Tyson Rigg (BCom ’16): Building wealth with purpose

Managing money is a responsibility that affects all of us. For Tyson Rigg (BCom ’16), it’s more than a responsibility: it’s a mission. As a senior investment counsellor and portfolio manager, he provides his clients with access to greater financial clarity and opportunity. 

That mission began to take shape during his time at Telfer. As a student, he immersed himself in the Microprogram Capital Markets and co-founded the Telfer Capital Fund, which gives students control over managing a real portfolio. Through these experiences, he gained practical investment knowledge and worked alongside industry professionals and mentors from across Canada. 

Beyond the numbers and investment strategies, Tyson approaches wealth management as a platform: one where trust, education and consistency are key to helping his clients build lasting financial foundations, and where small, intentional actions can contribute to narrowing broader economic gaps over time.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to take on this career path?

My interest in finance came to life as a student when I joined the Microprogram Capital Markets. It exposed me to different areas of finance and showed me how investment decisions can have a lasting impact on people’s lives. 

Around that time, I read an article saying it could take more than 200 years for Black Americans to accumulate the same level of wealth as white Americans. That statistic sparked a deeper question for me: why does the wealth gap exist, and if so, what can be done to narrow it? 

I started to learn about home ownership, real estate, investing, inheritance, trusts and the generational transfer of wealth. The more I learned, the more I wanted to be part of the solution. That curiosity led me to wealth management. Today, a meaningful part of my work is helping people build financial foundations that help to narrow that gap over time. 

What does “building a wealthier Canada” mean to you? 

Building a wealthier Canada means giving Canadians and newcomers the tools, resources and knowledge they need to improve their financial literacy. It also means helping people feel more confident in their financial decisions and creating opportunities for people to participate in long-term economic growth. Wealth takes time to build, but everyone needs a starting point. 

In my day-to-day, I put time and effort into helping people understand the investment vehicles available in Canada and how they can support their goals. Recently, I spoke to students at a financial literacy seminar about First Home Savings Accounts and how to make the most of them. 

There’s so much information out there about investing, and that can feel overwhelming. The goal is not to find a perfect engine: it’s to understand what you’re getting into and to stay grounded during periods of volatility. Long-term wealth is built through consistency and informed decision-making. 

How did your experience as a Telfer student shape the way you think about leadership and responsibility? 

Telfer does an exceptional job of opening doors through connections with employers and industry leaders and through experiential learning opportunities. 

Through the Career Centre, Financial Research Lab, student clubs, and the Telfer Capital Fund, I gained exposure far beyond the classroom. These experiences shaped my confidence and reinforced the importance of giving back. 

I see myself as a product of the Telfer system. It shaped my belief that leadership is about service, mentorship and creating opportunities for others. 

When I speak with fellow Telfer alumni, I often hear a common theme: they felt well prepared to take ownership of their careers. Telfer provides students with a strong foundation and an invaluable network, but it also encourages them to take the initiative. That sense of responsibility for your own career path is what differentiates you—it makes you a better employer, employee or leader. 

You are recognized as a leader in wealth management. What three skills have had the biggest impact on your effectiveness in building trust and delivering results for your clients? 

First, honesty and integrity are essential. In finance, trust is everything. There will always be situations where the right decision is not the easiest one, but maintaining your integrity matters more than any short-term gain. 

Second, have the aptitude to continuously learn. The ability, willingness and joy that comes from learning something new keeps me motivated. Currently, I'm learning more about private credit and public markets; prior to that, it was large language models (LLMs) and generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs). Staying curious helps you grow and adapt. 

Third, adopt a service-driven approach. Put others first and treat them how you would like to be treated. I built my professional career on that. The clients I work with have different backgrounds, perspectives and goals. Being genuinely committed to helping others succeed is essential. 

Ultimately, trust is earned through consistent action. It comes from doing what you say you will do and delivering on your commitments. 

What advice would you give to people who want to align their work with a wealthier Canada? 

It is important to be intentional about sharing your knowledge and opportunities, and to put yourself in mentorship positions. We’ve all been the benefactor of somebody else opening that door for us, so it’s important to pay it forward. 

One of the biggest misconceptions is that giving back requires significant financial resources or credentials. In reality, one of the most valuable things you can offer to your family, friends or colleagues is your time. 

I try to contribute in different ways. I mentor students and young professionals, participate in community groups, and support initiatives within my church and University communities. I was also recently invited to serve as Executive-in-Residence at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, where I speak with students and legal professionals about financial fundamentals. 

Whether it is 30 minutes with a student, a conversation with a colleague, or guidance for a young professional, those moments can make a lasting difference. Sometimes the best way to pay it forward is simply to make the time.