COMPANIES

CIBC

About CIBC Private Wealth

CIBC is a leading financial services provider in the US that has a wide range of banking solutions. With a strong presence across the country, it supports individuals, families, and businesses through its experienced team and network of offices.

This profile will highlight CIBC Private Wealth, the division focused on wealth management for high-net-worth clients. The firm delivers personalized investment management, wealth planning, trust services, and private banking.

History of CIBC

CIBC’s US story began in 1991, when The PrivateBank was founded in Chicago to serve local clients. This move laid the foundation for what would become a major presence in American banking and wealth management.

The larger CIBC story stretches back to 1867 in Toronto, where The Canadian Bank of Commerce first opened its doors. In 1961, a landmark merger with the Imperial Bank of Canada created the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

Growth and innovation

CIBC has always looked for new ways to help people and businesses thrive. The bank introduced Canada’s first 24-hour cash dispenser in 1969 and launched the country’s first floating bank branch in 1964 to serve remote communities.

It was the first Canadian bank to offer nationwide telephone banking in 1992 and created President’s Choice Financial with Loblaws in 1998. The company also expanded its reach by acquiring Merrill Lynch Canada’s retail brokerage in 2001 and completed its acquisition of Atlantic Trust in 2014.

The private wealth focus

CIBC Private Wealth took shape after CIBC acquired The PrivateBank in 2017, combining deep local roots with global strength. The firm is now part of a larger organization with $107 billion in assets under management and administration as of July 2025. Its team helps clients use their wealth to support their families, build legacies, and make a difference for future generations.

CIBC Private Wealth products and services

CIBC Private Wealth offers solutions designed to help clients use their wealth to support their families and the causes they value:

  • investment management: customized portfolios across global asset classes
  • wealth planning: strategies for life, legacy, and giving
  • trustee services: professional trust management nationwide
  • private banking: lending and deposit solutions for clients
  • family office: services for ultra-high-net-worth families
  • risk management: methods to safeguard assets and support long-term growth
  • philanthropic planning: support for charitable giving goals
  • market insights: economic and financial research from experts

Each client works with a dedicated team led by an experienced advisor. The firm’s personalized approach helps deliver thoughtful and holistic wealth plans.

Culture and corporate values

CIBC Private Wealth states it has a culture that values individuality and growth, with opportunities to lead and learn. According to the firm, employees can chart their own course while working with experienced professionals.

The company also says that it supports learning, career development, and a sense of belonging. Team members at CIBC Private Wealth can receive the following benefits:

  • healthcare options: medical, dental, vision and flexible coverage for well-being
  • mental health support: therapy coverage, counseling, mindfulness tools and resiliency resources
  • financial benefits: defined benefit pension, 50 percent share matching and employee banking offers
  • career development: tuition reimbursement and learning programs for advancement
  • time off: vacation, leave and paid time-off policies
  • life support: fertility and gender affirmation coverage, ergonomic solutions and wellness apps
  • recognition programs: annual awards, milestone gifts and MomentMakers for achievements
  • community involvement: volunteer opportunities and programs to give back

CIBC Private Wealth also reports that 94 percent of employees feel their teams value workplace differences. Women hold 50 percent of seats on the board of directors, and 43 percent of the team identifies as people of color. It states it aims for its workforce and leadership to reflect the diversity of its clients and communities.

About CEO John Markwalter Jr. and key people

Jack Markwalter is CEO of CIBC Private Wealth and chairs several related entities within the division. Before joining the firm in 2002, Markwalter held senior management roles at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in New York, London and Atlanta. He has more than 30 years of experience in the private client and investment industry.

The operating committee at CIBC Private Wealth includes experienced leaders with specialized roles and backgrounds:

  • Linda S. Beerman is head of wealth strategies, leading planning and legacy solutions for clients
  • Gregory B. Campbell serves as general counsel, overseeing legal matters and regulatory compliance
  • Gary E. Pzegeo is co-CIO, guiding investment strategy and fixed income research for the firm
  • David L. Donabedian works as co-CIO, focusing on investment leadership and market outlooks
  • Brian E. Delman is chief compliance officer, managing risk and regulatory standards for the business
  • Bruce D. Katz serves as chief growth officer, driving business development and strategic partnerships

Each leader on the executive team at CIBC Private Wealth focuses on client needs. They deliver high standards of service and performance.

The future at CIBC

In 2024, CIBC Private Wealth Advisors and CIBC World Markets Corp. agreed to pay $12 million in penalties after the SEC found recordkeeping violations involving electronic communications. This action is part of a larger push by regulators to enforce compliance and transparency in the wealth industry. By addressing these issues, the firm aims to improve its compliance practices and protect its clients’ interests in the future.

Looking ahead, CIBC Private Wealth is guiding clients on tax-smart giving strategies for 2025. Amanda Regnier, senior wealth strategist, highlights how donating appreciated assets or using donor advised funds can boost both tax savings and charitable impact. Such advice allows the company to maintain its focus on client-centered planning and support long-term financial goals.

The latest CIBC news

Displaying 37 results
Don't sell your winners, donate them to charity instead
Don't sell your winners, donate them to charity instead

If you are going to let your winners run, let them run for a good cause while lowering your tax bill.

Dynasty, FL Putnam announce additions in Virginia
RIA NEWS MAR 06, 2025
Dynasty, FL Putnam announce additions in Virginia

Dynasty Financial Partners helps a Goldman team return to independence as FL Putnam inks its fifth deal in 12 months.

Dynasty adds CIBC breakaways as Sanctuary unveils first strategic capital partnership
RIA NEWS FEB 20, 2025
Dynasty adds CIBC breakaways as Sanctuary unveils first strategic capital partnership

Sanctuary Wealth's latest minority investment marks a new phase in the RIA aggregator's efforts to support independent advisor growth on its platform.

Father-son advisor duo launch $750M indie firm
RIA NEWS NOV 05, 2024
Father-son advisor duo launch $750M indie firm

The practice driven by a CIBC Private Wealth veteran with over three decades of experience has made its debut in Chicago's high-net-worth market.

SEC hits nearly a dozen firms with $88M in penalties in latest recordkeeping sweep
SEC hits nearly a dozen firms with $88M in penalties in latest recordkeeping sweep

One firm avoided penalties as it proactively self-reported and took compliance action, according to the regulator.

Stocks stage bullish comeback following $6.5T selloff
RIA NEWS AUG 06, 2024
Stocks stage bullish comeback following $6.5T selloff

The S&P 500 benchmark rides a wave of dip-buyers as experts reaffirm the value of "healthy" corrections.

Serve clients better by embracing change
RIA NEWS FEB 01, 2024
Serve clients better by embracing change

Richard Saperstein, founder of Treasury Partners, on how he capitalized on the industry’s revolution.

Mega-cap tech stocks post longest losing streak of 2023
RIA NEWS AUG 21, 2023
Mega-cap tech stocks post longest losing streak of 2023

Investors remain concerned about tighter policy amid stubborn inflation.

CIBC adviser managing $400 million joins Stratos
RIA NEWS SEP 28, 2022
CIBC adviser managing $400 million joins Stratos

Kenneth Gimbel specializes in developing specifically tailored asset management programs for large and complex trusts and investment relationships.

Duo from TIAA manages $600 million at Raymond James
Duo from TIAA manages $600 million at Raymond James

Nicholas Troiano and Mathew Mattice join the firm's employee unit in Colorado.

The more personal post-Covid client-adviser conversations
OPINION APR 26, 2021
The more personal post-Covid client-adviser conversations

Advisers nearly universally agree that a return to office meetings is key, and that they must change

Stocks hit on COVID concerns, fading hopes for fiscal stimulus
EQUITIES OCT 26, 2020
Stocks hit on COVID concerns, fading hopes for fiscal stimulus

Stocks pared their losses during the afternoon as the biggest tech companies recovered

Baird lands $228 million team from Oppenheimer
Baird lands $228 million team from Oppenheimer

Richard Fisher and Dan Sullivan have joined the firm as senior vice presidents and financial advisers. Together, they generate more than $1 million in annual revenue.

Raymond James lands $1 billion team from Wells Fargo Advisors in New York
RIA NEWS AUG 22, 2018
Raymond James lands $1 billion team from Wells Fargo Advisors in New York

The four-person adviser team got its start in 1987.

EQUITIES SEP 05, 2017
Major events set stormy tone for financial markets in September

After a long stretch of calm, market-watchers brace for 'bumpy' ride.