About RDBA

Brian Evans, Chair of the Board of Directors for the RDBA.

Brian’s association with the RDBA began almost 25 years ago and he has been connected to the management of the organization for most of those years. Developing a strong Canadian deposit industry in this changing environment for current and future brokers and agents continues to drive his involvement in the association.

Brian is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and manages a financial services business started by his father, W. Laurence Evans in 1965. Deposit products maintain a vital place in the services offered through the financial planning process at Brian J. Evans Financial Services.

Brian and his wife Luanne have six children, all of whom are now married. Family holds a special priority for the couple and should you talk to them, you might have to endure stories of their children and their many grandchildren! Brian is involved in various volunteer opportunities throughout his hometown including his church. Throughout his life, music has held an important place for Brian. As part of the male gospel music group called Reflections Trio, he continues to present music programs at churches, events and senior’s residences throughout the GTA.

David is Chairman and CFO, Fiscal Agents Ltd., an Oakville based Deposit Broker established in 1977.  David was the Co-chair between 2000 and 2002 becoming President of The Federation of Independent Deposit Brokers until 2006, and continues as a member of the board of directors of the Registered Deposit Brokers Association.

Under David’s leadership the organization was transformed from a trade group into a self-regulating organization that has challenged and continues to task the government on over-regulation, acted as public advocate to the benefit of insured deposit holders, by petitioning for the increase in CDIC deposit insurance coverage to its present limit of $100,000.00.

He has held discussions with federal finance Minister Jim Flaherty regarding the reintroduction of the Interest Income deduction, which culminated with the creation of the Tax Free Saving Account scheme.

With over 25 years in the financial industry, Janet has the knowledge and the know how when it comes to serving the needs of the deposit broker community.

Janet began her career at ATB Financial where she spent 16 years working in sales, service and operations.  She then made the move to Bridgewater Bank where she has worked tirelessly overseeing deposit operations while supporting and implementing the business strategy.

Janet is currently the Business Development Manager – Deposits at Bridgewater Bank where she spends her time representing the bank to deposit brokers, aggregators and investment partners.

She enjoys working in the deposit broker community where she can offer her expertise on financial savings products while creating lasting relationships.

Janet is also a mom of two who blows off steam by going on long runs, practicing yoga and hitting the gym. She is a force to be reckoned with.

With over 30 years experience in the financial industry, Barbara is deeply committed to building and maintaining positive client relationships.  She is recognized for her attention to detail, excellent rapport building skills and the passion with which she approaches her work.

In her current role with Scriven’s Insurance and Investment Solutions, Barbara manages the day-to-day asset management of her clients.  Her sound expertise in the industry coupled with her skills as a listener, confidante and connector results in optimal client experiences.

Barbara has served on many boards in the past including as President of the Granite Curling Club in Ottawa.  Barbara is an avid curler in her spare time.

Bill has been a RDBA board member since 2012.  With 35 years in the financial services industry, Bill continues to be fascinated with the ever-changing landscape and how each and every person is impacted by financial issues.

His experience encompasses loans, mortgages, and investment advice in areas of mutual funds and insurance.  He has held his current position as founder and President and CEO of GICdirect.com Financial Services Ltd. for the past 17 years.

Brandon’s extensive financial services experience, coupled with his post-graduate studies in Marketing and Finance make him a valuable addition to the RDBA Board of Directors.

After graduating with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Schulich School of Business, Brandon gained valuable experience working with one of Canada’s largest consulting firms before moving into the financial services industry.   Now with over 15 years of financial services experience, Brandon brings valuable insight into the challenges facing deposit brokers, and their clients.

Brian has been in the financial services industry in a number of capacities for over 35 years. In the past 16 years, his focus has been on insurance and investment regulatory compliance. Brian strongly believes in life-long learning, integrity and the importance of teamwork and communications as key building blocks for success.  He is has been a long time member of Advocis and also sits on the Board of the Association of Canadian Compliance Professionals.

For the past eight years, Brian has served as Senior Compliance Officer for Desjardins Financial Security Investments Inc., part of the Desjardins Group, one of the largest financial institutions in Canada with over $260 billion in total assets, 47,000 employees and seven million members and clients across Canada. It is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada, recognized for its social responsibility and financial stability with a capitalization ratio rated among the best in the industry.

Frank began his financial services career in 1987, working with families and business owners to develop financial plans and implement them with life and health insurance and investment funds.

In 1993, Frank completed the CLU designation and was awarded the Leslie W. Dunstall medal.  Frank then enrolled in the MBA program at the Schulich School of Business while continuing to build his practice.  He graduated with distinction in 1997 and later joined Sun Life’s Canadian individual insurance division where he directed marketing efforts across both managed and external distribution channels, and was a member of the leadership team for the Clarica integration.

By late 2004, Frank assumed the general management role at Page and Associates Ltd.  He now focuses on supporting the firm’s advisors with their affluent and business-owner clients to deliver advanced financial planning, tax and estate planning advice, and portfolio management services.

Gord’s career in financial services spans 40 years and started with heavy equipment financing at Traders Group and Guaranty Trust.  He moved to ATB Financial in 1988, where he became Sr. Vice President, Personal & Business Banking. In that role, Gord was responsible for all branch, mobile and electronic sales channels.
Gord joined General Bank of Canada (GBC) at inception in 2005 as Chief Operating Office where he oversaw all aspects of sales distribution, risk management, deposit gathering, technology partners, administration, customer service and strategy.
A native of Winnipeg, Gord is an active supporter of the United Way, having been Executive Sponsor while at ATB, and a founding member of the Edmonton Major Gifts Committee in 2007. More recently, GBC won the 2015 Small Business Award of Distinction for its employee campaign.
Gord is an avid cyclist and recreational golfer.  He loves to travel and spend time with family.

Mary Rygiel has been a proud RDBA member since 1986 and has served as a director on the RDBA board for over 20 years. She is a licensed mutual fund salesperson, life annuity agent and registered deposit broker.

She started in the financial services industry in a managerial capacity with the banking sector. In 1985 she decided to offer independent, low cost, financial advice to the conservative investor and continues to provide her services in this capacity.

Eileen Schaub, started in the GIC deposit business in 1981, by accepting an accounting position with Credit Foncier located downtown Edmonton.

Eileen’s career in the Financial services area spans 36 years ranging from Trust to Bank, Accounting to Retail Services to Broker Portfolio Management.

While Eileen quickly realized that she was not cut out for Retail services; she has found satisfaction in working with and assisting the Deposit Brokers.  She enjoys being a part of the Deposit Broker network and strives to provide excellent service at all times.

Eileen joined Canadian Western Bank in 1990 (North West Trust at the time) where she is currently managing a team of 8 who administer the Bank’s Broker portfolio.

Desjardins Financial Security Investments, Regina, Saskatchewan

Joseph has over a decade of experience in the Financial Services and GIC Administration business.  As Community Trust’s Account Manager, Deposit Services, he has helped lead the company to more than triple their assets under administration by bringing them together with new resources, brokers and technologies. He has also been heavily involved in keeping Community Trust Company aware of developments in the industry, including those of the RDBA. Before pursuing a career in financial services, he ran a small business promoting travel destinations with a partner to whom he sold the business.

Joseph has been active in volunteer opportunities such as the Canadian Blood Donor Clinic and was even recognized in the Mississauga Times news after his 50th donation over a 20-year period. He has also set up group blood donations through work, friends and family. Joseph plays softball weekly in the summers in a men’s league to keep active and he has regularly taken part in events to benefit Sick Kids, including their outdoor volleyball tournament HEAT WAVE.  Joseph has also been recognized by Google Inc. for contributions to Google Maps by becoming a recognized Local Guide and sponsored by Google for attending and setting up events for their ever-growing suite of applications.

Janet is one of the pioneers developing the deposit-taking program at Peoples Trust over the last 28 years. She is the change leader transforming the deposit services department. Throughout the years she has continued to meet the evolving regulatory environment, internal funding needs, and market conditions.

Overseeing the Agent and Retail channels of deposit operations at Peoples Trust, Janet deploys her expertise in project management, product development, and change management to ensure the success of her team. Having built strong relationships within the Deposit Agent network, Janet is also a strong advocate for customer excellence and financial literacy.