Focus on client needs
Comment
Comment
Following the example of the world’s top golfer, I want to make amends
It’s short-sighted to withdraw public support for vital transit links
Client confidence may be enhanced by the formal designation of advisors as fiduciaries
Attempts to coax air travellers to Edmonton and away from Calgary could backfire
Toronto
The Tories are saving tough decisions for a majority, but that may never come
Small-caps were, as usual, the biggest losers in the bear market and the biggest gainers when the economy revived
Covered call writing is an income-alternative strategy based on equities
But there’s a chance that Greece could be an appetizer for the banquet of woe that debt-ridden European nations may serve up
Demand for these exotic metals is expected to rise along with their use in technological innovations
B2B inks investment loan deals
Fraudsters promise that funds can be withdrawn on a tax-free basis
Weak returns in the funds’ bond component reduces their overall appeal
Favouring ETFs over funds may not be the best strategy
One energy fund manager cites the growing demand from China and emerging markets
Because currency movements are unpredictable, some investors see exchange rate moves as risks to be managed
There are signs of newfound interest in beefing up oversight of bank products
The fund, which covers client assets in case of bankruptcy, needs to surpass its original $30-million target, says its president
Proposed reforms range from raising the limit on arbitration awards to entirely new models for dispute resolution
Profit survey
New data from the IIAC reveal that securities firms are returning to form
Investors step back in, but cautiously
Daniel Thompson, 3Macs’ president and CEO, says there is greater value in economies of scale
Canadians are smacking their lips over the historically low property prices stateside, but understanding the red tape is key
More seriously, the IIROC panel found that Carolann Steinhoff had attempted to frustrate or obstruct investigators
The CRA’s two recent campaigns are part of a larger pattern of the agency becoming much more active in applying tax laws
But equities markets’ better performance has eased the pressure on these firms greatly
Acquisition of global player will allow Pavilion Investment House to do business in 50 countries
Although the Laurentian Bank subsidiary was struggling five years ago, it has now built an investment loan portfolio worth $3 billion
Dealers’ relationships with their regulators may be thawing
Some of the largest increases in this year’s ratings relate to the quality of regulators’ communication with the industry <b>(includes chart)</b>
Dealers are wondering if regulators looked into every client complaint because of media pressure during the downturn
Although small firms laud regulators’ efforts in communications, they are still concerned about their fees
Regulators counter that auditors are well trained but cannot be expected to know everything about a particular business
Dealers still have beefs; but in general, they say, regulators are improving transparency, timeliness
Other dealers, however, say they are getting fair value from regulators for the fees they pay
The new generation of clients is eager to start saving and investing
Client is having trouble keeping within her income because she is used to spending freely now that her children are independent
Advisor has successfully blended financial planning with leadership consulting
The children’s protection rider and disability waiver of premium rider are the most common, as they’re offered by most insurers
A sandwich that is left out of the fridge can develop hazardous bacteria in just a couple of hours
First Person: Margaret Cameron
Create a job profile that lists key responsibilities, daily duties and skills; expect training to take up to 18 months
Successfully engineering the departure from your life’s work requires dealing with many important issues
A well-organized office environment indicates you have things under control and conveys professionalism
For staff meetings to be effective, they must be well organized, well led and stay to the predetermined time allotted
A good business coach can work with you to hone the skills and abilities that allow you to build a successful practice
4 pointers on what to expect
Answer by the third ring and always sound positive; return calls promptly
Message should be written with the client’s perspective in mind; outline the benefits for them in working with you
Too often, media reports omit inflation and asset classes from projections (includes chart)
