Meet The Team
Senior Investment Advisor
Senior Portfolio Manager
Senior Investment Advisor
Senior Portfolio Manager
Derek has over 28 years of experience as an investment advisor guiding clients through diverse investment markets. He takes a holistic approach to wealth management – helping clients align their financial goals with their personal values and life aspirations. Derek believes that strong, lasting relationships are built on trust, attentive listening, and a deep understanding of each client's unique circumstances.
Derek's investment management style will always be based on prudence and a respect for risk. Whether guiding individuals toward a productive retirement or helping businesses craft forward thinking strategies, he brings a disciplined process that focuses on a caring, hands-on-approach ensuring every recommendation is thoughtful and aligned with your long-term success.
As a Portfolio Manager, Derek holds an MBA majoring in finance and the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designation. As a result, he can offer both discretionary portfolio management along with traditional brokerage models to his clients. Through the TD network of specialists, Derek provides his clients access to a full suite of wealth products such as financial planning, life insurance, will and estate planning, banking, and credit services.
Derek and his wife Bella have one son, Daniel. In his leisure time, Derek loves travelling with his family, golfing, and researching on investments. He also values spending quality time with his friends.
Senior Investment Advisor
Senior Portfolio Manager
Senior Investment Advisor
Senior Portfolio Manager
Michael bought his first stock when he was sixteen years old, and instantly fell in love with the markets. After completing his MBA in Finance from the University of British Columbia and working in the Canadian Diplomatic Service as Vice Consul at the Consulate General in Milan, Italy, Michael entered the Wealth Management business in 2000.
Since that time, Michael has been a wealth steward for the families he works with, always with a commitment to help them define and achieve their financial goals. Michael's approach is rooted in the four pillars of wealth management at TD Wealth: building net worth through careful portfolio construction; implementing tax efficient strategies; protecting what matters; and leaving a legacy.
Michael's career in the industry is deeply anchored to two passions. The first is that his trusted client relationships are a sacred privilege and something to be guarded and cultivated. And the second is his love of the markets. Michael is constantly reading, studying, and seeking to understand domestic and global markets - and he uses that knowledge to help create success for his clients in their wealth strategies.
Michael holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designation and is licensed as a Portfolio Manager. As a result he can offer both discretionary portfolio management along with traditional brokerage models to his clients. Michael is also a Life Insurance Advisor through TD Wealth Insurance Services and by engaging TD specialists he can offer his clients access to a full suite of wealth products such as will and estate planning, banking and credit services, and investment planning.
Michael is married to an amazing woman Clara, an Anglican Priest who is currently working on her PhD. He has two adult daughters that are the pride of his life. Michael is committed to giving back to the community through charitable causes and sport. Michael currently sits on the Board of Trustees for the Bethany Care Society and he has volunteered with refugee relief in Calgary. Michael was also the past President of the Association of Shotokan Karate and was a member of the Canadian Ski Patrol. Michael also enjoys playing his guitar, and golfing, hiking and camping in the beautiful Alberta Rockies.
The Ballendine Thakkar Group is a part of TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. which is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
Client Relationship Associate
Client Relationship Associate
With over 13 years in the financial services industry—and 11 of those spent with The Ballendine Thakkar Group—Michelle brings consistency, precision, and a deep commitment to supporting operational excellence. As an Administrative Associate, Michelle built her career on staying organized, being dependable, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Michelle takes pride in being a go-to resource for the team, whether it’s coordinating projects, managing schedules, streamlining processes, or anticipating needs before they arise. Her longevity in this fast-paced industry has taught her the value of clear communication, adaptability, and maintaining high standards in everything she does.
Michelle is passionate about creating a supportive and efficient environment where the team can thrive—and where clients feel confident they’re in good hands.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter. She is an animal lover who currently has two rescue dogs.
Administrative Associate
Administrative Associate
With over 7 years of experience in the financial services industry, Aehwa brings a passion for client relationship management and regulatory compliance. Aehwa joined The Ballendine Thakkar Group in 2024. As an Administrative Associate, her main focus is improving our clients’ wealth experience, through her knowledge and understanding of the administration side of the business. She strives to consistently deliver a high quality of service for our clients.
Outside of her work, she enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and dog. Aehwa moved to Canada in 2011, she speaks Japanese and Korean.