Home In Depth Special Reports Outlook 2018: Prospects for the Financial Services Sector

Outlook 2018: Prospects for the Financial Services Sector

Investment Executive examines the prospects for the financial services sector — and the major trends affecting it — in 2018. This special report looks at the potential of an embedded commissions ban coming into effect, the fate of the proposed Co-operative Capital Markets Regulator, the continued growth of ETFs, the rise of responsible investment, what firms are doing to recruit the next generation of advisors, changes to the insurance industry, and what’s ahead for banks, fintech and tax policy.

January 14, 2018

Awaiting a decision

After a year of intense debate over a ban on embedded commissions, all eyes are on the CSA

  • January 15, 2018 November 9, 2019
  • 00:18

The regulatory conundrum

The big issue is the fate of the proposed Co-operative Capital Markets Regulator. But other issues will contribute in making 2018 a confusing year

  • January 15, 2018 November 9, 2019
  • 00:17

Innovation, international growth

Canada's Big Six banks seek new ways to embrace technology - including working with fintech firms and incorporating AI into banking services

  • January 15, 2018 November 9, 2019
  • 00:16

Fintech firms target expansion

With robo-advisor platforms and similar services here to stay, these firms will magnify their existing offerings and enter new arenas

  • January 15, 2018 November 9, 2019
  • 00:15

ETFs and mutual funds to overlap

Both markets are poised to enjoy healthy growth in 2018, but the ETF market is broadening beyond products that mimic key benchmark indices

  • January 15, 2018 November 9, 2019
  • 00:14

Expect an insurance shakeup

Although insurance products themselves aren't expected to undergo drastic changes, pricing is likely to shift for some products, and insurers are re-evaluating others

  • January 15, 2018 November 9, 2019
  • 00:13

Insurance: Tough times for MGAs

A growing list of compliance responsibilities - including advisor oversight - and a trend toward acquisition by larger firms presents challenges for independent insurance distributors

  • January 15, 2018 November 9, 2019
  • 00:12

An eventful year in tax policy

The federal government must find a way to proceed with changes to the tax rules affecting private corporations and respond appropriately to U.S. tax cuts

  • January 15, 2018 November 9, 2019
  • 00:11

Focusing on the next generation

Some firms are revamping their strategies and training programs to ensure the next generation of advisors is prepared for a changing marketplace

  • January 15, 2018 November 9, 2019
  • 00:10