Profile
“Success is when we resolve a client’s issue, and they feel supported and genuinely happy with the outcome”
George Louca,
3LANE Finance
François-Julien Duffaud is a strategic wealth advisor and entrepreneur recognized for his ability to build teams, scale services, and deliver integrated financial advice tailored to business owners and professionals.
Since launching his career in 2017 under the mentorship of a President’s Circle advisor at Manulife Wealth, Duffaud has earned national accolades for growth and leadership, including Manulife Wealth’s prestigious President’s Circle in 2023.
An ability to combine strategic clarity with emotional intelligence is what sets him apart. “While many advisors focus on products or performance, I focus on translating financial complexity into life-altering clarity,” he says. “Clients don’t just get a plan — they gain peace of mind, a clear path, and someone they can trust when the stakes are high.”
Duffaud works primarily with professionals, business owners, and individuals nearing or in retirement. While their profiles vary, they often share a common situation: they’ve accumulated financial surplus, but lack the time, structure, or strategy to align it with their broader life goals. He enjoys working with this group because they are ready to engage meaningfully — creating space for deeper conversations about wealth optimization, tax efficiency, and long-term impact for their families and communities.
Known for his calm and thoughtful communication, Duffaud is described by clients as a steady presence in uncertain times. “I try to listen to others – and to my inner voice,” he explains. “Before I speak, I make sure I understand. I don’t blink when the winds of the economy change or when a tough decision has to be made. I stay focused and informed.”
1405 Trans-Canadian Highway, Dorval, QC
+14385013075
j.duffaud@manulifewealth.ca
linkedin.com/in/françois-julien-duffaud
francoisjulienduffaud.com/home-en
François-Julien Duffaud
Principal Financial Advisor
Manulife Wealth
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Bio
Milestones
“I recognise the need to build a stronger brand presence online that differentiates us from the many other brokers and bankers in the market”
George Louca,
3LANE Finance
2017
2018
2020
2023
2025
Graduated BAA, completed CSI, and began mentorship under a President’s Circle advisor at Manulife Wealth
2017
Awarded Rising Star in one of Manulife Wealth’s top branches by AUM in Canada
2018
Earned insurance and group benefits licenses, recognized for best work ethic at a $10-billion branch
2020
Achieved PFP designation and entered the President’s Circle, recognizing top national performers
2023
Successfully mentored three advisors to independence and currently leading a team of emerging professionals
2025
Milestones
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
He holds the Personal Financial Planner (PFP) designation, as well as licenses in insurance and group benefits. His approach is rooted in orchestration – ensuring that clients benefit from structured advice delivered by the right people, not just a single technician.
“I break strategies down into formulas and sequences that are easy to follow. My goal is to make complexity feel accessible – to help clients understand what they can control and how it connects to what really matters,” he says.
In 2025, Duffaud was named a 5-Star Advisor by Wealth Professional. As his career has evolved, so has his leadership – he’s mentored three advisors into independence, built a coordinated team model, and contributed to the broader success of one of Manulife Wealth’s top-performing branches.
He views his team as an extension of his values and practice. “I make it a priority to mentor others, so they feel a sense of purpose and meaning. I provide support and structure so they can do their best work for clients.”
And he adds, “Success for me is when a client feels that their financial life is not just in order — but that it empowers them. When they know where they’re headed, feel confident in their decisions, and see results not just financially, but in the quality of their life and relationships.”
However, it has been an intricate process to ensure his team are onboard with his vision. Kuhn places importance of explaining his targets and the blueprint to achieve them.
He adds, “The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns. This way, everything gets thoroughly discussed and resolved.”
With almost four decades in the industry, Kuhn has developed methods that have consistently delivered. It is why he has been tasked with so many leadership roles and he intends to maintain his focus on creating more success at Westfield Specialty.
“I think I am and have always tried to be methodical. I look at the big picture yet stay focused on executing the different opportunities or plans that I have in front of me. I don’t get emotional or make emotional decisions.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
George and his team attract and keep clients by delivering tangible results and personalising the process. Most of their work comes from referrals or repeat business, reinforcing that they are doing the right thing. He takes the time to understand what each client needs financially and emotionally and treats their challenges like his own.
“If we do our job well, there’s no reason for them to look elsewhere,” he adds. “Success is when we resolve a client’s issue, and they feel supported and genuinely happy with the outcome.”
He is most proud of building the brokerage from a one-person operation to a six-person team in 2025. That growth was never part of his original plan, but the company took on a life of its own thanks to strong demand, repeat business, and steady referrals.
“I see that growth as a direct reflection of the service we’ve delivered and the trust we’ve earned,” George reflects.
3LANE Finance is known for its expertise in securing commercial finance for various clients, including medical professionals, childcare operators, professional services firms, property investors and small business owners.
MPA named George Louca to its prestigious Top Commercial Brokers of 2025 list, recognising his standout performance by total commercial loan volume over FY24.
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