SELECTING The right team to work with IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION

Here are some of the questions our clients have asked over the years.  If you have more, we're ready to answer them.

 

Am I a typical client for your team?

We're not the solution for everyone, but we're an excellent team for clients interested in long-term solutions. We pride ourselves on creating long-standing and valued relationships with our clients. If you're looking for a proven and experienced team to manage your investments, and help you navigate your financial life, for many, many years to come, we could be an excellent fit.

 

How do you decide what types of products and services will meet my financial goals?

When it comes to selecting products and services, there is no ‘one size fits all' solution. We have an unbiased access to all investments available to Canadians, and each client is assessed on their own unique circumstances.  Investments are selected to balance your goals as well as current market risk and opportunities. We don't implement products; we implement client-focused solutions.

 

Do you create financial plans?

Yes, we do.  As we believe in providing our clients services through a team of experts,  we partner with Financial Planning Experts at Wood Gundy to work with our clients to define objectives, build their plan and integrate it into the overall management of their portfolio. Financial plans can take various forms, usually dictated by a client's stage of life or level of wealth, for example.

 

I haven't completed my estate planning; can you help with that?

Yes, we take a holistic approach to your overall financial situation and work to ensure that you are aware of the options available to you. We have extensive knowledge and experience in related fields that impact your financial affairs, including tax and estate planning. At your request (or on our recommendation), we'll introduce you to a trusted partner at Wood Gundy who can guide you in such matters.

 

Do I need to be a knowledgeable investor who can manage my own portfolio?

In short, no.  We believe that we work with some of the smartest people in Alberta, and they have all chosen to delegate the daily management of their investments to our capable hands.  Whether you have very little knowledge of the markets, or have managed your own investments for years, we can help improve your life through our work.

 

How does your fee structure work; do the fees bear the same risk as my capital and returns?

We view a client's portfolio as their business and we are committed to keeping their business profitable. Our fees are transparent and determined by applying a specified fee rate to the total market value of the client's assets under our management. We would be happy to explain this in more detail at our initial meeting.

 

What type of checks and balances are in place to protect my assets?

CIBC Wood Gundy is a division of CIBC World Markets Inc., a securities dealer member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). CIBC World Markets is also a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), which was created by the investment industry to provide limited protection for client assets in case of a member firm's insolvency. Clients do not pay fees for the CIPF protection, and CIPF may cover up to $1,000,000. Details on this protection can be found at www.cipf.ca.

 

How do you keep me abreast of the performance of my portfolio?

During your regularly scheduled in person or phone meetings with us, we provide you with consistent reporting in regards to your portfolio performance, risk/return analysis and asset allocation.  Annually, all CIBC Wood Gundy clients can expect to receive a year-end account report, and a tax reporting summary for your Accountant.

 

Are all your investing decisions approved by CIBC?

For us, one of the biggest advantages of working within the CIBC family is that we have the ability to plan and execute investment decisions based on what we believe is in the best interest of our clients. There is no influence on the part of CIBC Wood Gundy centrally, or by local CIBC Wood Gundy management, on the investments we recommend.  Independent, Unbiased Thought Leadership – Your Very Own Investment Strategy Group.