How Canada’s private wealth leaders are positioning for 2026

Family offices, portfolio managers, and wealth executives convened in Toronto for Markets Group’s 9th Annual Private Wealth Canada Forum — a full-day program examining how advisors are navigating a rapidly changing market backdrop.

Discussions centered on asset allocation in a higher-for-longer environment, the shifting role of private markets in Canadian portfolios, and how family offices are adapting to liquidity constraints, valuation resets, and global macro uncertainty. Speakers explored where opportunities remain in private equity, real assets, alternatives, and public markets, and how client expectations are evolving as transparency, customization, and education become more essential.

A recurring theme across sessions: the growing importance of high-quality investor education. As private markets expand beyond institutions into the high-net-worth and mass-affluent channels, wealth professionals emphasized the need for deeper due diligence, clearer communication, and more robust frameworks to evaluate risk, liquidity, and expected outcomes.

🔥 Request the agenda for the Private Wealth Canada West Forum in Vancouver, on April 29, 2026.

Insights from the Sidelines

Markets Group’s Deputy Editor Lauren Bailey captured exclusive interviews shot straight from the sidelines — real-time reactions filmed after sessions wrapped. These conversations reflected the themes resonating most across the room: shrinking public markets and valuation uncertainty; Canada’s renewed focus on resources, mining, and materials; the rising normalization of alternatives for private investors; and the expanding need for education as private markets move further into wealth channels.

Watch the Exclusive Video Interviews

These conversations offer a direct look into what Canadian wealth leaders are prioritizing heading into 2026 — candid, allocator-led, and filmed live from the sidelines.

“Public markets feel more like FanDuel these days — driven by demand, not fundamentals.”
– Ron Mayers, Founder, Sigma2 Family Office

“A lot of professionals, many I haven’t seen in years, all coming together with different skillsets and viewpoints — that’s what makes days like this so valuable.”
– Anthony J. Messina, Managing Director, Guardian Partners

“Alternatives are becoming ‘normal’ for private investors — but allocation, intent, and education matter just as much as returns.”
– Janet Rabovsky, Partner, Fairwater Capital LLP

Looking Ahead

The conversations in Toronto underscored a clear priority for 2026: helping private investors navigate complexity with sharper frameworks, stronger education, and a more intentional approach to private markets. As advisors refine strategies for the year ahead, the themes raised at the forum will continue to shape portfolio positioning across Canada.

🔥 Request the agenda for the Private Wealth Canada West Forum in Vancouver on April 29, 2026 to continue the conversation and gain allocator-driven insight.