Money Concepts Canada is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Originally founded in the U.S. by Jack Walsh in 1979, Money Concepts was built on the idea that financial planning is essential for everyone, not just the wealthy. This concept was untested in Canada when, in 1984, Grant Sylvester left his job as a senior financial services executive to establish Money Concepts north of the border.

Officially launched in 1985, Money Concepts Canada started with only three employees and no assets, and has since grown to 50 employees and $2.5 billion in assets.

Today, Money Concepts is the largest franchised financial planning company in Canada with 60 offices coast-to-coast.

In the summer of 2001, Money Concepts, along with AEGON Dealer Services Canada Inc. (formerly known as Money Concepts Group Capital Corp.), embarked on a new era of growth when it became a member of the AEGON Group. According to Money Concepts President Scott Sinclair, this has allowed Money Concepts to benefit from the strength of a large corporate parent, without sacrificing its independence.

“Most of the independent financial planning brands that began in Canada 20 years ago have long since been consolidated or absorbed, yet Money Concepts continues to operate under its own banner, and with the same strong, independent value proposition that made it a success for the last two decades,” said Sinclair, in a release.

“Our industry has faced a lot of change over the last 20 years, such as the move to electronic trading, an evolving regulatory environment, increased competition, greater client sophistication, and huge changes in technology.”

“Money Concepts has grown and evolved throughout all of these changes, and we have every confidence that the vision and discipline that created its past successes will keep Money Concepts in growth mode for decades to come,” he added.