Our team

Fred Banwell, B.A., CFP, TEP

Senior Vice President and Associate Director, Investment Advisor 
 

I have been in the investment industry since 1994, and spent my first thirteen years with Berkshire Securities where I was proud to become the number one advisor of over 1,000 advisors across Canada. Previously, I worked for several multi-national computer companies and, in 1985, started my own business, which I built up to a staff of 65 people and sold in 1997.

In 2006, I joined the predecessor firm to Macquarie Private Wealth to offer my clients a wider array of products and services, and to enjoy an entrepreneurial culture that allows me to be truly independent. Today, as an Investment Advisor with Macquarie Private Wealth, I am pleased to also offer my clients recognized financial strength, award-winning research and a global perspective.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from the University of Toronto, my Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Trust and Estate Planner (TEP) designations, my second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and skills in a number of other martial arts. I have been active with the Kids Help Phone for 13 years, and was the Founder of their Charity Golf Classic which has raised half a million dollars.

I am married with four grown children and love spending time with my family.

Melissa Prusky

Associate Investment Advisor
 

With over 26 years of business experience, I joined the predecessor firm to Macquarie Private Wealth as an Investment Advisor in July of 2008, which gave my clients access to more offerings, products and services and an excellent platform to assist in their wealth management. Previously, I worked with Northern Securities where my investment career began.

An entrepreneur born and bred, I have founded, built and sold three companies. Two of them were in the telecom sector and were sold to Sprint and a division of Telus in Manitoba; the third was a technology company that was sold to a San Francisco firm.

I studied Business Management at George Brown College and in addition to securities related courses I also have my insurance license. Being very passionate about charitable activities, I am active in supporting and fundraising for Sick Kids Hospital. I am also very involved with the Breast Cancer Foundation as a committee member for their annual “Golf Fore The Cure” event held every summer.

I have two grown daughters and love spending time with them and the rest of family. In my spare time I love to travel and play golf.

Thia Sterling

Investment Services Assistant
 

I have been in the investment industry for five years and as part of Fred’s team I handle our administrative hub. I open accounts, perform account maintenance and facilitate account transfers, and in addition I am qualified to enter buy and sell transactions including the purchase of flow-through shares. I also prepare monthly and annual reports for certain clients, by gathering relevant data and creating charts to help people to understand the performance of their investments.

Prior to joining the firm, I worked at TD Waterhouse in Toronto and Zuk Financial Group in California in similar roles. My knowledge of US and Canadian procedures and nuances has been a valuable asset. I have a B.Sc. and I my Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.  In my spare time, I enjoy choral singing and downhill skiing.

Bonnie Wilson

Investment Services Assistant
 

 Prior to joining the predecessor firm to Macquarie Private Wealth, I worked with Fred Banwell at Berkshire Securities for 13 years. Previously, I worked at the Royal Bank for 23 years as Assistant Manager of Visa Security, Assistant Manager of Visa Systems, Manager of Customer Service at the branch level, and Manager of Personal Banking at the branch level. I am qualified to handle securities transactions when Fred is not available. I also schedule regular client review meetings, and help clients with whatever details need attention. I am married and have a teenage daughter.

Franca Banwell

Business Development Associate
 

For the past 12 years I have assisted my husband in his practice. As part of Fred’s team, I handle a variety of client and marketing related functions.

MPW