors.You can use them to amplify returns or solve behavioral roadblocks—like line-item regret or clients abandoning good strategies at the wrong time. • Leverage becomes your friend when applied to uncorrelated assets. Used correctly, it reduces drawdowns and improves compounding.

Forget what you thought about merger arbitrage — it’s no longer out of reach for individual investors and advisors. In this episode, Corey Hoffstein, CIO at Newfound Research and co-creator of Return Stacked ETFs, joins us for a deep dive into merger arbitrage — a long-used institutional strategy that’s now accessible to retail and advisor portfolios via the RSBA ETF (Return Stacked Bonds & Arbitrage ETF) Corey explains that merger arbitrage isn’t just about betting on deals; it’s about systematically capturing a risk premium tied to time and deal closure uncertainty. With low correlation to stocks, bonds, and credit spreads, merger arb serves as a powerful diversifier — especially in today’s tight credit environment. The discussion covers how RSBA overlays this risk premium on top of core U.S. Treasuries, allowing investors to enhance returns without sacrificing their bond sleeve. Corey unpacks the return stacking framework, behavioral benefits, and why this method reduces "line item risk" while expanding portfolio breadth. This isn’t just theory — it’s a practical way for advisors and investors to get exposure to uncorrelated return streams, preserve core holdings, and finally access what institutions have done for decades.

In this episode, Pierre Daillie sit down with Eli Yufest, Executive Director of The Canadian ETF Association (CETFA), for a sharp and revealing conversation about the future of Canada’s ETF industry. Yufest gets right down to it: beyond the Canadian ETF industry's assets under management, more than $230 billion of Canadian investor capital has left the country—straight into U.S.-listed ETFs—and he’s sounding the alarm on what’s at stake if that trend continues. With ETFs now pushing close to $600 billion in assets under management at home, CETFA is stepping up with a full-court press—launching bold educational campaigns, ramping up advocacy efforts, and pushing for smart policy changes. From regulatory risks and investor misconceptions to a tidal wave of U.S. share-class products set to flood the market, this episode digs into the real pressures threatening Canada's investment ecosystem—and the plan to keep it thriving. What if the biggest threat to Canada’s financial future isn’t inflation or interest rates—but our own indifference to homegrown ETFs?

This investment strategy adds alpha, cuts risk, and doesn’t touch your core portfolio. In this episode, Mike Philbrick breaks down how systematic macro strategies can offer powerful diversification benefits—and how Return Stacked™ portfolios make it possible for investors to keep their traditional equity and bond allocations intact while layering on a return stream designed to thrive in challenging market environments. Mike and Pierre unpack the behavioral pitfalls of traditional diversification, the institutional roots of portable alpha, and how the RGBM ETF (Return Stacked™ Global Balanced & Macro) helps solve the portfolio funding dilemma for Canadian investors.

Pierre Daillie and Mike Philbrick welcome Tony Dong—Lead ETF Analyst at ETF Central and founder of ETF Portfolio Blueprint— to the show to explore why investors may need to rethink their reliance on traditional portfolio diversifiers like long-term bonds. Dong pulls no punches, calling out the pitfalls of covered call ETFs, explaining how to think critically about buy-write strategies, and championing capital-efficient alternatives like return stacking, trend-following CTAs, and risk-managed overlays. The trio also dig into the strategic case for overlooked assets like Swiss equities and the Swiss franc, while sharing practical insights into investor behavior, rebalancing discipline, and building resilient portfolios in a stagflation-prone world.