Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. has transitioned to a majority employee-ownership structure, with more than 70 per cent of employees now holding equity in the firm.
The decision reflects a desire to more closely align employees with clients as the firm enters a new phase of scale and maturity, says Sylvain Boulé, the firm’s president and chief executive officer. The move is intended to strengthen long-term alignment, engagement and governance. By extending ownership to employees, the firm aims to reinforce a client-first culture while ensuring the value created by the business remains with the people who generate it.
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Employee ownership also plays a role in productivity and engagement across the organization, Boulé notes. “When employees are shareholders, they tend to think and act like owners, which encourages more thoughtful decision-making and a sustained focus on long-term outcomes for clients. Engagement increases as well, as employees feel more personally invested in the firm’s long-term health.”
From a financial wellness perspective, the model allows employees to participate directly in the long-term value they help create, Boulé adds. “Beyond traditional compensation such as salary and bonuses, equity ownership supports long-term financial planning, stability and a deeper sense of partnership tied to the firm’s overall success.”
The ownership structure also shapes the firm’s approach to governance and its relationships with institutional investors. “Positioning employees as long-term owners reinforces disciplined risk management and continuity, providing institutional clients with confidence that those managing their capital are invested not only in performance, but also in the long-term health, reputation and stability of the organization.”
The transition is supported by a strategic partnership with Walter Global Asset Management, which holds a minority stake in the firm. The partnership provides strategic support and an additional perspective without compromising Montrusco Bolton’s culture or decision-making autonomy, Boulé emphasizes, allowing employees to remain the primary owners while preserving the firm’s independence and client-first focus.