With over 30 years in the financial industry, Brian O'Connor helps individuals and families build financial confidence through tailored planning, tax-efficient strategies, and estate guidance. Known for his approachable style and deep commitment to service, Brian treats every client with the same care and dedication: whether it's their first meeting or a long-standing partnership. Outside the office, he enjoys hiking, kayaking, and collecting Star Wars LEGO.
Your partner in personalized, full-service wealth management
Your ally in the pursuit of financial freedom
We go beyond just managing money. At O'Connor 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
Brian O'Connor, QAFP®
Wealth Planner
Lara Oconnor,
Associate
Sameer Amin, MBA, CIM®
Supervising Portfolio Manager
Phillip Soares, CIM®, PFP®
Associate Portfolio Manager
Brian O'Connor, QAFP®
Wealth Planner
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Lara Oconnor,
Associate
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Sameer Amin, MBA, CIM®
Supervising Portfolio Manager
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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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Putting clients first is not just a value; it’s our guiding philosophy at The O’Connor Group. Every interaction, decision, and strategy is rooted in understanding and prioritizing our clients’ goals. We are dedicated to delivering personalized, thoughtful guidance that helps clients achieve financial success, while fostering trustworthy, long-term relationships.
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Our ethics guide every decision at The O’Connor Group. We believe a strong moral compass is essential to delivering high-quality service. By adhering to the highest ethical standards, we make sure our clients receive unbiased, honest, and transparent advice. This commitment permeates every aspect of our work, from onboarding new clients to providing ongoing support.
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At The O'Connor Group, integrity is our foundation. Our unwavering dedication to doing what’s right makes sure every action we take reflects honesty, accountability, and respect for our clients. By prioritizing the highest industry standards and maintaining ethical practices, we build trust and create meaningful relationships that stand the test of time.
Supporting our community
The O’Connor Group is dedicated to building equitable education opportunities for children in low-income communities. By being involved with First Book Canada, we support the removal of barriers to learning and the provision of essential resources for educators and students. Our commitment reflects our belief in fostering a brighter future where every child has access to quality education and the tools to succeed.
Through our involvement with SickKids, we contribute to the process of innovative research and world-class healthcare for children. Our contributions support the improvement of health outcomes, while providing hope and healing to families. This underscores our commitment to improving children’s lives and strengthening communities.
Fostering cultural awareness and reconciliation is a priority for The O’Connor Group. Through our support of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, we contribute to building understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada. Our involvement highlights our dedication to creating a more inclusive, unified, and compassionate society for future generations.