At Zelos, our team is composed of highly skilled finance professionals with a wide range of expertise in wealth management, corporate advisory, compliance, and investment strategy. With decades of experience across diverse sectors, our team brings deep financial acumen, analytical rigor, and a commitment to delivering tailored solutions for individuals, families and institutional clients. Our collective background spans leadership roles in top financial institutions, board memberships, and specialized certifications in areas such as investment management, accounting, financial planning, and corporate governance.
CPA, CA, CFA, CFP, ICD.D [email protected] Voted Most Likely: To accept the challenge Kareen is proud to lead a diverse group of finance professionals at Zelos Capital. She oversees the firm’s strategic direction, leads the firm’s wealth and portfolio management, and serves Zelos wealth management clients. In addition, Kareen frequently serves on institutional investment committees and boards, such as the $18 billion Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) Pension Plan, where she is Co-Chair of the Investment Committee and a member of the Board of Trustees. She previously served the $18 billion Alberta Teachers Retirement Fund (ATRF) as Chair of the Audit & Finance Committee, member of the Investment Committee, and member of the Human Resources & Compensation Committee, among other Governance and Advisory roles such as the Canadian Advocacy Council of the CFA Society of Canada. When people meet with Kareen they frequently remark that her passion for investing is palpable. She is a self-described life-learner, and can frequently be found completely immersed in a new topic of interest. Outside the office, Kareen enjoys outdoor adventure and served the Calgary Search and Rescue Association as a ground search volunteer for the past 12 years. Kareen loves exploring new cultures around the world and cherishes spending time with her young family. Kareen is a Chartered Professional Accountant, a CFA® charterholder, a Certified Financial Planner, and holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. CIM® [email protected] Voted Most Likely: To find enlightenment Gilbert leads the Corporate Advisory practice of Zelos while staying active with his Private Wealth clients. He has a unique ability to see new possibilities for entrepreneurs and is dedicated to helping them meet their objectives. When people meet Gilbert, they often walk away feeling calmer and more focused. When not in the office, Gilbert can be found spending time with his young family, at the gym, and volunteering in his community. Gilbert has a number of incredible accomplishments beneath his understated demeanor; he currently sits on the Board of Directors on Alberta Women Entrepreneurs and is a part of their budget and audit, governance, and ownership linkage committees, he’s earned a blackbelt in Hapkido, and he has fundraised and built a school in Guatemala with his wife, Doreen. Prior to co-founding Zelos, Gilbert worked for several top-tier financial institutions in both investment banking and equity research roles. Gilbert holds a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designation. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Risk & Insurance from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. Investment Strategist [email protected] Voted Most Likely: To take the road less travelled Michel recently joined the Zelos team, bringing two decades of experience providing exceptional service to high net worth and corporate clients through varied roles. Michel combines his broad experience, business acumen and finance education to provide incredibly insightful perspectives on investing. Michel adds value to Zelos clients with his unique ability to synthesize large amounts of data, seamlessly blending qualitative and quantitative factors in his analysis. Michel has recently completed a Bachelor of Business Administration, double majoring in Accounting and Finance with a Financial Analysis concentration at Mount Royal University. Michel previously built an impressive career in the hospitality industry, spending the past 20 years working in Ontario and Alberta with notable companies like Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Hy’s. In addition, Michel led a strong team of students as the Senior Strategist and Speaker for the Mount Royal University Student Investment Fund during his last two years at university, where he was able to develop strong equity research and leadership skills. In his leisure time you can find Michel hiking in the mountains, staying active outdoors. Mike is currently a candidate for CFA Level 2 exam. MBA [email protected] Voted Most Likely: To find a way Margaret Nicole has been in the banking and finance industry for more than 10 years. Her core role is ensuring the firm is compliant with its policies and investment industry regulations through research and process improvements. She never leaves a task undone and she works on things in a multidimensional view, making sure all angles are done competently. Margaret Nicole worked at the largest bank in the Philippines and a leading exchange company in the UAE before moving to Canada. She has extensive experience in dealing with different market segments that strengthened her analytical and critical thinking skills. She also has a master’s degree in Business Administration that fundamentally equipped her with the many aspects of the business and ways to enrich it. She has successfully completed the Chief Compliance Officers Qualifying Examination through Canadian Securities Institute. Margaret Nicole is known for being determined in reaching her goals. She makes sure all her steps whether big or small are leading her to her desired destination. In her downtime, she enjoys relaxing at home with a TV series and some snacks.
Kareen M. Stangherlin
Founding Partner & CEO
(403) 608-3487
Superpower: Her insatiable curiosity
Gilbert Bong
Founding Partner & President
(403) 399-0181
Superpower: His steadfast patienceMichel Goudreault
(403) 919-7941
Superpower: Multidimensional perspectives
Margaret Nicole Romilla
Compliance Analyst
(587) 435-1298
Superpower: Her unwavering will and determination
Dan B
2024-09-25
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am not good with numbers, nor am I good at understanding investments - so to say that the Zelos team have taken incredible care of me would be an understatement. They listen to your financial desires and build a portfolio that makes sense for you -- and they explain it to you in a way that makes sense!
Today: I understand my investments - and, more importantly, those investments are always heading in the right direction (up). I sleep soundly knowing that my investments are in their hands.
Rosabel Bong
2024-09-14
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Zelos investment takes the time and care to learn about your financial goals and help to build a portfolio based on this. The team is meticulous, responsive, and personable.
Eric Ng
2024-09-08
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gilbert approached my wife and I regarding our investments which we have little knowledge of. He has demonstrated an excellent understanding of our financial needs and goals and he delivers his advice with these clearly in mind.
We have complete confidence in him and his team at Zelos Capital and their professional abilities and we have always found their advice to be clear, relevant and prudent, hence we have switched our investments to Zelos and have seen positive returns which ensured us that our investments are in good hands.
If you're looking for someone to help you with your investment, we highly recommend you speak with a Zelos team member.
Cindee
2024-08-23
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I moved to Calgary recently with my son and needed help getting our finances in order. Gilbert made this process simple and less intimidating - exactly what I needed as I don't have much knowledge in this area. His team has been incredibly helpful and genuinely care about my family. I've had such a great experience with them and I'm confident that my investments are in good hands. I highly recommend working with Zelos.
Greg Gee
2024-06-15
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "Exceptional service and expertise! I've been incredibly impressed with Zelos's wealth management services. Gilbert and his team is highly knowledgeable and proactive in guiding me through investment strategies tailored to my financial goals. They demonstrate a genuine commitment to their clients' success, offering clear explanations and regular updates. I feel confident knowing my investments are in capable hands. I highly recommend Zelos for anyone seeking reliable and professional wealth management services."
T L
2024-06-14
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been working with Zelos Investment Counsel since last year to diversify my investment portfolio. Opting for a boutique investment firm over a large bank, I found Gilbert and his team to be true professionals. They are quick to respond to any questions I have. The Zelos investment platform is comprehensive and user-friendly, making it easy to understand the performance of my funds. I look forward to continuing my partnership with them for many years to come.
Ranny Shibley
2023-02-28
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When it comes to financial management, the level of service and attention to detail Zelos offers is unlike anything I've experienced. Gilbert and his team ensure that I am up to date, in real time, on my investments and always communicate with me to ensure my investment objectives are still current. I don't mean they reach out yearly, they are in contact monthly and sometimes more than that. I appreciate that they care about my money as if it were their own.
Gabriel Soo
2021-04-13
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After a few years with our previous financial investment firm, we decided to evaluate other options in the market. After meeting with the team at Zelos, we decided to switch over. During the introductory meetings, we were very happy with the responses from our questions regarding varying strategies, long term and short term goals. The Zelos team is very professional, communicated clearly and provided multiple modelling options to help us understand our path forward. The account transfer process was easy and handled electronically. Zelos continues to provide amazing services with routine updates regarding our accounts. We strongly recommend meeting the team at Zelos to evaluate your current finances to plan your future.
Petra Mace
2021-01-26
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gil and the entire team at Zelos Capital has been an absolute blessing. We are the typical family that knows very little about financial matters and investments, and really didn't know anything before joining Zelos.
Gil educates us on all matters pertaining to our money and banking and we feel so comfortable actually KNOWing where our money is going.
He has been able to show us how to properly invest our money and how to get our money to make money. He's always willing to sit down with us to chat or redefine our goals and work towards a sustainable future, especially during these unprecedented times.
We are truly so grateful for Gil and the entire Zelos Capital team for helping us understand such a large part of our life.
I would recommend this company to anyone who wants to know more about their money and where it's going/what it's doing!
Corey Mace
2021-01-15
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My Wife and I made the decision to switch all our investments over to Zelos and it has been nothing but a success. They are not only very swift in communication, (email, text, call, Zoom) but extremely personable in building a relationship with their clients. We find this makes it easy to ask all types of questions in regards to our family's financial plans.
They have been forward thinking in how to invest and don't just blanket package plans together. We personally work with Gilbert and that experience has been tremendous, especially though uncertain times like 2020 presented us. We will continue to work with Zelos and encourage our family and friends to make the switch.
