Wealth advisor Todd MacKenzie (left) and client Andrew Swindell say that the best outcomes come from a relationship built on trust and openness.SUPPLIED
When veteran wealth advisor Todd MacKenzie, CFA and longtime client Andrew Swindell sit down together, the discussion goes far beyond market trends or investment returns. Their conversations touch on family, future plans and the values that guide every decision. It’s a dialogue built on trust, and one that brings a sense of clarity and calm.
What has working together given Mr. Swindell? “Peace of mind,” he says. “I don’t need to worry about whether my wife and kids are in good hands.”
Wealth planning, after all, isn’t just about numbers. It’s about creating confidence for the years ahead. That begins with a strong advisor-client relationship rooted in a shared understanding.
Leading the Legacy Tree Wealth team with National Bank Financial Wealth Management in Waterloo, Ont., Mr. MacKenzie brings deep experience in finance and portfolio management. But he agrees that the best results depend on something else too. “As long as there’s transparency and a truthful dialogue, you can execute on financial strategies and goals.”
He and Mr. Swindell were friends first, meeting about 15 years ago. He became a client in 2020, the year his father passed away, leaving him an inheritance that he felt required more support than the online option could provide.
“It was a huge amount compared to what I had saved up previously, and I felt it was time to seek out professional advice. Todd had a great track record. I’ve always gone to him for advice, and it just seemed time for the big leagues.”
As the executor of his father’s estate, Mr. Swindell had to navigate the probate process, which took until 2021. “There’s a lot of hoops to jump through, and Todd helped through all of it,” he says.
In addition to bringing his own capabilities, Mr. MacKenzie can draw on the estate and tax expertise available from National Bank Financial Wealth Management. This pool of expertise helps him provide better service for clients.
“I say I’m the quarterback of the relationship, but I’m relying on a lot of teammates and experts,” says Mr. MacKenzie.
This kind of productive relationship exemplifies why National Bank Financial Wealth Management has ranked first (two years running) in Advised Investor Satisfaction according to J.D. Power.
Given the great wealth transfer between Canadian baby boomers and their heirs this decade, there are increasing opportunities for younger investors make the jump from do-it-yourself financial planning to wealth advisors. Nearly a third of Canadian DIYers say they intend to engage on some level with an advisor in the next 12 months, according to the J.D. Power 2025 Canada Investor Satisfaction Study. Most of them (77 per cent) fall within the Gen Z or Gen Y cohorts.
When it comes to what drives client satisfaction in the study , trust and personal relationships are the top two foundational components, followed by ease of doing business.
“Trust is absolutely table stakes, but you have to be able to execute on the plan that’s set out with clients,” says Mr. MacKenzie.
He and Mr. Swindell can talk about everything, from what-if scenarios to everyday financial decisions. When Mr. Swindell needed a new vehicle, he even turned to Mr. MacKenzie to help arrange financing. National Bank provided the loan.
Turning clients’ ambitions into reality hinges on grasping their concrete financial goals and their broader aspirations. The best wealth partners keep both in mind to provide truly personalized service.
Mr. MacKenzie strives to forge that sort of bond with every client. Circumstances can always change, he says. You can lose a job or win the lottery, get an inheritance or have health challenges in the family. What remains constant is the trust in the relationship, and his desire to support clients in their path.
“Tell me what changes in your life. That’s your only duty to me. I can take over everything else,” Mr. MacKenzie says.
Connect with Todd or discover other outstanding wealth advisors at NBFWM
Full Disclaimer
National Bank Financial received the highest score in the J.D. Power 2024 Canada Full-Service Investor Satisfaction Study and in the advised segment of the J.D. Power 2025 Canada Investor Satisfaction Studies, which measures the satisfaction of investors who may engage with any financial advisor(s). For J.D. Power award information, visit jdpower.com/awards.
National Bank Financial - Wealth Management (NBFWM) is a division of National Bank Financial Inc. (NBF), as well as a trademark owned by National Bank of Canada (NBC) that is used under license by NBF. NBF is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NBC, a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA).
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio with National Bank. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.