Edmonton-based Raintree Financial Monday announce a strategic alliance with Calgary-based Pennant Capital Partners that will allow each business to focus on its core strengths.

As an exempt market dealer (EMD), Raintree specializes in providing dealer services to qualified Dealing Representatives and its clients in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Raintree does not manage investment funds; instead focuses solely on offering thoroughly screened third-party securities. The new alliance will see Raintree Financial Solutions expanding its product shelf to include exclusive access to Pennant’s investment funds, managed by Invico Capital Corp., and offering its dealer services to former Pennant dealing representatives.

Based in Calgary, Invico Capital manages approximately $160 million of client assets across a number of proprietary investment funds. Upon completion of the alliance with Raintree, Pennant Capital will no longer be focused on selling investment product to retail investors but will focus on providing Invico Capital investment products to their channel partners.

“This is a significant step forward for our industry,” says Adam Derges, VP business development at Raintree, “By working together to utilize the strengths of both organizations we’re able to improve the offerings to those working and investing in the exempt market. Our similar values will enable us to continue moving forward with transparency and a dedication to investor alignment.”

“It’s a strong and strategic alliance that enables our organizations to remain separate,” says Dean Lower, Pennant president.