Investment Advisors

Not all investment advisors are alike. You’ll hear similar promises from most of them, but in Canada there are different types of investment professionals, each with distinct licenses, regulatory obligations, and areas of expertise. Be sure to understand what credentials your advisor holds and how they’re regulated. Don’t hesitate to verify their registration and background through official channels, though even a quick online search can offer some useful insight. Remember that designations such as CFA, CPA, or MBA can indicate advanced training, but it’s equally important to assess the advisor’s experience, and whether or not their own approach fits with your financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do investment advisors differ?

    Investment advisors have different licenses, which affect the types of investments they can access. Investigate the credentials your advisor has, and how they are bound from a regulatory, legal, and fiduciary standpoint.

  • What is fiduciary responsibility?

    Fiduciary responsibility is a term meaning that an advisor has a responsibility to put your interests ahead of their own. There are two types of fiduciaries within the investment management industry: a moral fiduciary and a legal fiduciary. The latter has a higher standard of care, so it’s important to ask your advisor what their fiduciary responsibility to you really entails.

  • What types of licenses can advisors have?

    Mutual Fund License: Mutual fund advisors can only provide investments in the form of mutual funds.

    Transactional License: Transactional advisors need to run each investment decision by you first. This advisory style generally charges a fee for each transaction that takes place.

    Discretionary License: Discretionary advisors can manage your accounts daily according to an investment plan laid out at the beginning of your relationship. This plan can be updated regularly to keep up with life events. This type of advisory service is best suited for those who are busy, or disinterested in managing their money independently, as it negates the need to approve daily transactions.

  • How can I access a discretionary investment manager?

    Sagium is partnered with a number of discretionary investment management teams to fit your vision, values, and mission for your wealth. Your discretionary portfolio manager is licensed to invest based on their knowledge of you and your investment policy statement, meaning you’ll no longer have to monitor market performance and determine timely responses. Instead, your advisor takes care of what needs to be done, so you can focus on your personal and professional pursuits.

Not all investment professionals are the same

Selecting the right type of investment advisor is essential. Reach out and we’ll be happy to chat about what solution works best for you and your wealth.

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Benefits of discretionary investment counsel

  • Meet the Sagium Team

    A diverse group of investment advisors and administrators

    Learn more

  • About Us

    What Sagium does and how we are different

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