Micheline Varas, BA, RHU, RFC, EPC, GBDS, CHS, CEA Senior (Managing) Partner, Customplan Financial Advisors Senior Vice-President, Living Benefits

Micheline joined Customplan in 1994, where she is both Senior (Managing) Partner and independent advisor. Micheline works in conjunction with several insurers, and their respective underwriters/reinsurers and is a consulting resource to advisors, institutions, HNW and corporate clients. 

She has grown her practice and that of others by focusing on the collaboration of specialist expertise. She structures creative, cost-effective and tax-effective risk mitigation strategies for clients and plays an integral role in achieving solutions for those deemed difficult to insure.

Micheline was the first recipient of the GBDS (Group Benefits Disability Specialist) designation in Canada and a founding moderator of the Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies. 

She heads Customplan’s Living Benefits Division as well as ACT (Advanced Consultancy Team), assisting advisors to achieve best-of-class solutions. A Top of the Table (MDRT) member, Micheline has authored a book, penned industry and non-industry publications, held training and educational events, and spoken at international congresses (inclusive of The Million Dollar Round Table and Top of the Table conferences).  

She was named one of 50 Women of Influence in Canada’s insurance industry and, in 2025, was named Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame and selected as the recipient of the Lifetime Vanguard Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership, long-term contributions, and exceptional impact on the insurance industry.