Headquarters:

Montreal, QC, Canada

Year founded:

1954

Number of employees:

48 partners, 22 counsel-partners, 264 employees

Phone:

514 866 6743

Email:

info@chu.com.au

Website:

duntonrainville.com

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/company/dunton-rainville

“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”

Brett Bastow, IQumulate Premium FundinG

Jean-Jacques Rainville

Chairman of the Board

Yanick Tanguay

Vice President

Aaron Makovka

Member of the Board

Leadership

Jean-Jacques Rainville began his career in the City of Montreal’s legal department, after which he joined the legal department of the City of Longueuil as a director. He later became a partner and chairman of the board at Dunton Rainville, where his practice focuses primarily on administrative law, public law, labour relations, and municipal law. He represents many private, public, and para-public-sector employers, and has frequently pleaded before all judicial bodies, including the Supreme Court of Canada. He has also presented many bills before the Québec National Assembly and negotiated numerous contracts and collective agreements.

Chairman of the Board

Jean-Jacques Rainville

Yanick Tanguay has extensive experience in municipal law, labour and employment law, and administrative law. He is especially familiar with municipal issues and assists various public bodies in the development of their territory, as well as with associated environmental issues. He advises and represents several municipal and supra-municipal bodies before the courts. In the area of labour and employment, he advises managers regarding individual and collective labour relations and essential services.

Vice President

Yanick Tanguay

Aaron Makovka specializes in labour, employment law, and administrative law. As a skilled negotiator with particular expertise in labour standards, employment contracts, grievance arbitration and occupational health and safety, he regularly represents his clients before various labour tribunals and other administrative bodies across Canada, as well as before the civil courts. He has considerable experience in claims made under the Act Respecting Industrial Accidents and Occupational Diseases, as well as in those involving human rights issues and labour and employment standards.

Member of the Board

Aaron Makovka

BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs

Leadership

Paul André Martel

Member of the Board

Paul André Martel is a partner who works in several areas at Dunton Rainville, including banking law and commercial and transactional law. He represents several financial institutions in bankruptcy and insolvency matters. He also advises them in major files involving the financing or refinancing of shares and real estate projects. He has drafted numerous important commercial agreements, and has a solid reputation for his expert ability to intervene in the most important transactions, whatever they may be.

Member of the Board

Paul André Martel

Marie Annik Walsh

Member of the Board

Marie Annik Walsh is a partner at Dunton Rainville and has focused her practice primarily on family law for over 20 years. She is also president of the Association des avocats et avocates en droit familial du Québec (AAADFQ), after being a member of its board of directors since 1998, and served as its treasurer for over 10 years. This new challenge led to participation in the parliamentary commission hearings regarding access to justice, where she had a ringside seat during the legislative changes to the spousal support review process.

Member of the Board

Marie Annik Walsh

Stevens & Associates Lawyers is a leading and trusted employment law firm based in Sydney known for delivering high-quality legal expertise in the area of employment law and industrial relations across Australia, alongside a proven track record of effectively and swiftly resolving a variety of workplace law issues. In the past year, the firm’s growth has been notable. It has: • experienced a 213% growth in the number of client matters, increasing from 149 client matters in the 2022 financial year to 390 client matters in the 2023 financial year • improved its online visibility, leading to over 50 online enquiries each month and a conversion rate of client leads of up to 40% • significantly expanded the breadth and type of matters that it advises on day to day, which has increased the firm’s skillsets, diversity and resilience • expanded its community outreach by collaborating with local Sydney venues for client seminars and continuing active participation in a Sydney small/family business group Stevens & Associates Lawyers has adapted to digital trends by implementing an effective strategy with SEO and web design, resulting in a structural shift that has seen increased representation of employees where the firm previously mainly advised employers. The firm’s recognition as a “Fast Firm” attests to its momentum in the employment law space.

“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”

Wayne Tower, IQumulate Premium Funding

James Doswell

Senior Cyber Risk Management Consultant

Michael Prokopis

Manager – Southern Region

Jeffrey Valdivia

Manager – Commercial Strata

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

James Doswell has nearly 30 years of technology experience across multiple industries, including transformational IT and M&A scenarios. He specialises in cyber security and has helped enhance software used to protect life-critical areas of National Critical Infrastructure. With this diverse background of technology and security experience, he has evaluated large global corporations and presented on cyber security risk to multiple leading organisations. Doswell’s main responsibility is to deliver cyber risk control for Travelers Europe, contributing to the growth of the cyber proposition.

Senior Cyber Risk Management Consultant

James Doswell

Thierry Pascal has over 13 years of experience in business and corporate banking in various financial/credit analytical and relationship management roles with the NAB and CBA. After a career break to undertake postgraduate studies, he joined GE Capital as a senior risk analyst in premium funding in 2010. Following the divestment of the premium funding business to the Macquarie Group in 2015, he joined Macquarie Premium Funding and was promoted to credit risk manager, where he led the credit underwriting team. Following the re-branding to IQumulate Premium Funding, Pascal was recently promoted to head of credit and legal, a role that sees him manage the credit underwriting team as well as oversee IQumulate’s in-house legal function. Pascal holds undergraduate and postgraduate tertiary qualifications in accounting and law.

Head of Credit and Legal

Thierry Pascal

Cemal Akgul sees the head of risk and collections role as pivotal in guiding and influencing business decisions. He has more than 15 years of experience across financial and government services, most recently with the NDIS, where he was the leading consultant driving the Risk Management process’ nationwide. Prior to that, he served various roles at BMW Finance across the United States, Hong Kong, Germany and Australia. During Akgul’s tenure at BMW Finance, he predominately worked in risk management, guiding the organisation through seismic changes between 2016 and 2018. In his time prior, he was based out of New York, leading BMW Finance’s American subsidiary's market risk and data analytics teams between 2011 and 2016. Akgul values a balanced approach to business, encourages a positive work culture and is passionate about teaching and guiding the business and individuals at IQumulate.

Head of Risk and Collections

Cemal Akgul

Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager. As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view. IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance. “We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.

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What does IQumulate have in mind for the future? “IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur. “Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, with the potential to allow IQumulate to capture a larger market share, whilst continuing to deliver service excellence to clients.” “As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead. “We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”

https://iqumulate.com/

IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company. “We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.” Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate. “Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”

What does IQumulate have in mind for the future? “IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur. “Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, creating a competitive advantage with the potential to allow IQumulate to command premium pricing or capture a larger market share. “As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead. “We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Similarly, brokers can expect:

top-in-class service fast response times competitive financing options annual re-marketing of policies to get the best deal hassle-free claims experience dynamic brokers eager to impress who do not take the business for granted

“Our brokers understand their clients’ business needs and pair them with the right product and appropriate level of cover for any foreseeable risk or contingency”

Cynthia Yap, Dynamic Insurance Services

“Our brokers are encouraged to ‘specialise’ in a market niche because it allows them to negotiate an insurance scheme with the underwriters for the most competitive insurance premiums”

Cynthia Yap, Dynamic Insurance Services

•

Dunton Rainville LLP prides itself on being a people business. That unwavering dedication to its clients, staff, and the communities in which it operates underpins a core philosophy of bringing cutting-edge legal expertise and complementary skills close to those it serves. Steeped in a rich 70-year history that has flourished over the decades, Dunton Rainville’s consistent commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal practice and client satisfaction has cemented its status as one of Canadian Lawyer’s Top Quebec Regional Firms of 2024, recognition it has repeatedly claimed. The award-winning firm’s legal team deeply understands regional realities and concerns gleaned from assisting clients throughout Quebec. From its offices in seven major centres, including Montreal, Laval, Urban Agglomeration of Longueuil, Joliette, Saint-Jérôme, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, and Sherbrooke, clients can rely on receiving top-notch legal advice from first-rate law professionals. “Dunton Rainville is all about expertise and passion,” vice president Yanick Tanguay explains. “What sets us apart is our proximity to the client and our understanding of their specific needs. Our level of service is beyond reproach. Clients can reach us anytime, and they know they can count on us in any situation.” The firm boasts a wide range of leading-edge expertise. It acts in all areas requiring legal services, particularly in commercial, banking, and real estate matters; labour; employment and immigration law; public, municipal, education, and health law; and civil, insurance, construction, family, and notarial law. It is also a member of the SCG Legal worldwide network of leading law firms. Legal staff thrive in a collegial environment and are encouraged and supported to respond to their clients’ needs and the markets in which they practice by a diverse leadership team of highly competent professionals who guide the firm in delivering unparalleled service, solutions, and expertise. With a focus on its clients’ success for today and tomorrow, the firm’s leadership emphasizes a strategy for long-term growth that nurtures its young lawyers. It prioritizes identifying emerging legal talent at the university level and ensures its firm is attractive to the best and the brightest by making partnerships accessible. “The key word in our strategy is talent,” Tanguay remarks. “We give much room for young talent to grow so the company can continue strengthening its leadership position.” A results-oriented approach and personalized service close to home have been the foundation of the firm’s success since its founding. As Dunton Rainville continues its growth and expansion across the province, the legal team is poised to exceed client expectations with its “large firm expertise and small organization approach.”

•

the best mentorship and support for whatever stage of their business or clientele one of Australia’s most attractive commission rates

Ms Yap’s own experience drove her to devise a viable broker model and commission structure that can support many startup brokers with a fast-growing clientele. This allows for a greater number of authorised representatives who are incentivised to target particular industries to maximise economies of scale, while a robust IT and support system ensures that brokers can offer the best possible service 24/7. “Our clients never have to wait longer than two hours for a response, and our brokers are contactable over the weekends for urgent claims,” says Ms Yap. “Our brokers understand their clients’ business needs and pair them with the right product and appropriate level of cover for any foreseeable risk or contingency.” The firm has made extensive efforts to refine its offering, and in 2019, it commissioned a comprehensive competitor review of the broker network market and found several gaps in the support for smaller independent brokers. This resulted in a significant investment in IT infrastructure to onboard brokers from anywhere in Australia. The tiers in the commission structure were simplified to make it more attractive for the smaller independent brokers to join while providing them Steadfast member benefits.

Dynamic Insurance Services is also continuing to boost its growth with initiatives such as:

•

a 12-month branding and marketing campaign investment in digital assets and content that can support the marketing efforts of brokers strengthening their stable specialised insurance schemes to offer even better value for money for clients

Ms Yap says, “We have a supportive work environment with an emphasis on mentorship and wellbeing. This is especially helpful for female insurance professionals, who often have to balance professional goals with family duties. We actively encourage brokers to break new ground by establishing market niches and insurance schemes that best leverage their experience and contacts.”

•

Ivan Verescuk

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Shaun O’Brien

Head of Underwriting

Emily Walker

Head of Strata and Development

Rex Oakman

Head of Operations and Risk

Sandy Newton

Head of Underwriting

Andrew Mitchell

Manager – NSW

Michael Prokopis

Manager – Southern Region

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Jeffrey Valdivia

Manager – Commercial Strata

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims