Profile
For Jon Knowles, the most valuable career advice that he can pass on to others has nothing to do with chasing a bigger title. “Seek out a great company, not a great title,” says the institutional portfolio manager at Fidelity in Canada. It is a philosophy that has shaped a decade of professional growth and one he credits above all else for the success he has achieved.
Knowles points to Fidelity’s willingness to invest in its people as the single biggest factor in his career trajectory. When he joined 10 years ago after completing a Bachelor of Business Administration at Wilfrid Laurier University, several teams and divisions now driving the firm’s growth did not yet exist. That, to him, is the argument for backing a strong organization over a defined role. “Find a great company, be kind, and work hard, and if you’re curious enough, you may be surprised just where your career takes,” he says.
His approach rests on four qualities he returns to often: kindness, curiosity, work ethic, and a readiness to seize opportunities. Combining technical skill with strong communication and relationship-building has helped Knowles earn trust early. He also takes the time to make complex investment concepts clear and accessible so clients can make informed decisions with confidence.
Mentors have been central to Knowles’ development. He is quick to share the credit, recalling guidance from one mentor outside Fidelity that has stayed with him: “Successful companies like Fidelity don’t become that way by investing in the wrong people,” he says. “Put your head down, do great work, be someone your colleagues want to work with, and the rest will take care of itself.”
Being earlier in his career has proven an advantage for Knowles rather than a limitation. Rather than assuming established practices are always the best solution, he tries to understand the reasoning behind them and explore new perspectives where appropriate, contributing fresh ideas to both Fidelity’s investment process and the narratives it builds for the market. His curiosity underpins what he counts as his defining achievement: becoming a key contributor to Fidelity’s ClearPath target date strategies, helping clients, consultants, and colleagues navigate complex retirement decisions.
Knowles’ commitment extends beyond the day-to-day at Fidelity. A CFA charterholder and active member of CFA Society Toronto, Knowles has spent the past eight years with the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation's Ride to Conquer Cancer and now helps lead Fidelity Canada’s involvement, with employees raising more than $430,000 for cancer research.
Being recognized as one of BPM’s Rising Stars for 2026 has not changed his goals. “While recognition is neat, I see it more as encouragement to keep growing and contributing,” Knowles says. “Whether through my work, mentorship, or community involvement, I am driven by the opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to outcomes that extend beyond my immediate role.”
483 Bay St. #300, Toronto, ON M5G 2C9
506 645 1386
hmacartney@gobelmont.ca
linkedin.com/in/knowlesjon
institutional.fidelity.ca/en
Jon Knowles
Institutional Portfolio Manager
Fidelity Investments Canada
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
2017–2018
2018–2019
2019–2021
2021–2023
2023–present
Business Development Associate at Fidelity Investments Canada
2017–2018
Analyst, Key Accounts at Fidelity Investments Canada
2018–2019
Investment Analyst at Fidelity Investments Canada
2019–2021
Senior Investment Analyst at Fidelity Investments Canada
2021–2023
Institutional Portfolio Manager at Fidelity Investments Canada
2023–present
Milestones
youtube.com/@summitpw
facebook.com/summitprivatewealth
instagram.com/summit.wealth
x.com/SummitPrivate
Top 50 Women of Influence 2026 JUDGE