Our Team

Education

• 2015 RRC – Registered Retirement Consultant, Canadian Institute of Financial Planning
• 2014 CPH – Conduct and Practices Handbook Course, Canadian Securities Institute
• 2014 WME – Wealth Management Essentials Course, Canadian Securities Institute
• 2004 CFA Level I – Passed Examination
• 2002 CLU® – Chartered Life Underwriter, Advocis, Institute of Advanced Financial Education
• 1999 BMC – Branch Managers’ Course, Investment Funds Institute of Canada
• 1998 CIFP – Chartered Financial Planning Designation, Canadian Institute of Financial Planning
• 1998 CSC – Canadian Securities Course, Canadian Securities Institute
• 1995 CIFC – Canadian Investment Funds Course, The Investment Funds Institute of Canada
• 1993 B.Comm. – Bachelor of Commerce, Major: Finance (Hons.), Double Minor (Psychology and Economics), University of Calgary

Personal

• Vice President, Canadian Association of Financial Planners (2004 – 2007)
• Past Vice President, Advocis™ (The Financial Advisors Association) (Media Relations)
• Course Instructor – Chartered Financial Planning Designation, Mount Royal University (2001 – 2006)
• Founder, The Hirani Foundation for Charitable Giving™: established 2010

This program guide (the “Guide”) contains selected important information to help a potential investor “Donor” make an informed decision about donating to the Hirani Foundation for Charitable Giving (the “Program”), a donor-advised fund program developed by Shafik Hirani with the Hirani Foundation for Charitable Giving . This Guide explains the features and benefits of participating in the Program. A Hirani Foundation for Charitable Giving Account (an “Account”) is a donor-advised fund account established within the Program that receives the proceeds of donations from a Donor, invests these proceeds in an eligible managed account and contributes, over a period of time to a Donor’s favourite charities and/or other permitted entities (“Eligible Charities”).
 

Participation in the Program is subject to the laws applicable to Canadian charities, the terms and conditions of the documents creating and governing Hirani Foundation for Charitable Giving and this Guide, as may be amended from time to time. The Hirani Foundation for Charitable Giving reserves the right to modify the terms and conditions of this Program and/or any of the associated documents at any time without notice. In the event of an inconsistency between the terms of this Guide and the Foundation’s governing documents, the Foundation’s governing documents will govern the rights and obligations of the Program and its Donors. Copies of the governing documents and policies are available on written request.
 

Meagan’s early career began with a strong focus on client service. Her natural ability to connect with people and her dedication to providing top-notch service quickly set her apart. As Meagan transitioned into roles supporting founders and executives in multiple startup environments, she discovered her talent for operations, honing her skills in dynamic and fast-paced settings. These experiences sharpened her ability to adapt quickly to evolving challenges and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

Her adeptness in streamlining processes, managing complex tasks, and engaging with multiple stakeholders has significantly contributed to the success of the companies she has worked with. These improvements have not only enhanced operational efficiency and client relations but also led to notable revenue growth. Her hands-on experience in these dynamic settings cultivated a deep appreciation for innovative problem-solving, and a steadfast commitment to prioritizing client needs.
Meagan is now excited to leverage her diverse skill set to support our financial advisory team and contribute to the firm’s continued growth and success by managing a spectrum of administrative and operational responsibilities. With her meticulous approach and keen attention to detail, she will be able to help keep operations moving efficiently, freeing our advisors to dedicate themselves to delivering even more exceptional client care.
 

Bringing a diverse background in high-network client management in the luxury real estate market, amongst several other industries, Teagan is known for her meticulous attention to detail, excellent and direct communication, and ability to quickly streamline processes; she consistently ensures seamless operations and exceptional service.

As a dedicated and adaptable professional, she is a key role in supporting the Team and looks forward to contributing towards the Team’s success.

 

Possessing countless years of professional working experience as an Account and Project Manager, Kiana has developed a high standard of proficiency in all aspects of management. These skills have guided her to be a successful part of the team at Shafik Hirani’s Private Wealth Management Practice at Aligned Capital Partners Inc. as the Business Development Manager.

In earlier years, Kiana studied law through the Paralegal Program at CTS Canadian Private Career College and held an honors GPA in Mental Health and Addictions at Canadore College in North Bay, Ontario, before shifting focus to the dynamic realm of project management. Prior to joining the practice, Kiana’s record can be shown as successfully managing multi-million-dollar clients; effectively communicating with client executives, company managers, functional leads, engineers/programmers, and system owners to consistently deliver solutions that exceeded business requirements.

Kiana’s commitment to client satisfaction extends beyond mere transactions; it encapsulates her commitment to trust, fostering collaboration, and building long-term partnerships. With enthusiasm, she is committed to making impactful and meaningful contributions towards the future achievements and success of the practice while ensuring that client satisfaction and success remain a foremost priority.

Raj Sardesai, CIM, is a trusted Wealth Advisor and Chartered Investment Manager with many years of experience delivering tailored investment and wealth management solutions to individuals and families across Canada. Known for his strategic insight and unwavering commitment to client success, Raj brings a disciplined, research-driven approach to building and managing wealth.

With a background in both financial planning and investment consulting, Raj has successfully advised a diverse clientele — from mass affluent investors to high-net-worth individuals — through various market cycles. He began his career after graduating with honours in Financial Planning & Wealth Management from Lambton College, Toronto, where he was recognized on the Dean’s Honour List for academic excellence.

Raj’s early professional journey includes working with Canada’s two largest Schedule ‘A’ banks, where he was recognized for four consecutive years as a top national performer, ranking in the top 10% of financial advisors across the country. During this time, he partnered with some of the industry's leading portfolio management teams, enhancing his depth in discretionary portfolio management, risk assessment, and asset allocation strategies.
 
Investment Management Expertise
Raj leverages his CIM designation and hands-on experience to develop sophisticated investment strategies tailored to client objectives. His expertise spans:
Strategic asset allocation and portfolio construction
Investment policy development and performance monitoring
Discretionary investment management frameworks
Multi-asset class portfolio solutions including equities, fixed income, and alternative investments
Tax-efficient investing and retirement income planning
He combines macroeconomic analysis, market research, and client-specific goals to guide prudent decision-making and long-term capital growth.
 
Education & Designations
Raj is committed to lifelong learning and staying at the forefront of investment strategy and financial planning. His credentials include:
Chartered Investment Manager (CIM)
Canadian Securities Course (CSC)
Conduct and Practices Handbook (CPH)
Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC)
Canadian Financial Services Advice (CFSA)
Personal Financial Services Advice (PFSA)
Bachelor’s degree in business administration – International Business
He is currently pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations, with the ultimate goal of becoming a discretionary portfolio manager.
 
Client Philosophy
Raj takes a holistic, goals-based approach to wealth management. He places financial planning at the core of the investment process, ensuring every strategy is personalized, tax-aware, and aligned with the client's broader life vision. He is passionate about financial literacy and makes it a priority to educate clients on behavioural finance, long-term investing principles, and risk management.
Raj’s clients value his integrity, clarity in communication, and proactive approach to wealth stewardship.
 
Industry Leadership & Community Engagement
Raj actively supports the development of future financial professionals as a board member of the Program Advisory Committee for the Financial Planning & Wealth Management program. He is dedicated to mentoring and sharing his industry experience with students and emerging advisors.
 
Personal Life
Based in Calgary, Raj lives with his wife, Mansi, and their cherished cat. Together, they enjoy exploring the outdoors — often hiking, mountain biking, and connecting with the community through active and mindful living. Raj believes in balance and brings the same grounded approach to both life and wealth management.

Mohit (Mo) moved to Canada in 2021. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 2022. After completing his MBA, Mo worked in various industries including some of the big banks where he was a Financial Advisor and was in the Top Advisor list consecutively. Mo has his Mutual Fund license and is now working towards being an Investment Representative with CIRO.

Mo began working with Shafik in April 2024 as Operations Analyst, which is his current role. He is known for client servicing, research-oriented approach, analytical reporting, and cohesiveness. His personal values are trust and integrity and his goal is to become a successful investment advisor, by understanding and optimizing clients’ finances and emotions.

Ryan Peterson was born and raised in Alberta. In 2005 he graduated from the University of Lethbridge and worked for a financial consulting firm for two years. Following that, Ryan founded an independent financial services firm in 2008 and has grown it into one of the premier investment shops in the province – both in terms of investment performance and client satisfaction. Ryan has completed the highest levels of education in his field and is a Chartered Investment Manager registered Portfolio Manager with the Investment Industry Regulatory Office of Canada.

Ryan excels at providing independent, unbiased research, excellent service and, most importantly, someone that can be trusted to create a customized approach to achieve your personal financial objectives.

Ryan recognizes that a client’s behaviour can often have the most significant impact on their returns. So he makes sure to help clients to:

Establish clear goals and objectives
Be a patient and disciplined investor
Have regular contact to identify changes in plans
Be engaged and taking an active interest in their finances
Avoiding the temptation to chase passing trends
Have a client/advisor relationship built around trust

Ryan and his wife Alisha have three children (12, 8 and 2). They love spending time together in the outdoors and staying active in the community.