A leader to guide the next stage of growth in Toronto
Desjardins Securities has appointed Alisha Watts as Regional Director for the Ontario market. She will lead the Toronto branch, which opened in 2025 in the heart of Toronto’s financial district. Alisha trained as a lawyer and has built a reputation as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic expert over the past 17 years in the securities industry. She has spent more than 10 years as a Branch Manager within the securities brokerage arms of several major Canadian financial institutions.
“Ontario is a strategic market for Desjardins Securities, and Alisha’s appointment marks an important milestone in our growth plan. Her leadership, client focus and deep market insight will help us accelerate development in Toronto while maintaining the highest standards of excellence,” confirmed David Lemieux, Vice President and General Manager, Desjardins Securities.
“I am thrilled to build this new branch and shape the future of Desjardins Securities in Ontario. What drew me to this organization is a strong alignment of values. I am proud to join a firm that is a genuine advocate for communities and for women in finance—a commitment that resonates deeply with my own professional journey. I plan to build on the quality of our holistic approach, the strength of our specialized services and the close collaboration among our Desjardins Group experts to offer wealth management experiences that exceed the expectations of high-net-worth clients,” said Alisha, Regional Director, Ontario, Desjardins Securities.
A strategic expansion to better serve Ontario clients
The new branch stems from Desjardins Securities’ commitment to stepping up wealth management support for Ontario clients by expanding the firm’s physical presence in the province.
“Growth in Ontario has been remarkable over the past two years. Business volume has increased exponentially, demonstrating a promising strategy and outstanding team engagement. This momentum has enabled sustainable, structured growth closely aligned with our clients' emerging needs. Alisha’s arrival will help sustain and drive this growth,” said Julie Ouellet, Vice President and National Sales Manager, Desjardins Securities.
A collaborative, value-driven environment in the heart of Toronto
In April 2025, Desjardins Securities reached an important milestone by moving into its new branch on York Street, now a central hub for business development in the region. The branch is an integral part of a broader office real estate strategy designed to ensure cross-sector consistency and reinforce the firm’s commitment to providing tailored support.
The space was designed to foster close collaboration among Desjardins Securities, Desjardins Ontario Credit Union and Desjardins Business, enabling coordinated, fully integrated business development activities and delivering a seamless client experience across Desjardins Group business lines.
Strengthening an integrated offering, including discretionary management
The Toronto expansion also strengthens the integration of specialized investment offerings, including discretionary portfolio management, to serve the complex needs of high‑net‑worth clients in Ontario.
“Alisha’s arrival will enhance collaboration across our teams, allowing us to deliver an even more cohesive and comprehensive wealth management experience,” added Nader Guirguis, Vice President, Strategic Development and Market Leader, Wealth Management, Ontario.
A leader to guide the next stage of growth
Alisha’s inspiring leadership, deep market knowledge and track record to build high-performance teams will support two priorities: expanding service capacity in Toronto through the recruitment of seasoned advisors and delivering outstanding service to members and clients seeking clear, expert guidance with a simple, people-first approach.
About Desjardins Securities
Desjardins Securities offers a full range of wealth management services, including financial planning, portfolio management, support for entrepreneurs and wealth protection. Wealth management is growing at Desjardins, reflecting our commitment to meeting the changing needs of our members and clients. We take a personalized approach to serving our mass-affluent and high-net-worth clients by offering them customized solutions and high-quality financial advice.
