Cartier Partners Financial Group is forecasting a bright outlook for 2002.

In its annual report, Cartier focuses on the future positives. “With some 15% of industry assets in low-yielding money market funds, plenty of buying power is on the sidelines. So we are pleased to now have in place the tools and systems that will help our mutual fund and securities advisors seize the opportunity.”

It says that it sees significant potential in insurance, “where we now have in place the management team, organizational structure and back office systems needed to leverage our status as Canada’s leading independent insurance distributor. We are currently working to consolidate our MGA (managing general agency) agreements with the major life carriers under the Cartier Partners name.”

The firm continues to stress independence. Cartier notes that its Mutual Fund Dealers Association advisor contract states “that our advisors own their practices”. The contract was developed in consultation with its Sales Advisory Council, made up of leading advisors.

As well, 500 top advisors have been granted options in Cartier Partners, “aligning their interests with management and shareholders. We created our Book Value Program to help entrepreneurial advisors who want to build their practices through acquisition, and to guide those selling as they transition out of the business.”

The firm will also rollout its national brokerage arm in 2002. “Cartier Partners Securities is the merger of our two regional brokerage firms, and in 2002 we will proceed with national rollout. New business initiatives include establishing a call desk and referral service, so our mutual fund and insurance advisors can provide clients with access to securities within the firm. For example, access to a broad inventory of bonds will improve a mutual fund advisor’s ability to meet the fixed income needs of clients.”

The firm says that it has access to the financial resources required to continue investing in the integration and improvement of its business in 2002. “We were bullish on the business when we made our acquisitions of six firms in the 1999 –2000 period and, after the infrastructure investments made in 2001,we are even more bullish now. We have the business plan, management team, critical mass and, most importantly, the quality salesforce to fulfill our vision for Cartier Partners Financial Group.”