New firms, new questions highlight 15th survey of Canada’s brokerages
Firms that performed best are those that have the most accessible equity programs
Last year’s trend of swelling client rosters has been reversed; brokers boost productivity by focusing on high net-worth accounts
Advisors still demand freedom to sell what they want, as well as an ethical and stable firm
But firms are setting consistently higher goals for selling managed products
And freedom to sell a book to a buyer of choice also a key consideration
Brokerages with branches across Canada face challenges in making advisors feel part of their corporate community
But advisors say their companies’ mentorship and training programs could be greatly improved
Although all-expenses-paid vacations are great perks, brokers who receive a stake in their firms tend to be a happier bunch
Client rosters grow as brokers stop paring away smaller clients and open the doors to new investors