Empire Financial Group today announced the signing of a new investment loan distribution agreement with B2B Trust to provide segregated fund loans to Empire clients who want to borrow to invest in their non-registered Empire policies.

B2B Trust, a subsidiary of Laurentian Bank of Canada, will provide a comprehensive suite of loan options, including the 100% Accelerator Loan, which offers approved clients up to $100,000 with no money down, no margin call and interest-only payments.

“The agreement with B2B Trust complements rather than replaces Empire’s long-time partnership with TD Investment Lending Services. Our clients and business partners want maximum choice and flexibility in terms of lender, loan and payment options,” says Jim Gibson, director of individual marketing. “With these two premier providers and Empire’s proven performance as a value manager, we’re delivering an effective wealth accumulation strategy.”

Falling savings rates and a growing awareness among Canadian consumers that they may have waited too long to start saving for retirement contributed to significant market growth in leveraged loans in recent years.

“Since the 1980s, savings rates have dropped more than 15%,” says Gibson. “As a result, people are looking for ways to make up for shortfalls in their savings. Wise investors who are comfortable with a higher level of risk can use leveraging to narrow the gap on that shortfall.”