Calgary-based Jennings Capital Inc. says it is expanding its retail business in Calgary, Edmonton and Regina.

Jennings is bolstering its retail service in Calgary and opening new retail offices in Edmonton and Regina under the banner of Jennings’ Private Client Service. Its expansion plans call for an increase in staff — and assets under management — of 500% over the next three years.

Through a management agenda of fair policies, fair compensation, employee ownership and growth opportunities, Jennings hopes to become a viable alternative to the large brokerage houses. The success of the company’s expansion program will depend on attracting talented people. Senior vice president Richard Strand says, “As we expand, we are looking for quality investment advisors, management and support staff in centres from Toronto to Vancouver.”

The new service will complement Jennings’ institutional investing, corporate finance and research services, which are provided from the company’s Toronto and Calgary offices.

Since its inception in 1993, the merchant banking firm has evolved into a full service brokerage house, adding retail sales and institutional sales in 1998 and 1999 respectively.