New leaders deepen firm’s strategy as independents reshape Canada’s wealth landscape
One of Canada’s fastest-growing independent wealth management firms has announced two senior appointments as part of its ongoing leadership evolution.
Nicola Wealth has hired Yannick Archambault as president of its Private Wealth division and Abi Coman-Walker as chief operating officer, reinforcing its commitment to growth and innovation amid a shifting independent advisory landscape.
The appointments align with the firm’s broader succession plan, which includes the transition from founder and CEO John Nicola to Chris Nicola, the firm’s current president and CEO-Elect.
“As consolidation and competition reshape our industry, we continue to grow independently by attracting leaders who share our values of innovation, collaboration, and long-term stability,” says John Nicola. “Abi and Yannick’s experience and purpose-driven leadership reflect our commitment to both our clients and our people as we build for the future.”
Archambault will oversee the Private Wealth division, working closely with advisors and associates nationwide to enhance the firm’s integrated planning and advisory experience, while Coman-Walker will lead operations, technology, compliance, and asset management support functions, ensuring the infrastructure and systems are in place for the firm’s ambitious growth goals.
They will collaborate closely with Vanessa Flockton, vice chair, Private Wealth, and the broader executive team to advance the firm’s integrated approach to serving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients.
“Abi and Yannick represent the next generation of leadership at Nicola Wealth; they’re leaders who understand that true growth comes from serving clients with excellence and purpose,” says Chris Nicola. “Their experience and collaborative approach will help us continue to grow intentionally while staying true to what defines us: our people, our values, and our integrated approach to wealth management.”
Archambault joins from KPMG, where he was partner & head of Family Office and Private Clients, bringing over three decades of global wealth management experience including more than 14 years with BMO and two and a half years at TD.
Coman-Walker, is recognized among Business in Vancouver’s 2025 Top 500 leaders, adds more than 20 years in global operations and transformation. She was most recently with Acuitas Therapeutics as COO but previously spent 16 years at HSBC in various roles including COO of the Wealth and Personal Banking division in Vancouver.
