Nicola Wealth
Security. Clarity. Confidence. Nicola Wealth provides bespoke wealth management and asset management services to affluent individuals, families, and institutions across Canada.

Our Beginnings
In 1994, with 20 years of experience as a well-respected voice in the industry, John Nicola formed Nicola Wealth, a firm dedicated to serving the complex needs of high-net-worth families, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
Not satisfied with the existing approach and believing a more sophisticated level of planning was necessary, Nicola Wealth has made innovation a foundational cornerstone and continues to target ways to improve client returns and their experience.
Our Growth
Starting out with seven staff and $80-million in assets under management, Nicola Wealth refined and developed its integrated approach to wealth management, including investments, risk management, tax planning, estate planning, and more.
Today, the firm manages over $16-billion in assets, operates with over 500 staff, and serves clients across Canada, advising institutions and high net worth families of all professions and backgrounds.
Executive Team
Chris Nicola, President
As President of Nicola Wealth, Chris Nicola oversees Operations, Corporate Development, Marketing, People & Culture, and Technology, guiding the firm through its next phase of growth. With a planned transition to CEO in January 2026, Chris is working closely with John Nicola and the Executive Team to develop a strategic blueprint for the firm’s ambitious growth plan, driving the organizational transformations necessary to achieve this milestone.
Chris brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial experience, digital leadership, and broad-based management expertise. He is the Co-Founder and former Chief Technology Officer of WealthBar, a pioneering Canadian online wealth management and financial planning platform. His deep understanding of business transformation and technology leadership positions him as a forward-thinking leader, ensuring Nicola Wealth continues to deliver operational excellence, innovation, and meaningful results for its clients. Originally joining Nicola Wealth as a Software Engineer from 2000-2002, Chris played a key role in pivotal technology projects before transitioning to the software development space, where he founded WealthBar.
Chris’s leadership is future-focused, with a strong emphasis on leveraging rapidly evolving technology to deepen Nicola Wealth’s capabilities. His ability to envision the future and lead effective organizational change is crucial in positioning Nicola Wealth as the premier choice for high-net-worth clients looking to build and manage their wealth while making a social impact.
A strong advocate of doing well by doing good, Chris channels his passion for giving back into supporting Canadian entrepreneurship, fostering startups, and driving innovation in the tech industry. His commitment to purpose aligns with Nicola Wealth’s values, ensuring that the firm’s success benefits both its clients and the broader community.
Chris graduated from Queen’s University with both a Bachelor of Science, Engineering in Applied Math (Computing and Communications), and a Master of Science in Applied Math. He serves on the Board various companies and is the Founder and President of the Polyglot Software Association.
David Sung, CFP®, CIM®, CLU®, CHS™Executive Vice Chair & President of InstitutionalClient Relationship Manager
David Sung brings unparalleled expertise and strategic leadership to his role as Executive Vice Chair of the Board and President of Institutional at Nicola Wealth. Tasked with expanding the firm’s institutional business, David leads efforts to build key partnerships and position Nicola Wealth as an emerging competitor in Canada’s institutional investment landscape. His strategic focus includes enhancing offerings for foundations, endowments, pensions, family offices, First Nations portfolios, and other institutional clients, ensuring the firm delivers comprehensive, tailored solutions that meet their complex financial needs.
With over three decades of experience in wealth management, David has been instrumental in Nicola Wealth’s national expansion and its reputation as a leader in advanced financial planning. He has overseen the development of a robust investment platform spanning public markets, private assets, and real estate, delivering superior results for high-net-worth families, corporations, and charitable endowments. His forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of the firm’s investment strategy equip him to drive Nicola Wealth’s institutional growth while continuing to serve key high-net-worth clients. David’s leadership reflects the firm’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation, ensuring it evolves to meet the complex needs of its clients.
David’s commitment to community engagement is evident through his involvement in various organizations. David is currently Chair of the Board of the Vancouver Police Foundation (VPF) as well as Chair of the Arts Umbrella Foundation Board. He is also an active member of the BC YPO Chapter (Young President’s Organization). David is a Past President of the Arbutus Club, past Vice-Chair of the Board of the Museum of Vancouver, and past board member of the Vancouver Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).
David was named to Vancouver Magazine’s 2024 Power 50 List, highlighting his impact in the areas of finance and charity. His deep ties to the community, combined with his leadership in wealth management, make him a trusted advisor and influential figure in the industry. In 2025, he was once again named to Vancouver Magazine's 2025 Power 50 List alongside John Nicola, highlighting their shared commitment to giving back.
Prior to joining Nicola Wealth, David started Waterstreet Wealth Management, eventually merging with Nicola in 2004. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, David is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and was part of the inaugural cohort at the Family Enterprise Advisor Program (FEA) through UBC’s Sauder School of Business, Family Business Center.
Jamie Duncan, Chief Operating Officer
Jamie Duncan has been with Nicola Wealth since its inception and has been instrumental in building the firm into what it is today. Over her three decades of leadership, she has overseen the company’s growth from $80 million to over $16 billion in assets under management (AUM), playing a key role in developing the infrastructure and award-winning culture that has supported this remarkable success.
With over 30 years in a senior leadership role, Jamie focuses on managing the operational and financial aspects of the firm. Her deep understanding of Nicola Wealth’s core values and her operational expertise have been integral to the firm’s long-term success. Her impact and contributions have created a legacy of operational excellence that continues to shape the company’s future.
Beyond operations, Jamie is passionate about philanthropy and is committed to expanding Nicola Wealth’s philanthropic platform. As Chair of the Philanthropy Advisory Board, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s charitable initiatives, fostering a culture of giving back to the community.
Jamie completed her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, as well as her Master of Business Administration in Executive Management at Royal Roads University. She is a long-standing member of TEC Canada, a leadership organization for the personal and professional development of Chief Executives.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking on the North Shore trails, and traveling.
John Nicola, CFP®, CLU®, CHFCChairman, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer
A veteran of the financial services industry since 1974, John provides strategic leadership to Nicola Wealth, exercising his passion for providing innovative solutions to clients’ complex problems.
His areas of expertise include investment management, estate and financial planning, as well as business planning with a focus on best practices for wealth building, exit strategies, and shareholder agreements.
In 2011, John was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Financial and Professional Services, Pacific Region). In 2015, he was named B.C. CEO of the Year (Small-Medium Private Company) by Business In Vancouver. In 2016, he was recognized as one of Canada’s Most Admired CEOs. Recently, he won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Pacific Region) and was one of the ten National Winners of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2022 National Award. In 2023, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Wealth Professional. In 2025, John was inducted into the Business Laureates of BC Hall of Fame., recognizing his decades-long contributions to business and philanthropy. He was also named to Vancouver Magazine's 2025 Power 50 List alongside David Sung, highlighting their shared commitment to giving back.
John currently serves as Chair of the Nicola Wealth Board of Directors. Additionally, he is a Founding Member of CALU (Conference for Life Underwriters) and has continued to contribute to the organization for example, by serving as Chair for the 2003 annual meeting.
John has used his business acumen to help develop and grow several not-for-profit organizations over a number of years. These include Covenant House, an organization providing safe housing and holistic care to at-risk youth ages 12-24, The Pivot Law Society, a volunteer legal society defending the underrepresented issues facing Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and Bulembu International, a foundation dedicated to helping an abandoned African mining village become self-sufficient.
Vanessa Flockton, CFP®, CIM®President, Private WealthClient Relationship Manager
As President of Nicola Wealth’s Private Wealth division, Vanessa Flockton leads a team of over 180 wealth management and insurance professionals across Canada. In her role, Vanessa oversees the strategic direction of Nicola Wealth’s wealth advisory team, ensuring an integrated and individualized client experience.
Vanessa plays a pivotal role in the firm’s national growth strategy, spearheading advisor recruitment and professional development. She actively cultivates future advisors and enhances the firm’s internal talent pipeline. Her ability to attract and develop high-performing advisors, coupled with her focus on fostering trusted, long-term client relationships, is integral to Nicola Wealth’s success in managing client wealth and achieving long-term financial goals.
In addition to her leadership role, Vanessa continues to serve high-net-worth clients, leveraging her profound understanding of their complex financial needs to deliver innovative and tailored wealth management solutions. Her client-centric approach and unwavering commitment to service excellence ensure that each client receives personalized financial planning designed to secure financial stability and peace of mind.
Vanessa’s influence extends beyond Nicola Wealth’s Private Wealth division leadership and client work. She is a member of the Nicola Wealth Board of Directors, contributing to the firm’s strategic direction. Additionally, she serves on the board of directors of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, underscoring her strong commitment to community and child health in British Columbia.
Vanessa is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and holds the Canadian Investment Manager (CIM®) designation. She is a member in good standing of the Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC) and the Financial Advisors Association of Canada (Advocis).
Originally from Ontario, Vanessa graduated with Great Distinction from McGill University’s Bachelor of Commerce program, with a minor in Chinese Languages and Literature, during which she spent time studying in China.
Danielle Skipp, LL.BManaging Director, Ontario
In her role as Managing Director, Ontario at Nicola Wealth, Danielle contributes to the identification, development, and execution of Nicola Wealth’s strategic initiatives including the firm’s ongoing national expansion strategy. She couples her passion for innovative and creative business strategies with her legal skills cultivated through many roles covering 25 years in financial services.
Danielle thrives on bringing cross functional teams together to learn and execute collaboratively. Prior to joining Nicola Wealth, Danielle worked for the Canadian Banking Association, CIBC, UBS and two private asset management companies navigating legal, regulatory and operational issues increasingly focused on digital innovation.
In addition to her work, Danielle enthusiastically gives back to her profession and her community. In April 2020 she was appointed to serve on the University of Toronto Governing Council. Danielle is the Chair of 100 Women in Finance Canada, a global organization with over 15,000 members committed to empowering women working in the finance industry to achieve their professional potential at each career stage. She is a former Co-Chair of the Manager’s Only Committee for the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) Canada and continues to contribute to the asset management professional community through speaking engagements at industry conferences. In 2018 Danielle joined the board of directors of Ridge Canada Cyber Solutions, a managing general insurance agency incorporated to provide cyber insurance products, consulting and loss control services to insurance agents and brokers.
Danielle graduated from the University of British Columbia with her LL.B and is called to the bar in both British Columbia and Ontario.
Shelley Balshine, Vice President & General Counsel
In her role as General Counsel at Nicola Wealth, Shelley oversees the legal, governance and compliance department and provides direction regarding all legal, compliance and regulatory matters within the firm. Prior to joining Nicola Wealth, Shelley worked for Torys LLP, Stikeman Elliott LLP and another private asset management firm navigating regulatory, legal and operational issues. Shelley is a seasoned legal, regulatory and compliance professional, and her knowledge and expertise make her a vital asset to the firm in all areas of day-to-day business matters.
Shelley graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Laws degree. She also studied at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies earning a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, and a Bachelor of Arts at McGill University where she graduated with First Class Honours.
As a member of the Law Society of British Columbia and the Canadian Bar Association, Shelley showcases her commitment to professional excellence and upholding the highest standards in her field. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Shelley actively engages in her children's school communities through volunteering.
When Shelley isn’t overseeing the daily legal matters at Nicola Wealth, she enjoys travelling, cooking, skiing, and swimming. Shelley also enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and adorable dog.
Address: Suite 500, 1508 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1W8 Canada
Phone: +1 604-739-6450
FAX: +1 604-739-6451
Toll-Free:: +1 800-219-8032
Address: Suite 801, North Tower, 175 Bloor Street East, Toronto, ON M4W 3R8 Canada
Phone: +1 416-519-7222
FAX: +1 416-551-8846
Toll-Free:: +1-844-519-7222
Address: Suite 1120, 333 11th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0C5 Canada
Phone: +1 587-797-3303
FAX: +1 825-415-5887
Address: Suite 910, 1631 Dickson Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 0B5 Canada
Phone: +1 250-763-9757
FAX: +1 250-763-9706
Toll-Free:: +1-855-763-9757
Address: Suite 700, 880 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2B7 Canada
Phone: +1 236-800-4777
FAX: +1 250-853-2894
Address: Suite 125, 240 Chrislea Road, Woodbridge, ON L4L 8V1 Canada
Phone: +1 416-823-9223
FAX: +1 343-286-0259
Nicola Wealth Real Estate
Address: Suite 1400, 1100 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4A6 Canada
Phone: +1 604-235-2577
FAX: +1 604-739-6451
Toll-Free:: +1-800-219-8032 Nicola Wealth Real Estate is the in-house real estate team of Nicola Wealth Management Ltd.
Nicola Institutional Realty Advisors
Toronto Location
Address: Suite 5702, Scotia Plaza, 40 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 3Y2 Canada
Phone: +1 416-603-3900
FAX: +1 416-603-4366
Surrey Location
Address: 2153 Central City, 10153 King George, Surrey, BC V3T 2W1 Canada
Phone: +1 604-588-5271
FAX: +1 604-588-8124