Two decades inside wealth management. Now working only for you.
Spring Vale Wealth Advocates was founded by Elizabeth J. Hermant to give individuals, families and business owners an independent, experienced advocate when it matters most: knowing whether they are working with the right wealth advisor and financial partners.
I know how advisory practices work, because I helped build and run them.
For more than 20 years I have worked inside Canadian wealth management, at bank-owned firms and at an independent boutique, alongside the advisors and teams who look after high-net-worth families.
I have run the operations of a top-tier advisory team, designed client service models from onboarding to ongoing care, built a private wealth business from the ground up, and spent eight years assessing and recruiting investment advisory practices across Canada. I have sat in the meetings, seen how fees and service promises are structured, and learned what separates a great advisor relationship from an ordinary one.
Spring Vale brings that experience to your side of the conversation. I don’t manage money, sell products or accept referral fees. My only interest is making sure the professionals you rely on are genuinely serving you, and helping you find better ones if they are not.
How my background supports you
Every part of the Spring Vale service draws on something I have done professionally. Here is how that experience translates into support for you.
Evaluating advisors and their businesses
First as a Senior Recruitment Partner and then as National Director of Investment Advisor Business Acquisition, I helped lead the national platform for assessing and onboarding advisory practices, partnering with senior leadership to identify the businesses that were the right fit.
Experienced due diligence on your current advisor, including credentials, registration, CIRO AdvisorReport checks and service model, and a sharp eye for vetting alternatives.
Running a high-performing advisory team
As Team Lead and head of operations for a Chairman’s Council–level team, I oversaw operations, compliance, client service and business planning while the team evolved and flourished.
An insider’s understanding of how fees, portfolio strategies and financial plans are built, explained to you in plain language in your Clarity Review.
Designing the client experience
I designed high-net-worth client service models end to end, from onboarding through ongoing engagement, with a focus on multi-generational family relationships, and built a private wealth value proposition from inception.
I know what a strong service model looks like, so I can confirm your advisors follow through on what they promised, and hold them to it.
Building trusted professional networks
I have built and managed networks of centres of influence, including accountants, lawyers and specialist service providers, and curated vetted third-party relationships for high-net-worth families.
Introductions to vetted professionals when a change is needed, and help getting your advisor, accountant, lawyer and insurance provider working as one team.
Guiding families through change
Through ultra-high-net-worth family dynamics training and years of supporting multi-generational families, I have seen how retirement, inheritance and business transitions reshape financial needs.
Calm, steady support through life transitions, with someone at your side in meetings and managing the to-dos so nothing falls through the gaps.
Teaching and building confidence
I founded a private investment club that gives women a safe, collaborative space to learn and grow their confidence in investing, wealth management and financial planning.
The questions to ask and the confidence to ask them, so you leave understanding your situation better than when we started.
- 2026–Founder & Wealth AdvocateSpring Vale Wealth Advocates
Independent, client-side advocacy for individuals, families and business owners.
- 2022–2026Team LeadRBC Dominion Securities · The Chieduch Group
Head of operations, client experience and business development for a Chairman’s Council–level advisory team.
- 2021–FounderInvestment Club for Women
Education and networking for women building confidence with their wealth.
- 2020–2022Partner, Head of International Private WealthBlack Diamond Asset Management
Built and led the private wealth business at an independent boutique firm.
- 2011–2020National Director, IA Business AcquisitionBMO Private Wealth · BMO Nesbitt Burns
Led national assessment, recruitment and onboarding of advisory practices; later Private Wealth Consultant in Private Banking.
- 2002–2005Wealth Management AssociateScotiaMcLeod
Where my career in wealth management began, supporting advisors and their clients day to day.
Advocacy beyond the office
- BMO Wealth Diversity & Inclusion CouncilCo-Chair, Learn From Difference Committee
- BMO for WomenBMO Nesbitt Burns Business Lead & Advocate
- BMO WISEMentor, Women in a Supported Environment
- BJ Hughes Foundation for Entrepreneurial WomenBoard Member & Project Lead
- Fashion Heals, in support of SickKidsSponsorship Committee
- CommunityWCC Board Member, North Rosedale Residents Association Board Member, Mayfair Committee Member and Whitney PS parent council
Are you working with the right wealth advisor and financial partners?
Every engagement starts with a complimentary introductory meeting. We’ll talk about where you are today, what you want for the future, and whether a Clarity Review is the right first step.