Meet the Team
Dominik Franken - Investment Advisor
Dominik came over to Canada in 1987. He studied Agriculture and Economy at the University of Bonn prior to that, where he earned the equivalent to a Masters in Agricultural Economics. He spend 10 years as a hogfarmer in the Mitchell area, before returning to the Economic roots and starting in the Stratford office of RBC Dominion Securities.
He lives with his wife Kymm in Stratford. They have 3 children: Daniel, Alyson and Megan. Dominiks hobbies include flying and music.
Karen Byatt - Associate Advisor
Karen has over 23 years experience with RBC Dominion Securities. After completing a Business Administration Diploma from Conestoga College she joined the firm in 1983. Over the years, she has worked in several positions including Branch Administrator.
As an Associate with Dominik Franken's team, she focuses on handling the team's marketing, assisting with client requests and coordinating branch events. Clients and colleagues appreciate Karen's energy and passion for her job. She always goes the extra mile to ensure clients receive a prompt and helpful solution to their queries.
Karen lives in Stratford with her husband Rob and their three children, Erin, Megan and Jeff.
Chris Delaney - Will and Estate Specialist
Mr. Delaney obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1985 in Administrative and Commercial Studies (Finance) from the University of Western Ontario. He received his Bachelor of Laws degree from Western in 1989. He also received a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Windsor in 1995. He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1991.
He has practised variously in the areas of commercial and civil litigation, wills and estates, residential real estate and employment law. He had his own private solicitor’s practice from 1995 to 2002 in London. He closed his practice in 2002 to join the Scotia Private Client Group as Senior Will and Estate Planner. Immediately prior to joining RBC Dominion Securities, Mr. Delaney was the Business Manager of two London-based fitness operations. He is very excited to be working with RBC Dominion Securities as a Will and Estate Consultant.
In addition to being a lawyer, Mr. Delaney has taught Labour Economics, Estates, Business Law, Personal Finance and Introductory Accounting for Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. He has also instructed at the secondary school level for the London Board of Education, St. Thomas District Separate School Board and a local private school. He was also appointed to the Ontario Licence Appeal Tribunal as a panel member from 2001-2004.
He is very excited about being able to offer Will and Estate Planning ideas and strategies to the clients of RBC Dominion Securities throughout Southwestern Ontario. This is an exceptional program that offers tremendous value for clients as they plan for the orderly succession of their assets, businesses and personal affairs.
Stephen Wiffen - Insurance Specialist
Stephen Wiffen is a valuable member of your IA’s team, helping you create and preserve your wealth.
Steve employs a comprehensive process to assess client needs and then recommends creative, tax-exempt insurance strategies that will help them achieve their wealth management objectives. For more complicated situations, Steve will partner with your other professional advisors in the development of appropriate solutions.
Steve can focus on both personal and corporate insurance solutions to help increase your net worth and reduce the impact of taxation. He can also ensure your wealth is transferred to your heirs in accordance with your wishes. To help in this endeavour, Steve has access to insurance solutions from the top-ranked insurance providers in Canada.
Steve began his career in the insurance industry in 1984 and is an expert in his field. He has acquired the Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Life Underwriter, and Chartered Financial Consultant designations.
