Profile
“I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
Throughout Georges Achkar’s childhood, he had big dreams of becoming an astronaut or the fastest race-car driver. Fast forward to the real world, during his post-secondary education, he had found a love for economics and finance, which later developed into a passion for the financial world and all it entailed.
Out of university, he began his career at one of the big Canadian banks, which was a promising entity to launch his career. He was then presented with the opportunity to join a recently opened branch housing approximately 20 employees. This office was part of Manulife Securities Incorporated (formerly Berkshire Securities). His position as an associate advisor eagerly presented him with greater challenges.
“I worked tirelessly for 12-hour days for the first 10 years of my career. I understood the depth of the possibility for growth and my zest for success was paramount. In hindsight, this was no chance opportunity as I believe that this career was tailored to my personality,” says Achkar.
His hard work and dedication paid off, and today he has achieved the rating of a 5-Star Advisor.
“My biggest achievement is my latest achievement. In 2022, I was offered to become a managing partner in our operation, Diligence Wealth Management. As of today, I am proud to say we manage over $6 billion dollars in assets under management, and we count more than 200 professionals between advisors, licensed assistants, and administrative staff. This entity has been recorded as one of the largest operations in Canada within Manulife Securities Incorporated for the last 15 years.”
Achkar’s career remains challenging on a day-to-day basis. “My daily schedule consists of client meetings, potential client meetings, and follow-ups from early mornings to late evenings,” he says. “This could have limited my availability for unforeseen urgencies; however, I have dealt with this challenge by growing my team with both administrative and licenced advisor support, which allows for timely response levels with no stone left unturned.”
In addition to his partner role at Diligence Wealth Management, Ackhar is a fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute, a Certified Financial Planner, and insurance-licensed in his advisory practice. He confidently states, “Whether it is compliance or ethics, whether it is investment advice, financial planning, or insurance advice, I am able not only to simply service these areas for my clients’ needs but I can also unite them in one strategy, under one umbrella, to provide a global picture of their financial situation.”
Meanwhile, what does he think is in store for the future? The future is part human and part technology, Achkar believes.
“It is not a secret that artificial intelligence and robo advisors are progressively occupying more space in the financial services industry,” he says. “There are many discussions and fears regarding the potential for technology to replace or minimize the work of human beings. However, I do not agree that we are fully replaceable. I think the balance between ‘man’ and ‘machine’ in the wealth management world will be a win-win for financial firms, advisors, and investors alike – nothing can beat the personal touch and value that a sophisticated professional can deliver.”
Overall and most importantly, “I strive to provide the most dedicated service to my clients and am very proud of the added value my accomplishments bring to the table.”
1405 Trans-Canada suite 200, Dorval, QC, H9P 2V9
514 421 7090 ext. 336
georges.achkar@manulifesecurities.ca
linkedin.com/in/georgesachkarcfp
georgesachkar.ca
Georges Achkar
Senior Investment Advisor at Manulife Securities
Managing Partner at Diligence Wealth Management
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“To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
2003
2004
2005
2012
2022
Account Manager at National Bank of Canada
2003
Joined Manulife Securities as Associate Advisor
2004
Became an investment advisor at Manulife Securities
2005
Became a senior investment advisor at Manulife Securities
Included in the “Circle of Excellence” at Manulife Securities
2012
Became a managing partner at Diligence Wealth Management
2022
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
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
How does he distinguish himself among fellow brokers?
“I believe all brokers are working very hard in a difficult market,” he says. “However, I have demonstrated continued growth, advocacy and performance on my client’s behalf, which is now recognised [for 10 consecutive years] in the Elite Broker awards.”
In 1990, Dixon got started with FAI, working in claims and as a team leader. From the late 1990s up until 2003, he worked at FAI and Suncorp in underwriting and as an area manager at VACC, CGU (South East Queensland). From 2003 to 2012, he got into broking and eventually started Dixon Insurance in 2013. Since then, he’s accumulated numerous acccolades, including Elite Broker, Diversity and Equity, and Fast Broker awards.
During the pandemic, Dixon challenged insurers over the Quarantine Act application to insurance wordings. His argument was that the Quarantine Act does not apply as an exclusion, as the Biosecurity Act was invoked by the Morrison Government, and this was not a subsequent amendment to the Quarantine Act. The test case in the Appeals court was won for Dixon’s client with a unanimous five-judge verdict.
He remains focused on transport, manufacturing, motor trade, engineering and large farm clients.
What are his plans for the future?
On a business level, “more of the same. I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes.”
On a personal level, Dixon invests significant time, effort and funds, along with his GT3, to support many charities through his passion for motorsport. From participating in and sponsoring the Thunderbolt Run (which provides tens of thousands of dollars in support for Beyond Blue and Prostate Cancer), to organising and running the Track Knights for Amira charity night where 28 Exotic Supercars raised funds through passenger laps in wet conditions, Dixon states “this is our time to give back to the community and those in need. My friendships and association with those seeking to do the same, allows us to contribute to those less fortunate and raise funds and awareness”.
He adds: “To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need.”