Richard Bylsma is a Certified Financial Planner who believes informed decisions lead to lasting financial success. He takes the time to understand each client’s goals and provides clear, personalized advice. His services include retirement and estate planning, business succession, pensions, and legacy strategies, helping clients protect what they've built and plan confidently for the future.
Your partner in personalized, full-service wealth management
Your ally in the pursuit of financial freedom
We go beyond just managing money. At Aesica Financial, we focus on optimizing your financial journey by fusing technology, modern strategies, and core values like integrity, transparency, and balance. We provide honest, personalized advice and a proactive, high-touch experience.
Book a meetingMeet the team
Richard Bylsma, CFP®
Wealth Planner
Will Gilroy, CFA®, MA
Senior Portfolio Manager
Nick Cup, MBA, CFP®, CIM®
Supervising Portfolio Manager
Sameer Amin, MBA, CIM®
Supervising Portfolio Manager
Phillip Soares, CIM®, PFP®
Associate Portfolio Manager
Richard Bylsma, CFP®
Wealth Planner
ABOUT
Will Gilroy, CFA®, MA
Senior Portfolio Manager
ABOUT
William Gilroy is a Portfolio Manager at Optimize, where he builds investment strategies tailored to each client’s goals, risk tolerance, and overall financial picture. He works tirelessly to align portfolios with market shifts and evolving client needs, providing steady guidance along the way.
Passionate about capital markets and making a meaningful impact, William supports clients and advisors with his in-depth investment knowledge. He makes sure every client receives a strategy that is intentional, adaptable, and built for long-term success.
Outside of work, William enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, quiet weekends at home, and golf. He values prioritizing time to recharge and stay balanced.
Nick Cup, MBA, CFP®, CIM®
Supervising Portfolio Manager
ABOUT
Nicholas Cup is a Portfolio Manager at Optimize. He specializes in overseeing investments of clients’ comprehensive financial strategies, making sure adjustments align to their unique goals. With more than 12 years of experience, he’s fluent in retirement cash flow planning, investment management, tax and estate strategies, and insurance planning. Nicholas is an MBA graduate and has acquired both the Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Investment Manager designations.
Nicholas believes financial peace of mind begins with a clear plan and diversified portfolio, not just market returns. He takes pride in helping clients make informed decisions and works closely with advisors to build personalized, long-term solutions.
Outside of work, Nicholas enjoys spending weekends at the cottage with his family and dog, as well as golfing, cycling, and running.
Sameer Amin, MBA, CIM®
Supervising Portfolio Manager
ABOUT
Sameer Amin is a Portfolio Manager at Optimize. He leads a team of associates, making sure investment strategies align with each client’s goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. He collaborates closely with advisors to deliver consistent, well-informed guidance to the families they support.
Drawn to the financial industry by a passion for solving complex problems, Sameer finds fulfillment in helping clients navigate key decisions with clarity and confidence. He values the trust that’s built through the process of turning market insights into actionable, long-term strategies.
Outside of work, Sameer enjoys travelling with his family and exploring new places for both relaxation and perspective.
Phillip Soares, CIM®, PFP®
Associate Portfolio Manager
ABOUT
Phillip Soares is an Associate Portfolio Manager at Optimize, bringing over 10 years of experience to financial services. He takes a client-centred approach — backed by his technical expertise and commitment to building lasting relationships — so he can deliver high-quality advice.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics, Management Science, and Finance from Toronto Metropolitan University. He has also acquired the Chartered Investment Manager and Personal Financial Planner designations, reflecting his dedication to professional growth.
One of Phillip’s proudest accomplishments has been building his practice from the ground up. He has cultivated long-standing relationships through hard work, maintaining integrity, and consistently focusing on clients’ evolving goals.
Phillip is proud of his Portuguese heritage and is devoted to his family. He draws inspiration from being a husband and father. Outside of work, he considers himself a “mostly-retired DJ” who still enjoys hunting for records. He is also a passionate soccer and football fan, but spends time on the pickleball court.
Team Values
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At Aesica Financial, integrity forms the foundation of our practice. We are committed to acting with honesty and accountability, ensuring that every recommendation aligns with your best interests. By maintaining the highest ethical standards, we build trust and foster meaningful, lasting relationships that support your financial success.
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Transparency is at the core of how we serve our clients. We prioritise open dialogue and full disclosure, addressing any outstanding inquiries to ensure your questions are answered. By providing clarity and fostering understanding, we empower you to make informed decisions with confidence, knowing your financial goals are always our focus.
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We believe that informed clients are confident clients. At Aesica Financial, we take the time to explain strategies, answer questions, and guide you through every step of your financial journey. Our commitment to education ensures that you have the knowledge and insights needed to make decisions that align with your unique goals and priorities.
Timeline
Supporting our community
Providing equitable education opportunities for children is a cause Aesica Financial is passionate about. By supporting First Book Canada, the team helps ensure that children in need have access to the resources they require to succeed academically. This reflects their dedication to fostering brighter futures through education and community involvement.
Improving health outcomes for children is a priority for Aesica Financial. By contributing to SickKids, they support groundbreaking pediatric research and innovative care that benefits children and families. Their involvement underscores a commitment to advancing healthcare and creating a healthier future for the next generation.
Promoting understanding and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is an important focus for Aesica Financial. Through their support of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, they contribute to efforts aimed at fostering inclusivity and building stronger connections across communities. This commitment reflects their belief in a more compassionate and unified society.