When people talk about family traits, they usually talk about dimples or hair colour. For the Higgins family, however, a defining familial trait is their collective passion for the investment and financial services industry and a shared pursuit of the CFA charter—a bond that sets them apart and unites them as a distinctive family.
Gordon Higgins, a seasoned investment professional with over 30 years of experience and a CFA charterholder since 1990, and his wife Beverley, who has also enjoyed a prosperous career in finance, have inspired their three children, Nicole, Graeme, and Elliot, to follow in their footsteps and pursue their Chartered Financial Analyst designations and careers in the industry.
In this special charterholder family profile, we explore what drives the Higgins family toward careers in finance, showcase how they motivate and support each other personally and professionally, and highlight their individual career and educational journeys.
Chartering a familial pursuit of careers in finance
The Higgins family members were drawn to the CFA designation for various reasons, including gaining a more holistic understanding of the investment industry outside of their respective roles, proving their tenacity and dedication to employers, and learning more about ethics. Gordon always had an interest in the markets and compares having a career analyzing stocks to getting paid for a hobby.
Gordon prides himself on leading by example, with his children noticing how he enjoyed his career and the value he found in working towards earning his CFA designation even after earning a bachelor of commerce, master of business administration (MBA), and Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) certification.
Elliot, the youngest member of the Higgins family, traces his interest in finance to a young age when he went to a live taping on BNN featuring his dad, which was later cemented by seeing his siblings pursue their charters.
Gordon jokes that not all the Higgins children were instantly enamoured with the investment industry, recalling another time he was featured in a guest spot on television. “When my wife tried to turn on the TV, my daughter Nicole said, ‘I can see dad any time, but Barney is on at noon.’ Barney won.”
Sage advice
As his grown children each began pursuing careers in investment, Gordon reiterated two critical pieces of advice:
1. Find a job you like, and it will not seem like work.
2. It takes 30 years to build a reputation, and 30 seconds to lose it.
Sibling study tips
As the Higgins children each prepared for the exam, they ensured their siblings understood the weight of the time commitment required and the critical role time management plays in prioritizing and allocating your exam preparation. They reminded each other that working a little harder in your preparation is well worth not having to repeat an exam.
They also emphasized the importance of practice questions as a part of exam preparation, as you must be able to apply your knowledge, and no amount of reading can prepare you if you are unfamiliar with the CFA exam questions and wording. Encouragement from family members to stay committed through the finish line greatly influenced each family member's progress in the program.
Moving beyond financial family traits
The family credits each member’s success pursuing a career in the investment industry to their keen interest in analysis along with an expansive diversity of opportunities. Gordon says, “I look at us, and one has their own firm, one works for a bank, one works for a mortgage brokerage, and one works at a single-family office. Each of us has found a work environment that allows us to use the skills and knowledge presented in the CFA Program.” Before she transitioned out of her professional career to raise their children, Beverely Higgins worked as an Associate Partner of Finance and Accounting for the credit card and mortgage unit of Royal Trust.
The family also credits their support for each other as a driving factor behind their successes. The family usually goes out for a meal on the weekend to discuss career and personal matters, and everyone knows that they can reach out to each other for advice. Nicole is proud of how the family celebrates each other’s achievements, fostering an environment of open communication and growth. Each family member has security that the others will encourage them to pursue their ambitions, knowing that they all have each other’s backs. At the end of the day, they all want what’s best for their family, in and out of the office.
Gordon Higgins,CFA, CPA, MBA
Career Highlights
- Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, and Portfolio Manager at Higgins Investment Group Inc. (Est. 2010)
- Over 30 years in progressively senior roles in the investment industry including roles as:
- Senior Vice President, Sentry Investments
- Vice President, North American Equities, MD Private Investment Management/Howson Tattersall
- Vice President, Canadian Equities, Manulife/Elloitt & Page
- Portfolio Manager, Aetna Capital Management
- CFA charterholder since 1990
- Master of Business Administration, Investments and Securities, Schulich School of Business, York University
What inspired you to start your own firm?
I had no plans to start my firm until someone approached me to manage their investments. They had moved on by the time I got set up and had all the regulatory approvals, but others contacted me once I was registered, and it grew from there.
What do you think makes your investment process successful?
One factor that makes my investment process successful is that it has been honed over several decades. I do not focus on near-term returns, but on long-term sustainable returns. I know my strengths and weaknesses. It can take time for a good investment to provide solid returns. I worry about the potential downside of an investment as much as about the potential returns.
How have you influenced your children professionally?
At times, you do not know that your actions influence your kids. I often talked about my day at work over the dinner table. One day, one of my children, who was in kindergarten, asked me how the Canadian dollar had moved that day, and we talked about it in detail. Small moments like this show how what you say influences your kids.
How do you stay current with industry trends and developments, and what resources do you find most helpful?
I use a variety of sources to keep up with the industry. You can start with the Financial Analysts Journal and move through other industry publications. Even the daily newspapers can highlight something of interest happening in the industry that can lead you to other sources.
What skills or traits do you believe are most important for success in the finance industry, and how have you developed those skills?
It might seem trite, but ethics is the best starting point. This is a skill you have inherently, but you must ensure you fully grasp the industry and regulatory codes, as everyone has a different definition of what is right.
What are the most notable changes in the investment industry over your career?
Simply put, technology. I remember when the brokers' research was delivered by courier each morning. Each brokerage used different coloured paper to make it easy to identify. I remember calling companies to ask them to get added to the mailing list for annual and quarterly reports. Now, we can access information the instant it comes out.
What's something that you'd like to share that most people don't know about you?
My wife married me for my sense of humour, which others do not always appreciate.
FUN FACTS
Bucket list travel destinations
Israel and China. Both countries have long histories and distinct cultures.
Favourite family tradition
Enjoying time when the whole family gets together and has nowhere else to go.
The last series you binge-watched
Showing my age, I still enjoy watching DVDs of Get Smart.
Nicole Higgins, CFA
Professional & Educational Highlights
- Associate, Risk Management, TD
- CFA charterholder since 2020
- Certificate in Investment Performance Management, CFA Institute
- Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting, with Distinction, University of Toronto
How has the CFA designation helped you in your career?
The knowledge I learned while studying for the exam prepared me for novel situations, providing me with a broad knowledge base to help me make decisions.
What inspired you to enter the field of risk management?
I have a passion for working with data. When I was first entering the industry, it was an area that would allow me to further develop my understanding of the industry and find specific areas that interested me. However, once I started, I was mentored by senior people on the team and discovered that I had a passion for the constantly evolving nature of the work.
What are your proudest professional accomplishments/career highlights?
I was recognized with an internal, company-sponsored award, the Annual Star Award, that recognized the contributions that I had made across multiple projects.
How do you stay current with industry trends and developments, and what resources do you find most helpful?
I regularly engage with financial news outlets and participate in webinars and conferences. I also actively follow thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn and join professional networks to exchange insights with peers. Additionally, I dedicate time to continuous learning through CFA Institute's Professional Learning program.
What are some of your career goals?
My primary career goal is to deepen my expertise in investment risk management, using the skills I learned in the CFA Program. Additionally, I aspire to take on leadership roles where I can mentor junior professionals, foster a culture of risk awareness within my organization, and highlight the value of the CFA Program.
What's something that you'd like to share that most people don't know about you?
I have a strong passion for knitting and crochet, and it's a creative outlet for me. I enjoy the process of transforming simple yarn into beautiful creations.
FUN FACTS
Bucket list travel destinations
Italy, particularly Rome, has a fascinating history and a fantastic food culture.
The last interesting series you binge-watched
I just finished watching Chimp Crazy, a documentary series about a woman who cared for chimpanzees and how things spiral out of control when animal rights groups and authorities get involved over animal rights violations.
Childhood dream job
I wanted a job that would let me travel around the world and go on adventures.
Graeme Higgins, CFA, MBA
Professional & Educational Highlights
- Investment Specialist, Single Family Office
- CFA charterholder since 2024
- Master of Business Administration, DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University
- Former Associate Advising Represent-ative (Portfolio Manager) & Dealing Representative (Exempt Market Dealer), Ontario Securities Commission (OSC)
- Recipient of Ontario Volunteer Service Award
What inspired you to become an Investment Analyst?
I recently switched roles to Investment Specialist as of the end of September. However, I became an Investment Analyst because it's interesting to review investment options, as the options constantly change.
How do you stay current with industry trends and developments, and what resources do you find most helpful?
LinkedIn and social media are excellent sources for articles, allowing users to sign up for mailing lists and stay up to date. I also receive various reports in my role that keep me up to date on industry trends.
What are some of your career goals?
I want to continue to grow and learn to help make meaningful decisions in the long run and be able to use my skills.
What's something that most people don't know about you?
I love movies, and the movie theatre experience is one of my favourite things, as you fully disconnect for a couple of hours.
FUN FACTS
Bucket list travel destinations
A trip around continental Europe.
Favourite family tradition
Christmas crackers and paper crowns.
The last interesting series you binge-watched
Succession and Daisy Jones and the Six.
Childhood dream job
Defence for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Elliot Higgins, CFA
Professional & Educational Highlights
- Analyst, Largo Capital Inc.
- Bachelor of Finance, Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Wilfred Laurier University
- CFA charterholder since November 2024
- Recipient of academic bursaries for volunteer work
What are some of your career goals?
I work for a US-based firm that has had success expanding its Canadian operations, and this is an excellent opportunity to develop internally. I am focusing on originating commercial mortgage financing in the short-term and joining the executive team in the future as we continue to grow across Canada.
What's something about you that you'd like to share that most people don't know about you?
I love golf, but you wouldn't confuse me with Tiger Woods. I set the record for the shortest drive at my company's golf event. However, I love to get out, and I'm always happy when I break 100.
FUN FACTS
Bucket list travel destinations
Southeast Asia—several friends have gone there, and the change in culture and scenery are enticing.
Favourite family tradition
Watching Elf on Christmas Eve. We come home after looking around at all the Christmas lights, we put Elf in the VCR, and the same jokes hit every time
The last interesting series you binge-watched
I like to rewatch The Office and How I Met Your Mother.
Childhood dream job
Professional hockey player. Those dreams were gone early, so portfolio manager.