Nathan Locatelli is a dedicated Wealth Planner at Optimize. He believes financial planning should be simple, structured, and tailored to each client’s unique needs. Whether clients need to organize their finances, invest wisely, or plan for the future, he designs a clear roadmap aligned with their goals. Through Optimize, he offers investment management services designed to match each client’s risk tolerance and long-term objectives. At the core of his approach is educational empowerment — breaking down complex concepts to help clients make informed decisions. Nathan also specializes in supporting individuals and families in the disability community. He simplifies the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) process, making sure his clients have access to every available government grant and bond to maximize their financial security. No matter where his clients are on their financial journeys, he is committed to guiding them toward a secure future.
Your partner in personalized, full-service wealth management
Your ally in the pursuit of financial freedom
We go beyond just managing money. At GEM Financial Group, 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
Nathan Locatelli,
Wealth Planner
Patty Awde,
Assistant
Nick Cup, MBA, CFP®, CIM®
Supervising Portfolio Manager
Brian Wells, CIM®
Portfolio Manager
Nathan Locatelli,
Wealth Planner
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Patty Awde,
Assistant
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Nick Cup, MBA, CFP®, CIM®
Supervising Portfolio Manager
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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.
Brian Wells, CIM®
Portfolio Manager
ABOUT
Brian Wells is a Portfolio Manager at Optimize. He supports advisors, high-net-worth individuals, and business owners. He puts his clients at the centre of each financial recommendation and decision, focusing on preserving their wealth, optimizing their growth, and guiding them toward their long-term goals.
At just 12 years old, Brian’s father introduced him to investing. This introduction sparked his early passion for markets, which grew into a dedicated career of helping others make informed financial decisions. He continues to bring this same curiosity and commitment to every client relationship. Brian takes the time to understand each client’s values and objectives to design portfolios that align with their entire financial situation.
Beyond work, Brian enjoys hiking, travelling, hockey, golf, and writing music. He also gives back through mentoring and volunteer work.
Team Values
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Putting clients first is not just a value; it’s our guiding philosophy at GEM Financial Group. Every interaction, decision, and strategy is rooted in understanding and prioritizing our clients’ needs and goals. We are dedicated to delivering personalised, thoughtful guidance that helps clients achieve financial success while fostering long-term relationships built on trust and care.
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Ethics guide every decision at GEM Financial Group. We believe a strong moral compass is essential to delivering high-quality service. By adhering to sophisticated ethical standards and industry regulations, we make sure our clients receive the most updated and accurate advice as it relates to their portfolios and personal values. This commitment permeates every aspect of our work, from onboarding new clients to providing ongoing support.
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Staying informed and knowledgeable is one of GEM Financial Group’s top priorities. We track industry trends and market shifts so that clients’ strategies reflect current realities. We also keep clients in the loop by sharing easy-to-understand articles, podcasts, and video reels. This ongoing learning cadence informs our clients and empowers them to take control of their financial futures.
Supporting our community
GEM Financial Group is committed to supporting equitable education for children in low-income communities. Through our involvement with First Book Canada, we work to remove learning barriers and enable the provision of essential resources for educators and students. This reflects our team’s belief in fostering a brighter future where every child has access to quality education and opportunities for success.
Advancing pediatric health is a priority for GEM Financial Group. By contributing to SickKids, we support the process of groundbreaking research and administration of world-class healthcare for children. Our involvement aids the improvement of health outcomes, while also offering hope and healing to families. This commitment underscores our dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young patients and building healthier communities.
Promoting cultural awareness and unity is important to GEM Financial Group. Through our support of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, we contribute to reconciliation efforts and the mission to foster understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada. Our involvement highlights our commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society for generations to come.