Investment Management
The Sutherland Investment Group utilizes a clearly defined, rules-based investment strategy and promotes pension-style diversification. We utilize alternative non-market assets, equity, preferred shares, convertible bonds, hedged equity, private equity, private debt and insurance.
The Sutherland Investment Group's clearly defined investment process consistently leads to client portfolios outperforming the broad index. Through the acquisition of operational companies and the use of real alternative asset classes, our strategy results in lower volatility and true diversification.
Wealth Strategy
A comprehensive financial plan can be one of the most powerful documents that a client can obtain. We review all aspects of a client's financial life, pinpoint gaps in planning or potential problems, and plan proactively to avoid future financial stress. We promote "family meetings" to discuss financial affairs in detail. This practice can help avoid future conflict while building the habits of effective communication around financial decisions.
Trust Planning
Trusts can be a powerful mechanism for a family to defer and reduce taxes as they move through the different phases of business ownership and lifestyle changes. We work with a client's advisors to implement different trust planning strategies to responsibly protect and manage a family's capital as tax-effectively as possible.
Education Planning
Our clients have ambitious goals for their future generations. We work with our clients to plan for the provision of the best educational opportunities possible. We utilize RESP and trust planning to help our clients plan for the costs associated with their families' choice of top-tier educational institutions.
Estate Planning
A proper estate plan can reduce a family's tax burden and can ensure that they have the appropriate amount of liquid capital to fund defined estate liabilities. We ensure that families have explored all their options so that their estate liabilities are fully accounted for and that assets are not sold at distressed values to meet estate tax obligations.
Retirement Income Planning
As an individual transitions into retirement, an important question they have is whether they will be able to maintain their lifestyle and enjoy their special retirement plans. Our wealth advisors complete full retirement income modules for our clients to provide them with the peace of mind that they will be provided for during their retirement years.
Family Income Splitting
Every family is different, and we help our clients plan for the varying needs of each of their family members. From funding sporting activities to kids' private schooling, through post-secondary education and funding business ventures, we provide advisory services around strategies to maximize a family's income.
Wills
Properly drafted wills (and POAs) ensure that a family's assets are distributed according to their wishes. Our Trust Group reviews clients' existing documents and provides recommendations for our clients to implement with the help of their legal advisors.
Charitable Giving
As most of our clients are extremely philanthropic, we become closely involved in their charitable giving strategies. Through an assessment of available options such as donor advised funds or private foundations, we advise clients on the most efficient structure to maximize their contributions to their chosen causes.
Business Transition
The sale or transfer of ownership of a business can be the single largest financial transaction of our clients lives. We ensure that our clients are following "best practices" while undergoing all phases of a transaction. From helping select an M&A advisor to facilitating introductions to the best Transaction Tax advisors in the country, to completing comprehensive net proceed financial plans, we ensure that our clients maximize the succession of their business with the greatest degree of ease and peace of mind possible.
Wealth Transfer
A thoughtful strategy to allow a family's wealth to flow inter-generationally is an integral part of a comprehensive wealth plan. By utilizing experts in tax, law and insurance, we ensure that our clients have explored all their avenues to maximize the flow of capital to future generations while securing their family's legacy.
Private Banking & Trust Services
The Sutherland Investment Group has dedicated private bankers to facilitate the complex banking requirements of our clients.
Credit
Our clients have sophisticated lending requirements, and we are there to facilitate these transactions. Our Private Bankers assess all options for our clients to ensure that we provide, throughout North America, market-leading facilities and rates, as well as collateral for development projects, recreational properties, or the purchase of larger discretionary items.