Marcus Christensen is the key relationship builder at Christensen Group. His approachable nature and deep understanding of family values make him the person family members call first.

Marcus moved into the financial services sphere after a decorated career as a professional figure skater. It was after retiring from figure skating and working as a coach for budding champions, that a client told him his ability to foster trust as a coach and mentor would lend itself to wealth management. Marcus realized he’d found his post-competitive life calling.

Applying the discipline and work ethic of being a professional athlete with the grind of the financial services sphere, Marcus has sought to be at the forefront of change, much like the investment industry itself. Where client solutions were more narrowly focused on funds 13 years ago the evolution of sophisticated planning and strategies have increased in breadth to meet the needs of affluent Canadian families. He also had a good role model in his mother, a financial planner for 35 years. He’s since built a client base of high net worth individuals, entrepreneurs and families. Marcus established Christensen Group at Richardson Wealth in 2019.

Marcus currently holds some of the industry’s highest designations in wealth management including: Registered Retirement Consultant (RRC®), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®). Marcus is starting his MBA in 2019. Marcus has been married for 10 years and has a 6-year-old son. His family resides in the Beaches.

In addition to helping with trades and products, Lakshmi Varanasi is the in-house insurance expert at Christensen Group. She’s been an associate with Marcus Christensen since 2016.

Drawn to the industry by her interest in curbing stress and helping families establish financial security, Lakshmi started her career in 2000 handling the administrative aspects for Marcus’ mother’s wealth management business. In 2002 she moved into the associate role.

Raised in Montreal, Lakshmi has a Bachelor of Economics and a Masters of Business Administration from Concordia University. She moved to Toronto in 1998 and obtained Certified Financial Planner designation in 2006 through the Canadian Securities Institute. She is currently working towards her Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designation.

Lakshmi attributes her training in classical dance to her love of continuous learning and discipline. She devotes her spare time to travelling with her family and experiencing new cultures. Lakshmi enjoys working out at the gym a few times a week, she also makes time to support cancer research by participating in the Terry Fox Run.

With strong market acumen and attention to detail, Wesley Stephenson is the Christensen Group’s trading specialist. His expertise lies in developing market strategies unique to individual financial plans.

Wesley’s early outlook on sustainability led him to York University’s Glendon College where he earned a bilingual Bachelor’s in Environmental and Health Studies. While in school, he began investing and quickly became captivated by the connections between markets and world events, ultimately leading him to the investment business. Wesley brings over 8 years of industry experience from roles in investment and insurance sales, securities trading, and financial planning.

A competitive athlete from an early age, Wesley was nine when he met Marcus, who coached him through his skating career. That same mentorship and values are what drew Wesley to join Marcus’ team years later.

In addition to being investment and insurance licensed, Wesley holds the Chartered Investment Manager designation, and is currently working towards his Certified Financial Planner designation. Beyond the office, Wesley volunteers for his community association and enjoys playing golf, hockey, and skiing.

Khatrah Popal keeps Christensen Group running seamlessly, tackling administrative duties ranging from planning client events to coordinating meetings all with one common goal – to ensure the team can focus on clients. She’s worked alongside Marcus Christensen since 2017.

After graduating from Durham College with a diploma in Business Administration, Khatrah saw the financial sector as a perfect fit for her skill set. She joined a major financial services firm as an assistant in 2012, working for a senior financial advisor before rising to the role of client service administrator responsible for reviewing consultants’ paperwork and creating client accounts.

Khatrah spends her time away from the practice with friends and family, which she values above all else. She’s fascinated by kickboxing, having picked up the hobby in her 20s, and still includes in her fitness regiment. She enjoys cooking, watching movies, and reading in her downtime.