Big, bad bureaucratic blowups
You have to respect murphy. Wasn’t it Murphy who said “If it can go wrong, it will go wrong”? Well, Murphy must live at IE.It…
You have to respect murphy. Wasn’t it Murphy who said “If it can go wrong, it will go wrong”? Well, Murphy must live at IE.It…
I was in a small resort town about 100 miles north of Toronto when I stopped for gas at one of those places that is…
Intended to reduce number of disputes by preventing misconduct that may result in compensation
Many of nova scotia’s senior ministers, and the premier himself, have devoted their attention to an issue of the utmost importance to all Nova Scotians…
Edmonton-based canglobe International Inc., which trades on the lowly OTC Bulletin Board in the U.S., appears to have little going for it except, perhaps, the…
Two new US$8-billion-plus cross-border takeover bids show national pride still a stumbling block
A funny thing happened after Ottawa’s fifth or sixth budget surplus: the 1970s style of voter has returned. They may not be wearing polyester or…
Cervus financial group Inc. is applying the trailer-fee business model used in the mutual fund and insurance industries to conventional mortgages, a move that will…
With their new poor grade, the auto giants’ debts aren’t for the faint of heart, to be sure, but they are far from being a…
The wireless equipment sector has kept the rest of the telecommunications sector afloat for years. Now it, too, has clearly hit a rough patch. ABG…
Bank stocks have had such a fantastic run it is difficult to imagine they could ever go out of favour. But they have been out…
Forty-four funds at CI Mutual Funds Inc. have been renamed with “Corporate Class” replacing the former “Sector Fund” designation (for instance, CI Global Value Sector…
Goodman & Co. Investment Counsel Ltd. has announced plans to merge 12 funds, citing overlap in their investment objectives. On June 23, shareholders will vote…
In a bid to “move its product upscale,” Manulife Investments has re-branded a series of existing portfolios as Simplicity, a wrap program available in mutual…
Winnipeg-based Investors Group Inc. is asking shareholders of Investors Corporate Bond Fund to vote this month on renaming the fund Investors Canadian Bond Fund. IG…
Class-A unitholders of Sceptre Equity Growth Fund will meet this month to vote on an increase in management fees to 1.5% from 1.25%. Toronto-based Sceptre…
Toronto-based Acuity Funds Ltd. is seeking unitholder approval to merge the following funds: Acuity Clean Environment Science and Technology Fund into Acuity Clean Environment Global…
Fund managers, investors should be involved early in regulatory reform
Questions about know-your-product requirements show lack of understanding
Despite a relatively buoyant economy, U.S. equity markets have been on a roller-coaster ride this year, thanks to stubbornly high oil prices and steadily rising…
As the commodity cycle continues into its seventh year, Rory Ronan, manager of AIM Trimark Investment Ltd.’s $307.9-million Trimark Canadian Resources Fund in Toronto, is…
Mawer and Trimark world funds have both enjoyed rebounds of late
Claringtonfunds inc. and Sun Life Financial Inc. are introducing a new type of “life cycle” investment fund in Canada that combines the concept of a…
If there’s one thing that can be said about retirement, it’s that it’s getting longer and longer. A new report from HSBC Bank Canada on…
As assets at altamira Investment Services Inc. continue to shrink, many of its former staff who now run their own businesses are riding a tidal…
Nova scotia, like the nation itself, is being run by a minority government. But John Hamm’s Tories, unlike Paul Martin’s Liberals, are in an enviable…
Cuts in the capital tax rates in Quebec and Nova Scotia, and a reduction in New Brunswick’s small business tax rate, were very welcome measures…
Already the most dominant insurance player in Canada, Great-West Lifeco Inc. has taken the first step in becoming an international powerhouse with a new acquisition…
The deck chairs have been rearranged on the good ship IGM Financial Inc. and the three executives leading the Winnipeg-based juggernaut say it is full…
Michael Ruge, a hedge-fund promoter in Victoria, professed to be a great humanitarian and, even worse, a great friend to the people he victimized, many…
Alban d’amours, ceo of Quebec’s giant Desjardins Group, was in Toronto recently to buck up the troops at Desjardins Securities Inc. after the sudden departure…
When it comes to actually trading equities, the securities industry appears to agree that “best execution” means more than just getting the best price. There’s…
Market regulation Services Inc. and the Canadian Securities Administrators are butting heads over the market regulator’s desire to extend trade-through obligations to institutional investors. Rather…
Kevin McFadden’s business partner is probably the only mortgage professional in Canada whose mere presence causes an autograph frenzy. McFadden, a benefits consultant with Sigurdson…
Investors familiar with the highly-regulated Canadian securities industry may find London’s Alternative Investment Market more like a reckless, free-fire zone. In fact, the AIM approach…
On the surface, the 2005 provincial budgets appear to be standard fare. The provinces welcomed the additional transfers from Ottawa for health-care spending and focused…
It’s not hard to imagine what Canadian dealers see in London’s Alternative Investment Market. Canaccord Capital Inc. is already mining the AIM for healthy profits.…
Planners feeling profit pressures
Dual licensing helps client retention; level of insurance support varies from firm to firm
But a few firms on right track when it comes to account statements
Increased costs post short-term burden, but everyone agrees it is a good long-term investment
PFSL Investments’ planners remain impressed with their firm’s efforts, something that can’t be said by all advisors
Balancing independence and support is a challenge; some firms offer rookie training
But most firms say they’re happy with MFDA platform for now
As planners move into the latter stages of their careers, most firms offer succession planning support
Advisors should be aware of the fees firms charge them and how they can vary from company to company
Most advisors say they aren’t told what to sell, nor must they meet quotas
IE asked heads of firms to describe their ideal candidate. Top of the list was someone who understands how the business works
We’ve made significant changes to the 2005 Planners’ Report Card. Perhaps the biggest change is that we asked planners to tell us which survey categories…
It is a matter of the right fit. If the dealer’s model and the advisor’s goals match, everyone wins
Much of what people say to others is not communicated by their words, but by their posture, tone and eye contact
Low-end clients can drag down a business, but severing the relationship must be done gracefully
Bulls, Bears and Pigs is sometimes pat and predictable, but the author’s characters offer some nice insights into helping clients
Chantal Murphy says it’s essential to look for a person with whom you can work comfortably, day in and day out
Reactions range from mild to fatal; there’s still no cure, but researchers are looking for answers
Dalbar report notes the challenges advisors face when navigating mutual fund Web sites
Comprehensive financial planning the best business investment
Speech-recognition software can save advisors time, money — and serve clients better, proponents say
Those who sue issuers over misrepresentation face heavier burden of proof; impact will be felt in Canada, legal experts say
Make sure your clients disclose all information about where they are going and how they are getting there
Estimated 3,300 seniors die from drug reactions every year; advisors can help ensure older clients take medications safely
“Know your product” is not a phrase that advisors will find in any of the regulatory rules or “best practices” manuals. Instead, it is implied…
Business cards can be essential to building a brand and talking to your market
The traditional game plan no longer leads to victory. But even if you are not already on the right path, it’s not too late to…
Toronto Argonauts’ coach Michael Clemons says sustainable leadership is behind every great team
