With nearly 40 years in financial services, Kevin Hayward specializes in financial planning, tax strategies, estate planning, and charitable giving. He helps clients build meaningful legacies that reflect their values. Kevin holds a BSc from Acadia University, earned his CFP in 2008, and recently completed the Canadian Securities Course. Outside of work, he supports global child sponsorships and enjoys golf, curling, and European history.
Your partner in personalized, full-service wealth management
Your ally in the pursuit of financial freedom
We go beyond just managing money. At Hayward 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
Kevin Hayward,
Wealth Planner
Sameer Amin, MBA, CIM®
Supervising Portfolio Manager
Phillip Soares, CIM®, PFP®
Associate Portfolio Manager
Kevin Hayward,
Wealth Planner
ABOUT
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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Integrity and transparency form the foundation of every client interaction, ensuring trust is at the core of financial partnerships. Clients can rely on ethical, honest advice tailored to their unique circumstances. A steadfast commitment to doing what’s right fosters confidence and builds lasting relationships. By prioritizing clients’ best interests, we inspire trust and confidence throughout the financial planning process.
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Simplifying complex financial concepts is a cornerstone of our approach, ensuring clients can clearly understand their financial plans. Overwhelming strategies are transformed into practical solutions through relatable examples and actionable steps. Through this focus on clarity and accessibility, our clients always feel in control, and well-equipped to achieve their goals.
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Financial planning is about more than just numbers — it’s about people. Building meaningful and impactful relationships starts with understanding each client’s unique aspirations, challenges and goals. Tailored guidance ensures clients feel valued, supported, and understood every step of the way. This personal connection creates partnerships that extend being finances, prioritizing the client’s overall well-being and success in life.
Timeline
Supporting our community
Kevin has proudly supported Chalice for over 25 years, sponsoring seven children through the organisation. This long-standing commitment demonstrates his dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children and their families by providing access to education, healthcare, and essential resources. Kevin’s involvement with Chalice reflects a deep belief in creating opportunities for children to thrive and build brighter futures. His sponsorship work is an example of how meaningful, sustained efforts can foster positive change in communities worldwide.
Kevin has proudly supported Chalice for over 25 years, sponsoring seven children through the organisation. This long-standing commitment demonstrates his dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children and their families by providing access to education, healthcare, and essential resources. Kevin’s involvement with Chalice reflects a deep belief in creating opportunities for children to thrive and build brighter futures. His sponsorship work is an example of how meaningful, sustained efforts can foster positive change in communities worldwide.
Kevin has proudly supported Chalice for over 25 years, sponsoring seven children through the organisation. This long-standing commitment demonstrates his dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children and their families by providing access to education, healthcare, and essential resources. Kevin’s involvement with Chalice reflects a deep belief in creating opportunities for children to thrive and build brighter futures. His sponsorship work is an example of how meaningful, sustained efforts can foster positive change in communities worldwide.