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Maryana Sokolyuk, MBA, FCSI®, CIM®, RIAC

Portfolio Manager, Wealth Manager

T 514-281-8697

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Languages: French, English, Russian, Ukrainian, Polish

Biography

Maryana Sokolyuk has over 23 years of experience in financial services and marketing. She joined the Wermenlinger Advisory Group in 2009, becoming an associate partner of the Group (recently renamed Wermenlinger Sokolyuk Group) in 2021. Maryana holds a master’s in marketing and a master’s in business administration (MBA) for executives specializing in financial services from the École des sciences de la gestion, Université du Québec à Montréal. She has also earned the highest credential in Canadian financial services, FCSI (Fellow of CSI), and holds RIAC certification from the Canadian Responsible Investment Association.

Maryana is known for her efficiency and her leadership skills. She is an competent portfolio manager with an enviable capacity for learning and an impressive memory. Maryana has occupied several positions on the team, mastering all aspects of her profession. Our clients and colleagues value her professionalism, reliability, expertise and integrity. Maryana is known for her lively spirit, her excellent listening skills and the attention she gives to each client.

Groupe Wermenlinger Sokolyuk

30 years of experience in wealth management for sophisticated investors and high net worth families

We are Wermenlinger Sokolyuk Group (GWS), a group of advisors offering sustainable financial strategies for high net worth investors. Our team specializes in integrated wealth management, providing discretionary portfolio management along with tax and estate strategies. Our inclusive consulting approach is designed to meet the objectives of both the couple and each individual, including tax and business requirements. In other words, we manage your entire family’s wealth to cover the needs of every generation.

Our investment style is focused on asset growth and conservation, avoiding speculative trends. Our group’s members all share the same strong commitment to sustainable finance. For us, responsible investing is not simply a new fad, it’s a paradigm that’s here to stay. We know how to manage risks related to climate change and our investment approach follows the principles of sustainable development. Because we believe it is possible to grow your portfolio while leaving a positive legacy for future generations!

Mission

To help our clients achieve their life goals through integrated wealth management and sustainable investment, while building trusting relationships that redefine their outlook on financial planning.

Investment Philosophy

Our investment philosophy focuses on diversification, rigorous research, a commitment to sustainable investment and the pursuit of tax optimization. In other words, we have the knowledge and skills to help you seize opportunities and reduce risks, while building a solid future for the next generation.

We believe that a solid and structured investment strategy provides value over time and results in a higher degree of confidence. Over the years, we have developed the following convictions:

  1. The best investment approach involves building a portfolio with a variety of asset classes (liquidity, bonds, Canadian equities, foreign equities, real estate, alternative investments, etc.), based on risk and return criteria as determined through rigorous analyses.
  2. Asset allocation has a greater impact on achieving investment objectives than the selection of securities. The best way to maximize returns is to ensure that assets are allocated wisely while carefully managing risk.
  3. Diversification is key to managing risk and preserving capital.
  4. In this complex, constantly changing world, it’s important to consult diverse and independent sources of macroeconomic and financial information.
  5. Integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into a portfolio strategy minimizes several long-term risks, particularly those related to climate change.
  6. Costs erode investor returns. Antidote: the added value provided by experienced portfolio managers.
  7. Taxes can substantially reduce portfolio returns. To counter this, it’s important to minimize the impacts of capital gains.

In short, our approach involves investing solely in asset classes that allow us to build diversified and profitable portfolios. Rather than simply selecting stocks or passively tracking stock indexes, we build our strategy by including a variety of asset classes, with risk and return criteria that are based on sound scientific analysis.

We adhere to a structured methodology, applied systematically

Financial science offers benchmarks for identifying sources of return and risk for each investment. Our tools and experience will help you achieve your financial goals while enjoying peace of mind. Our six-step investment process is rigorously applied to every portfolio we manage:

  1. Analyze the macroeconomic context
  2. Research and analyze various asset classes
  3. Control costs
  4. Optimize the portfolio’s tax strategies
  5. Manage the risks associated with each asset class
  6. Build and review the portfolio

 

What sets us apart

An experienced, multidisciplinary and diverse team

For over 30 years, we have been supporting our clients through the important phases of their lives. We help guide decision-making at life’s happy milestones (a birth, the sale or transfer of a business, retirement, a home purchase), and provide reassurance during more difficult periods (an accident, job loss, divorce, death).

Having navigated many economic cycles with our clients, we can effectivelyanticipate investor reactions through the ups and downs of the market. Our experience has shown the importance of educating our clients on economic issues and the latter’s potential impact on wealth planning. Our advisors take the time to explain market events to each family member, account for the unique concerns of every generation.

Customer service and investment decisions are a team effort. All members of the group deploy their complementary skills to help develop our clients’ financial strategies. In addition to portfolio managers Laurent Wermenlinger and Maryana Sokolyuk, our team also includes a financial and tax planning expert, an assistant advisor and two administrative assistants. Our diversity provides us with a deep understanding of multiple cultures and the ability to communicate in seven different languages. We have nurtured this asset by prioritizing the value of inclusivity that underpins our approach to team management.

We provide an inclusive and distinctive client experience

Because we focus on long-term relationships, we favour a comprehensive client approach that accounts for all aspects of your family’s financial profile. We oversee the maintenance and growth of your wealth, develop your investment portfolio and management your risks. This is achieved through a six-step process:

  1. Getting to know you: First, we schedule an introductory meeting to assess your situation, needs and objectives.
  2. Establishing the foundation of our relationship: At our second meeting, we present our analysis and recommendations for achieving your goals.
  3. Deepening the discussion: We present you with a personalized policy and investment strategy. Once the plan is approved, we work with your family to achieve your goals.
  4. Following up: During this next meeting, we go over your documentation and provide a progress report on your portfolio’s development.
  5. Firming up your financial plan: We schedule a second follow-up meeting to review your portfolio and address your other financial needs.
  6. Staying in touch and responding quickly to major life events: We continue to build trust through regular check-ins to monitor your financial situation and explain our results. We also respond quickly to inevitable yet sometimes unexpected life events.

 

Values

Our values allow us to build close relationships with our clients

Performance - In portfolio management, each source of return is important. We make every effort to create value and protect our clients’ wealth. From strategy to execution, we don’t let any opportunity pass by.

Transparency - We listen carefully to our clients and take the time to explain the reasoning behind all our decisions. We believe in proactive communication and take an approach to compensation that helps ensure objectivity.

Expertise - We put our many years of experience and our complementary skills at the service of our clients. We are committed to continuing education and stay abreast of market trends.

Commitment - We’re dedicated to helping families improve their financial knowledge. We take pride in delivering results and are wholly committed to meeting your needs.

Integrity - Our authenticity and honesty cultivate trust and credibility with our clients. We have proudly built our business on referrals and will never compromise our integrity. 

Rigour - We take a consultative approach, with a structured method that relies on facts, not intuition. Our investment process is based on extensive, diligent research of the economy and the financial markets.

Diversity - We encourage debate and believe that diversity is an asset. We understand that it takes a variety of ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds to ensure success. 

Service Offer

We provide services to meet all your financial needs

We are, first and foremost, portfolio managers. We apply our expertise in order to:

  • Develop investment policies based on our clients’ objectives and risk tolerance.
  • Build portfolios according to the principles of structured asset class management
  • Regularly rebalance our clients’ portfolios and optimize their tax strategies.

Over the past 30 years, we’ve developed a proven approach to investment. Our goals remain consistent: Maximize our clients’ returns through proper asset allocation and rigorous risk management.

Private management services: the ultimate ally in integrated financial planning

GWS believes in taking an integrated approach to wealth management for high net worth families, which requires the coordination of multiple services. Thanks to our partnership with Desjardins Securities, we have the necessary tools to develop a comprehensive, centralized financial plan. We call upon the most experienced professionals in our extensive network to collaborate in your financial planning.

When it comes to private banking, we also offer comprehensive reports on our client’s current and projected financial situation. These reports cover a range of factors such as:

  • Short- and long-term financial goals
  • Analysis of liquidity needs and tax considerations
  • Risk management
  • Retirement planning1
  • Tax and estate planning 1
  • Financial support for education
  • Gift planning
  • Stock option analysis
  • Financial impact resulting from the purchase or sale of a business
  • Employment contracts
  1. Through Desjardins Securities Financial Services. Retour à la référence de la note de bas de page 1

Biographies of my colleagues

  • Laurent Wermenlinger, FCSI®, CIM®, F. Pl, RIAC

    Portfolio Manager, Senior Wealth Manager

    T 514-985-7561

    Languages: French, English

    Linkedin

    Laurent Wermenlinger has over 30 years of experience in financial services. Laurent holds portfolio manager and financial planner designations, as well as RIAC certification from the Canadian Responsible Investment Association. He joined Desjardins Securities in December 2006 as a portfolio manager, offering portfolio management and private banking services to a prestigious clientele. Previously, Laurent was President and CEO of a private wealth management firm that he co-founded in 1996. In addition to his role as business manager, he served as a portfolio manager and chaired the investment committee.

    Laurent is known for his friendly demeanour and his authenticity. With his supportive and open attitude and his contagious wit, he’s always a welcome presence. A passionate individual, he consistently brings value to the table thanks to his wide and varied interests. Our clients truly appreciate how available and accessible he is. Laurent offers each and every client the same level of quality service and dedication.

  • Mario Sylvestre, F. Pl, CPA, CGA

    Financial Planner

    T 514-985-7562

    Languages: French, English

    Mario Sylvestre joined our group in December 2006. Previously, he held a position as a financial planning executive and was a senior tax advisor for the firm founded by Laurent Wermenlinger in 1996. Mario holds a bachelor’s in business administration and accounting from HEC Montréal and is a member of the Ordre des CPA, CGA and the Institut québécois de planification financière. His extensive expertise in tax and financial planning is an undeniable asset for our clients.

    At first meeting, Mario is often perceived as a quiet and serious individual. But once you get to know him, his endearing personality, wry wit and sense of humour shine through. Mario is a wonderful complement to our team. With his integrity and strong work ethic, he always delivers impeccable service.

    r.

  • Camille Leclerc-Plouffe,

    Assistant Wealth Management Advisor

    T 514-281-7796 ext. 5067796

    Languages: French, English

    Linkedin

    Camille joined Desjardins Securities in 2019 as an administrative assistant. She has a degree in management and fashion design from UQAM's School of Management and completed the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) to learn more about the financial industry. Camille quickly stood out for her determination and professionalism with colleagues.

    Her background in administrative support and customer service is a major asset for her work. She's known for her ability to adapt quickly and communicate effectively with clients and business partners alike.

    Enthusiastic and determined, Camille likes to move and take on new challenges. In her free time, you'll find her skiing on the slopes or cycling on bike trails.

  • Emilie Tremblay, BBA

    Wealth Management Associate

    T 514-281-5909 ext. 5065909

    Languages: French

    Linkedin

    Emilie Tremblay provides valuable support to the group’s advisors. She graduated from Université du Québec à Chicoutimi with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in management and international trade. She has experience in office automation and, most importantly, customer service.

    Enthusiastic and energetic, Emilie immerses herself in all aspects of her work and is keen to expand her skill set. Fully dedicated to providing exceptional service and support, this Saguenay native has an endearing and colourful personality that never fails to charm our clients.

  • Alain Chevalier, MBA, F. Pl

    Business Transfer Coach

    Languages: French, English

    Collaborator | Desjardins Securities Inc.

    Alain Chevalier has over 45 years of experience in the banking industry. He has held different positions within companies involved in financial planning and advisory services.

    By drawing on a coaching approach, he has been able to give a human dimension to his financial planning knowledge, and he has supported more than 1,000 business owners reflect on and carry out their plans to transfer or sell their business. Positioning himself as a coach, he works to ensure that all parties involved can collaborate to achieve a common goal.

  • Vincent Sigouin-Marquis,

    Financial Planner

    Languages: French

    Collaborator | Desjardins Trust Inc.

    Vincent Sigouin-Marquis holds a bachelor's degree with a double major in applied economics and finance from HEC Montréal. He has held a number of roles within Desjardins. After completing his master's degree in taxation, he joined an accounting firm and refined his expertise by accepting tax consulting mandates and compliance projects. He's been working in the Financial Planning Services Department since 2022. He helps high-net-worth clients set up a clear plan that reflects their wishes and guides them towards their goals.

  • Équipe de notaires,

    Languages: French, English

    Collaborators | Desjardins Wealth Management

    GENEVIÈVE FOREST

    Geneviève Forest is a notary and serves as a senior estate planning advisor at Desjardins Wealth Management.

     

    GENEVIÈVE D’AMOURS

    Geneviève D'Amours, who has been a notary since 2009, serves as a senior estate planning advisor at Desjardins Wealth Management.

     

    AMANDINE BOURILLON, D.S.N.

    Amandine Bourillon has completed studies in notarial law in both France and Quebec and is a senior estate planning advisor at Desjardins Wealth Management.

     

    ANDRÉ AUCLAIR

    André Auclair is a notary and serves as a senior estate planning advisor at Desjardins Wealth Management.

     

    CATHERINE BEAUCHAMP

    Catherine Beauchamp is a notary and is currently a team leader and senior estate planning advisor at Desjardins Wealth Management.

  • Sonia Jolette,

    Financial Security Advisor

    Languages: French, English

    Collaborators | Desjardins Securities Financial services inc.

    Sonia has over 27 years of experience in the financial industry, including several years as a partner in her own financial services firm, creating and developing a high-quality brokerage services. Sonia has been with Desjardins since 2013 and continues her mission of implementing financial strategies aimed at protecting and maximizing the wealth of her clients. Serving clients stand out from her listening skills, expertise and disciplined approach, providing tailored solutions that address their needs and concerns. Sonia leverages her skills, professionalism, professionalism and authenticity to put client first in her recommendations. 

  • Équipe de conseillers principaux en fiscalité,

    Languages: French, English

    Collaborators | Wealth Management

    Jérôme Dostie-Bourgault

    A lawyer by trade for over 10 years, Jérôme specialized in international taxation with a global professional services firm. He quickly turned his attention to individuals facing challenges abroad—particularly in the United States—whether in business or not.

    Mathieu Pelletier

    Mathieu has a master's degree in taxation and has been working as a tax specialist since 2016 after many years as a financial planner at Desjardins. As a tax specialist, Mathieu has helped business owners with every aspect of their business journey, from the earliest stages to the end of their career, including the sale or transfer of their business.

    Stéphane Thibault

    Stéphane is a chartered professional accountant with a master's degree in tax law. Over the last 15 years, he's gained solid expertise in Canadian and Quebec taxation. He developed in-depth knowledge of tax rules for individuals and businesses, as well as investment, savings and retirement vehicles.

Location

Desjardins Securities at Montréal - Le Windsor

1170, Peel Street
Suite 300
Montréal (Québec) H3B 0A9

514-985-7585 Toll-free : 1-866-985-7585Fax : 514-281-4255

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