Markus B. Stranz, CFP, CIM, CIWM, FMA, TEP, FCSI
Markus is a wealth advisor with National Bank Financial and brings over 20 years of experience as an authority on finance and investments, through his range of work experience and in-depth market knowledge. He manages money for individuals and corporate investors that value long-term growth, income generation, with an emphasis on capital preservation. Markus provides customized financial solutions and places a premium on exceptional client service. Prior to becoming an advisor with NBF, Markus was a financial planner at Corporate Planning Associates in Toronto, providing comprehensive financial and estate planning for corporate executives and professional athletes.
An advocate of life-long learning, Markus graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University where he earned a Bachelors degree in Economics and after graduation completed a Diploma in Accounting (also, at WLU).
As a wealth advisor, there are mandatory education requirements that must be successfully completed prior to providing investment advice to clients. However, Markus always felt that basic education was not sufficient to provide his clients with superior investment solutions that his clients demanded for their unique situations. Markus became a “Certified Financial Planner” (CFP) in 1999. The CFP is the highest standard in the financial planning industry and is recognized as the financial planning’s highest standard around the world. Also, Markus was bestowed the coveted FCSI designation in 2001. This title is reserved for financial service professionals who have met the most exacting standards for industry experience, advanced education and solid endorsement from their peers and superiors. It is only awarded to industry professionals whose superior training and experience exemplify excellence. The FCSI is the highest honour in the financial services industry.
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
The CFP designation is the industry gold standard in financial planning. CFP professionals are the largest identifiable body of licensed financial planners in Canada with over 18,000 individuals meeting the strict standards to attain this designation.
Chartered Investment Manager (CIM)
Successful completion of the courses required for the CIM designation allows Registered Representatives (RRs) from the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) member firms to provide discretionary investment management for clients. Financial professionals who hold the CIM designation are eligible for registration as a Portfolio Manager.
Chartered Strategic Wealth Professional (CSWP)
The CSWP designation is a specialized wealth management designation in Canada developed to help advisors service the increasing number of clients who have complex financial needs. It is the only wealth management designation built specifically to manage the complex financial needs of affluent clients. CSWP designation holders are trusted financial consultants who possess an exceptional amount of wealth management expertise. They are capable of coordinating every financially related aspect of their clients’ lives.
Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM)
The Canadian based Chartered Strategic Wealth Professional (CSWP) recently partnered with the Swiss-based Association of International Wealth Management (AIWM) to grant the Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM) designation. The CIWM designation was developed to help advisors service the increasing number of clients who have complex financial needs. It is the only wealth management designation built specifically to manage the complex financial needs of affluent clients. CIWM designation holders are trusted financial consultants who process an exceptional amount of wealth management expertise. They are capable of coordinating every financially related aspect of their clients' lives. The CIWM is the global standard for Strategic Wealth Management.
Financial Management Association (FMA)
The FMA is the global leader in developing and disseminating knowledge about financial decision making. FMA’s members include academicians and practitioners worldwide.
Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP)
A designation granted through the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. The designation is the only widely recognized mark for professionals in the trust and estate administration industry. The TEP designation is the way to formally identify qualified practitioners and distinguish them from non-specialists who occasionally deal with trusts and estates.
Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI)
Representing individual integrity and supreme professionalism, the FCSI is reserved for financial services professional who have met the most exacting standards for industry experience, advanced education and solid endorsement from their peers and superiors. The distinctive gold and black FCSI mark is awarded to industry professional whose superior training and experience exemplify excellence. It is recognized as the highest honour in the financial services industry.
As the financial markets, taxation legislation, and investment products continually evolve, Markus continues to evolve and expands his knowledge to adapt to these changes. Below are some of the more prominent accomplishments successfully obtained with a brief description on what aspect of the designation emphasised. To maintain these designations in good standing, Markus must annually complete continuing education credits to stay current on investments, taxation, and estate planning issues.
Over the years, Markus has been active in the community, volunteering his time with several organizations. In 2002, the City of Kitchener appointed Markus to sit on both the Downtown Advisory Committee and also on the Heritage Committee. Markus has also been actively involved with K-W Oktoberfest for over 20 years under various capacities, including chairing the Lottery Committee, sitting on the Community Advisory Board and sitting for many years on the Board of Directors.
Away from the office, Markus has many interests including running, golf, and sailing. However, his greatest passion is travel. (Although he advises that we each need a financial plan to make it to retirement, he stresses that the ‘Journey’ is equally important as the ‘Destination’). Seeing the world and experiencing different cultures truly inspires him. He particularly enjoys history and visiting United Nation’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites. To date, he has visited over 50 countries. So far, his favourite destinations have been Budapest, Buenos Aires, Cartagena, Dubai, Dubrovnik, and Prague.