2019 RANKING & REVIEWS
BEST FINANCIAL ADVISORS IN OTTAWA AND MONTREAL
Rating 2019’s Best Financial Advisors in Ottawa & Montreal, Canada
Those living in Canada’s capital city of Ottawa or nearby Montreal, the largest city in the province of Quebec, enjoy a rich history in each of these bustling cities. Another benefit of living in either town is that they’re host to some of the best Canadian financial advisors.
Have you’ve ever dreamed of doing more with your money to help you reach a life goal, like funding a child’s education or planning for a comfortable retirement? Then you may have wondered about getting help from a top Montreal or Ottawa wealth manager.
If you haven’t worked with one in the past, the thought can be daunting. It’s natural to wonder things like, “How much do they cost?” or “What does the process entail?”. But working with a trained Canadian financial planning firm can be the best thing you ever did.
Once you find a great financial advisor in Montreal or Ottawa to work with, they can help you organize your assets, spending plan, and help you save and invest for the future. The key is finding one that best fits your financial needs and personality.
AdvisoryHQ has helped make the process easier for you by ranking the top 10 best wealth management firms in Ottawa and Montreal, Canada. We look at considerations like fee structure, their fiduciary commitment to clients, and the depth of services they offer.
If you’ve ever wanted to do more with your money and successfully save for the future, read on to find out which top Montreal or Ottawa financial firms can help.
Award Emblem: Top 10 Best Financial Advisors in Montreal and Ottawa, Canada
Top 10 Best Financial Advisors in Montreal & Ottawa, Canada in 2019 | Brief Comparison & Ranking
Financial Advisors in Montreal & Ottawa | 2019 Ratings |
| Astrolabe Financial Group, Inc. | 5 |
| CNal Financial Planning, Inc. | 5 |
| Dorchester Wealth Management | 5 |
| Exponent Investment Management | 5 |
| Jarislowsky Fraser | 5 |
| Kerr Financial Group | 5 |
| Potvin Financial Services | 5 |
| Ryan Lamontagne Inc. | 5 |
| Tulett, Matthews & Associates | 5 |
| Polaris Wealth | 3 |
Table: Top 10 Financial Advisors in Montreal and Ottawa | Above list is sorted by rating
What’s the Difference? Fee-Based vs Fee-Only Financial Advisors in Ottawa & Montreal
When searching for financial advisors on Montreal or Ottawa, you’ll see two important terms that have to do with how they are paid. These terms are “fee-only” and “fee-based.”
Which of the two types of Canadian financial planning firms is right for you?
Below, we’ll give you with a brief overview of how fee-only and fee-based compensation structures differ, and what you need to look for when choosing a financial advisor in Montreal, Quebec, and Ottawa, Ontario.
Fee-Only Pricing Structure
Fee-only financial advisors in Canada, also known as “advice-only”, are compensated for their financial services only through client fees. They do not accept any commissions or other forms of compensation from 3rd parties that sell financial products.
Because an advisor’s only source of income comes from the client, a fee-only, or advice-only, pricing structure reduces the inherent conflicts of interest that come along with recommending and selling investment products.
An Ottawa or Montreal wealth management firm is in a better position to act solely in the interest of their clients when they use a fee-only structure.
Fee-Based Pricing Structure
While the terms sound similar, fee-based means that a Montreal or Ottawa financial planning firms do accept commissions or incentives from companies selling financial products, in addition to being compensated by client fees.
Because a fee-based structure creates some potential conflict of interest, many top fee-based investment firms are also fiduciaries, which offers a way to counteract the potential for conflict.
You’ll want to look for a fee-based Ottawa or Montreal financial advisor to be a fiduciary because it means they’ve taken on a legal responsibility to fully disclose any conflicts of interest and to put the interests of their clients ahead of their own.
Best Financial Advisory Firms in Montreal & Ottawa, CA
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2019 AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology
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Detailed Review – 2019 Ranking of the Best Financial Advisors in Ottawa and Montreal
Below, please find the detailed review of each firm on our list of 2019 best Ottawa and Montreal financial advisors. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these wealth management firms in Montreal and Ottawa to score so high in our selection ranking.
Click on any of the names below to go directly to the review section for that firm.
- Astrolabe Financial Group, Inc.
- CNal Financial Planning Inc.
- Dorchester Wealth Management
- Exponent Investment Management
- Jarislowsky Fraser
- Kerr Financial Group
- Potvin Financial Services
- Ryan Lamontagne Inc.
- Tulett, Matthews & Associates
- Polaris Wealth
Click below for previous years’ rankings:
- 2018 Review: Top 9 Best Financial Advisors in Montréal & Ottawa, Canada
- 2017 Review: Top 8 Financial Advisors & Wealth Managers in Montréal & Ottawa
- 2016 Review: Top 8 Best Investment Management Firms in Montréal & Ottawa
Astrolabe Financial Group Inc. Review
With a focus on financial literacy and serving all asset levels, Astrolabe Financial Group Inc. is a top Ottawa, Ontario financial advisory firm that believes in serving the client above all else with top quality financial advice.
This fee-only financial planning firm in Ottawa can assist in all stages of your financial life, whether you are just starting out or nearing retirement. These financial advisors’ goal is to steer their clients to calmer financial waters with clear advice provided with zero hidden fees.
Key Factors That Enabled Astrolabe Financial Group, Inc. to Rank as a Top Ottawa Wealth Management Firm
Transparent Hourly Rates
Many people hold back from securing the services of a financial advisor in Montreal or Ottawa because they’re afraid of being locked into an expensive services fee. Astrolabe is unique in that they only charge an hourly rate of $180/hour for their services.
This top-rated Ottawa wealth management firm makes financial planning accessible to all income levels with this payment structure and clients can pay for as many or few hours of expert financial guidance as they need.
The top Ottawa financial advisors at Astrolabe estimate that some services can take as little as 5 to 10 hours, while more complex needs may take up to 15 to 20 hours.
The firm also offers a free 15-minute introductory phone call that allows potential clients to evaluate whether the firm can help them with their distinct financial needs.
Unbiased Financial Advice
Astrolabe Financial Group does not manage assets, they just offer clear advice that comes without any hidden fees or conflicts of interest. This commitment to fee-only financial planning ensures a relationship built on trust and transparency.
The unbiased financial planning services offered by this Ottawa, Ontario firm include:
- Creating a Financial Plan: The experienced advisors at Astrolabe help craft a custom financial plan to achieving your goals.
- Current Investments Analysis: You’ll get a thorough analysis of your current investments, including fees you’re paying, and if warranted, they’ll offer alternative recommendations.
- Personal Financial Education: This top-rated financial planning firm in Ottawa offers financial education resources that include seminars and workshops on a wide range of topics.
- Other Specific Events: Those needing specific consulting services can rely on Astrolabe to provide guidance with any number of financial questions.
Rating Summary
This Ottawa team of top-rated financial advisors has a refreshingly welcoming approach. They have no asset or wealth minimums and offer their hourly-rate financial guidance to clients from all walks of life, opening the world of financial planning to many who may not have found it affordable.
With a specialized financial planning team and a strong commitment to offering completely unbiased advice, Astrolabe Financial Group earns a 5-star rating as one of the top financial advisors in Ottawa or Montreal to consider working with this year.
See Also: Top Financial Advisors in Vancouver, BC, Canada
CNal Financial Planning Inc. Review
Taking a proactive approach to wealth management, CNal Financial Planning is a top-rated Montreal wealth management firm with over 25 years of experience creating customized financial plans for corporate executives, professionals, business owners, and retirees.
The firm is a fee-only financial planner in Montreal, Quebec that believes in providing completely objective advice backed by years of experience and a network of external professionals.
Key Factors That Enabled CNal Financial Planning to Rank as a Top Montreal Wealth Management Firm
Financial Planning Services
A top financial advisor in Montreal can make all the difference in assisting an individual or family with making the most of their money and helping it grow.
CNal is very proactive about their financial planning and combines it with strategic investments that can safeguard your wealth and ensure there is a livable amount of money that can take you into a comfortable retirement.
As one of the best Montreal wealth management firms, CNal offers the following financial planning services:
- Asset allocation analysis
- Optimization of dividends, capital gains, and interest income
- Debt management
- Investment monitoring
- Pension plan analysis
- Budget analysis
Retirement Planning
For all the hard work you’ve put in over a lifetime, it’s only fair you get to take it easy when you hit retirement age. Not preparing for your twilight years can mean delaying your retirement due to the need to keep working to support yourself.
CNal Financial Planning is a financial advisor in Montreal that can help individuals create a detailed plan for retirement. They don’t use any “off the shelf” plans and ensure each strategy is personalized according to their client’s distinct needs.
The Montreal financial planners at CNal can help clients in the following areas:
- Annual income and expense projection
- Annual net worth projection
- Calculation of optimal expenses
- Calculation of required savings
- An estimate of company pension income
- Recommendations on how to achieve retirement objectives
2019’s Top Financial Planning Firms in Montreal
Rating Summary
Those looking for a smaller firm that can offer a more personal touch than larger Montreal financial planners, will find CNal a great fit. Their advisors are experienced and hold a number of industry credentials and the firm has a boutique feel many clients seek.
With a wide range of financial and investment planning services and a fee-only, client-centered approach, CNal Financial Planning solidifies their 5-star rating as one of the best financial advisors in Montreal to consider partnering with in 2019.
See Also: Best Financial Advisors in Calgary, Alberta
Dorchester Wealth Management Review
For over 90 years Dorchester Wealth Management and their predecessor firms have been providing quality financial management services in Montreal and Toronto. They work with a wide variety of both private clients and institutional investors.
Dorchester Wealth Management does not specifically state whether they use a fee-only or fee-based structure; however, we have included them on our list of the best wealth management firms in Montreal due to the array of services they provide and dedication to helping clients.
As always, we recommend verifying compensation structures before partnering with any financial advisor in Canada.
Key Factors That Enabled Dorchester Wealth Management to Rank as a Top Montreal Wealth Management Firm
Long-Term Relationships
To support long-term client relationships, this Montreal wealth management firm focuses on solid strategies rather than trying to time the market with your money. This means that you experience much less volatility and greater preserved gains.
The top Montreal financial advisors at Dorchester resist the urge to make short-term changes to your portfolio in order to capitalize on seemingly favorable market conditions. Instead, they diversify your assets with the goal of producing the greatest long-term benefits.
That Dorchester has been successful in this regard can be seen in the amount of multi-generational clients it has kept on its roster – not to mention its high rate of client retention and personal referrals that it receives.
Highly Credentialed Team
Clients working with any of Dorchester’s 12 team members enjoy a low client-to-advisor ratio. Combined, this team has over 300 years of experience in successful wealth management.
Additionally, this top-rated Montreal wealth management firm has been certified with a number of professional designations, bringing a greater level of expertise and training into wealth management.
Some of these designations and degrees include:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Certified Investment Manager (CIM)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
Rating Summary
Dorchester Wealth Management is an independent financial management firm in Montreal and does not assume the role of a broker. Clients can count on their financial guidance being completely objective and without any outside influences.
With a well-seasoned team, a distinguished history, and accessible firm partners, Dorchester Wealth Management scores a 5-star rating and is one of the best financial advisors in Montreal to consider partnering with this year.
Exponent Investment Management, Inc. Review
With over 100 years of combined advisor experience, Exponent Investment Management, Inc. is a wealth management firm in Ottawa and Winnipeg that takes a customized and proven approach to financial planning.
This Ottawa financial planning firm does not specifically state whether they are fee-only or fee-based. Their website notes, “We do not make commissions on trades – our fees are based on the assets under our management.” This means that they likely operate on a fee-only basis.
As always, we recommend verifying compensation structure before partnering with any financial advisor in Ottawa.
Key Factors That Enabled Exponent Investment Management, Inc. to Rank as a Top Financial Advisor in Ottawa
Transparency & Trust
One of the things that stands out about Exponent is the firm’s commitment to transparency. At any time, clients can access their account online to check up on the progress of their portfolio. In addition to keeping the firm accountable, this approach allows for more effective and streamlined communication.
This transparency offers clarity that allows clients and advisors to start on the same page during phone calls, teleconferences, or in-person meetings.
Exponent supports trust within the client-advisor relationship by adopting a fiduciary commitment, meaning that these financial advisors in Ottawa are legally and ethically obligated to put their client’s best interests ahead of their own.
As such, they provide unbiased, objective advice designed to help you reach your financial goals.
Professional Designations
A financial advisory firm with a wide variety of professional certifications demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring their team of financial planners in Ottawa consists of the best professionals in the industry.
These industry designations often require continuing education and regular renewal, which means that your Exponent advisor remains abreast of all industry developments, including trends, changes in laws, and best practices.
Some of the designations and degrees found among the Exponent team of top-rated financial planners in Ottawa include:
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Trusts & Estate Planner (TEP)
- Member, Trust Institute (MTI)
- Personal Financial Planner (PFP)
- Chartered Investment Manager (CIM)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Rating Summary
Exponent Investment Management offers a lot of value to their clients including their market insights articles meant to help you become a more informed investor. Their strong commitment to their client’s wellbeing is also a reason to consider this firm.
With a wide range of financial planning and wealth management services, a well-seasoned team, and a client-centered approach, Exponent Investment Management scores a 5-star rating as a top Ottawa financial advisory firm to consider working with this year.
Don’t Miss: Top Financial Advisors in Toronto, Canada
Jarislowsky Fraser Review
Jarislowsky Fraser is a Montreal-based financial advisory firm that’s been serving clients since 1955. They work with individuals, corporations, pension funds, foundations, and endowments in Canada, the U.S., and internationally.
Jarislowsky Fraser does not explicitly state whether it is fee-only or fee-based. We have included them on our list for the range of services they provide and their fiduciary duty to clients. We always recommend inquiring about fee structure before beginning a working relationship with a financial advisor.
It is also important to note that this Montreal wealth management firm offers its own line of mutual funds. This is necessarily a negative, but it does mean you should be mindful of what products are recommended and request detailed explanations for why they are the best products for you.
Key Factors That Enabled Jarislowsky Fraser to Rank as One of the Top Investment Firms in Montreal
Institutional Management
Jarislowsky Fraser has a long history of helping institutional clients handle and protect their assets. For nearly 50 years, these Montreal advisors have used global strategies to serve their institutional clients’ diverse needs.
At present, the team of Montreal financial advisors at Jarislowsky Fraser manages assets for more than 500 pension funds, universities, foundations and endowments, and unions and governments. Clients can work with them through offices in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver.
This Montreal wealth management firm also provides guidance for:
- Counseling institutional clients
- Explaining the complexity of financial obligations and requirements
- Explaining legal requirements
- Risk management
- Performance obligations
- Governance
Montreal’s Top-Rated Wealth Management Firms
Team-Based Approach
This Montreal wealth management firm has its own in-house research team that conducts extensive research of all investments before they are chosen or recommended to a client.
They also ensure they are consistent in meeting their firm’s standard with the assistance of their central investment oversight body, the Investment Strategy Committee (ISC).
Clients working with the Montreal financial advisors at Jarislowsky Fraser benefit from their team-based approach, gaining valuable insight from a variety of professionals on their personal financial strategy.
As one of the top investment firms in Montreal, Jarislowsky Fraser maintains a team of research analysts and portfolio managers as partners with the ISC, providing a fully team-based and collaborative approach to investment management.
Rating Summary
Clients looking for a dynamic and disciplined approach to wealth management will find Jarislowsky Fraser a great fit. Their extensive experience working with corporations and institutions makes them a standout among other top Montreal or Ottawa financial advisors.
With a team-based and integrated approach, a focus on time-proven strategies, and a fiduciary commitment, Jarislowsky Fraser earns 5-stars as one of the top investment firms in Montreal to consider partnering with in 2019.
Kerr Financial Group Review
As one of the pioneers of personal financial planning in Canada, Kerr Financial Group is an independent Montreal financial advisor that’s been helping individuals with expert guidance since 1979. The firm has offices in both Montreal and Toronto.
The firm is a boutique, fee-only financial advisor in Quebec and Ontario that believes in a fully integrated approach inclusive of tax planning, investment, retirement and estate planning.
Key Factors That Enabled Kerr Financial Group to Rank as One of the Top Investment Firms in Montreal
Extensive Professional Certifications
The Montreal financial advisors at Kerr back up their experience with an up-to-date knowledge of the financial industry. This is illustrated through their various professional designations and the ongoing education required to maintain them.
Some of the designations held among the expert Montreal financial advisors at Kerr include:
- Registered Financial Planner (RFP)
- Certified Financial Planners (CFP®)
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
- Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Trust & Estate Practitioners (TEP)
Full-Service Family Office
When you work with Kerr, you’re working with a Montreal wealth management firm that is committed to helping you achieve long-term financial success. This team of top financial advisors aims to grow your wealth and preserve your capital, a process that takes time and patience to achieve.
By advising you on every area of wealth management as your Family Office, this financial advisor in Montreal works to form a lifelong relationship that transcends generations and allows your family to prosper throughout the years.
Their Family Discovery Process guides individuals in articulating their family values so that they can take a purposeful approach towards:
- Integrated Planning
- Investment Planning & Management
- Family Governance & Education
- Family Charitable & Community Involvement Plan
- Proactive Monitoring & Administration Services
Services for Business Owners
As a top-rated Montreal, Quebec wealth management firm, Kerr Financial Group works with business owners to analyze and control risk and help them manage their money wisely.
Some of the helpful business services provided by these financial advisors in Canada include:
- Succession Planning
- Transfer of Business Assets
- Sale of Business
- Protecting Against Risk
- Tax Planning
- Planning and Managing Cash Flow
- Evaluating Shareholders’ Agreements and Funding
- Owner Manager Remuneration
- Cost/Benefit Analysis
Rating Summary
Kerr Financial offers a boutique atmosphere with the robust services that rival any other top financial advisory firm in Montreal and Ottawa. Their goal is to provide a fully integrated strategy based on deep technical knowledge and comprehensive solutions.
With a client-centered focus, a highly experienced team, and a holistic approach, Kerr Financial Group solidifies its 5-star rating as one of the best Montreal wealth management firms to consider partnering with this year.
Potvin Financial Services Review
Potvin Financial Services is a top wealth management firm based in Ottawa that’s been serving clients for over three decades. Beyond financial and investment management, they also offer insurance and mortgage services.
Potvin Financial Services does not specifically state whether they are a fee-only or fee-based Ottawa financial advisor, but the firm does provide a detailed breakdown of their fee options and mentions that advisors receive commissions from insurance companies.
As always, we strongly recommend verifying compensation structure before partnering with any financial advisor in Ottawa.
Key Factors That Enabled Potvin Financial Services to Rank as One of the Best Ottawa Financial Advisors
Wide Range of Financial Capabilities
Many clients are looking for one of the best Ottawa wealth management firms that offer a large choice of services, so they know the firm can grow with them as their financial needs change over time.
No matter how your goals and needs may evolve from one year to the next, the expansive capabilities of Potvin Financial Services ensure that clients will have the financial guidance they need.
This top Ottawa financial planning firm can entrust a variety of financial challenges to their Ottawa financial advisor over time. These include:
- Retirement Planning
- Estate Planning
- Mortgage Planning
- Investment Tax Planning
- Employer Pension Plan & Group Benefits Assessment
- Budgeting & Debt Management
- Investment Management Services
- Personal Insurance
High Rate of Satisfied Clients
Online reviews aren’t often given for financial advisors, which makes Potvin Financial Services stand out among competing wealth management firms in Ottawa for their number of positive reviews.
Client reviews for Potvin Financial Services are overwhelmingly positive, with approximately 34 Google reviewers rating their experience with a full five stars. One such review from Josh Audette reads:
“Super friendly, honest and sincere. Highly recommend! Kevin provides a relaxing, welcoming environment and personal, tailored financial advice. He takes great care of us every time we visit and is always responsive when we reach out.”
2019 Top Ottawa & Montreal Financial Advisors
Rating Summary
The team at Potvin Financial Services go out of their way to make the process of financial planning easy and straight-forward. This Ottawa wealth management firm is also praised in reviews for being very attentive and easily accessible.
With a large offering of financial services, a client-centric philosophy, and an expert team, Potvin Financial Services earns 5-stars as one of the best financial planners in Ottawa to consider partnering with this year.
Popular Article: AHQ’s Methodology for Ranking Top Advisors in Canada
Ryan Lamontagne, Inc. Review
With a mission to provide objective and factual advice, Ryan Lamontagne, Inc. is a top financial advisor in Ottawa. Their typical clients include emerging affluent and high-net-worth individuals, professionals, business owners, retirees and those preparing for retirement, and people in transition.
While the firm calls itself fee-based, their compensation structure – and their reference to the “fee-only” advantage – points to the fact that they are likely a fee-only Ottawa financial advisory firm.
As always, we recommend verifying fee structure before partnering with any financial advisor in Ottawa or Montreal.
Key Factors That Enabled Ryan Lamontagne, Inc. to Rank as One of the Best Financial Advisors in Ottawa
Wide Range of Financial Capabilities
Clients working with this top-rated financial advisor in Ottawa have access to an impressively wide range of financial services and capabilities that they can rely on.
Ranging from financial planning to investment management and tax strategies, areas of expertise offered by these Ryan Lamontagne include:
- Private Client Service
- Business Owners
- Comprehensive Financial Plan
- Pension
- Severance and Transition
- Retirement
- Estate
- Public Servants
- Investment Reviews and Analysis
- Investment Policy Statement
- Investment Advisory Services
- Tax Planning
- Tax Preparation
- Accounting and Business Advisory
The firm boasts specialists from all areas related to your financial planning needs, giving clients a one-stop-shop for all of their Ottawa wealth management needs.
Professionally Designated
While this firm may be smaller than some of the other financial advisors on our list, Ryan Lamontagne, Inc. has assembled a team with leading industry designations.
Many of these designations require ongoing education and proof of current industry knowledge. As a result, your top Ottawa financial advisor serves you better by being on top of all the latest industry knowledge and standards.
Some of the professional designations and degrees found among the Ryan Lamontagne team include:
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Registered Financial Planner (RFP)
- Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
- Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI)
Rating Summary
Individuals and small businesses alike will appreciate the focus on financial education and expert, unbiased financial planning from Ryan Lamontagne, Inc. The firm fosters long-term relationships and uses continuous innovation and sophisticated technology.
With a customized approach, a commitment to objectivity, and a client-centered focus, Ryan Lamontagne, Inc. solidifies their 5-star rating as one of the best financial advisors in Ottawa to consider partnering with this year.
Tulett, Matthews & Associates Review
Taking a global approach to investing, Tulett, Matthews & Associates (TMA) is a financial advisor based in Kirkland, a suburb of Montreal. The firm works with professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and retirees.
Tulett, Matthews & Associates does not specifically state on their website whether they are fee-only or fee-based. However, in their website FAQs, they note that “We do not receive any compensation or commissions from any third party investment product manufacturer,” which would point to the firm being fee-only.
As always, we advise readers to verify a firm’s compensation structure before starting a working relationship.
Key Factors That Enabled Tulett, Matthews & Associates to Rank as a Top Financial Planner in Montreal
Independent Firm with a Fiduciary Standard
The financial industry is often flooded with advisors who care more about their own bottom line rather than focusing on the goals of the client. When this happens, you may end up paying more money in fees, commissions, and receive unnecessary financial products or services.
Most clients are seeking a trusted financial partner rather than a product salesperson. One that will put their best interests first and truly work beside them to help them grow and protect their money.
This is why we prefer to recommend Ottawa and Montreal financial advisors that adopt a fiduciary standard. This includes TMA, a firm legally obliged to providing only unbiased financial advice and to be completely transparent.
Furthermore, TMA is a completely independent Montreal financial planner. The firm is not aligned with any outside organization or beholden to third-party interests. TMA’s services are designed to align with your best interests.
Long-Term Partnership
The top Montreal financial advisors at Tulett, Matthews & Associates aren’t just there to sell you a portfolio and move on, they want to help you have a strong financial plan for a lifetime.
They take a disciplined and commonsense approach to investment management, working with clients in a number of ways to build them a solid strategy for years to come. A few ways they do this include:
- Building a plan that addresses short-, medium-, and long-term goals
- Incorporating passively managed asset classes into your investment portfolio, thereby giving you minimized risk on maximum, long-term returns
- Rebalancing your portfolio to keep you on track for medium- and long-term objectives
- Refusal to engage in market timing or speculation, reducing volatility and securing your finances over the years
- Reducing account-related costs, including transaction fees and taxes
Ottawa & Montreal Top Investment Advisors 2019
Rating Summary
Clients who appreciate the benefits of diversification by geographic and industry sectors will appreciate the thoughtful process taken by TMA. They use best practices and are 100% committed to their clients, and do not accept any third-party commissions.
With a customized approach, personalized service, and evidence-based investment philosophy, Tulett, Matthews & Associates earns 5-star as one of the best Montreal wealth management firms to consider partnering with in 2019.
Read More: Best Robo Advisors in Canada
Polaris Wealth Review
Polaris Wealth is a top-rated financial planner in Ottawa that follows an evidence-based approach to investing. The firm is a division of Polaris Financial, independent discretionary wealth management, and financial planning firm.
This financial advisor in Ottawa describes itself as a fee-based, however, they mention that there are “no commissions for transactions or deferred sales charges,” which would point to a fee-only structure.
As always, we recommend verifying compensation structure before partnering with any financial advisor in Ottawa.
Key Factors That Enabled Polaris Wealth to Rank as One of the Best Ottawa Financial Advisors
Team Support
The Ottawa financial advisors at Polaris have the freedom to take on clients as they choose and to set their own account minimums. This gives more flexibility for both clients and advisors than you’ll see at most financial management firms in Canada.
Polaris advisors utilize the collective expertise of the entire advisory staff. If your Ottawa financial advisor runs into a challenge – whether it’s an underperforming asset, acute market volatility or other issues –they work on the problem collectively with other advisors.
This gives you a greater sense of security knowing you have a full team of experts reviewing your financial plan and ensuring it’s optimized.
Industry-Recognized Designations
The Ottawa financial advisors at Polaris bring several industry-recognized designations to the table when designing your wealth management strategy. These designations allow them to stay current on financial trends, regulations, and approaches, thereby allowing you to save the most money and build a better future.
Some of the designations and degrees found among the Polaris team of financial planners in Ottawa include the following:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Chartered Investment Manager (CIM)
- Bachelor of International Business (BIB)
- Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI)
The Best Wealth Management Firms in Ottawa & Montreal
Rating Summary
Those looking for a firm with a strong commitment to independent and unbiased financial management will find Polaris Wealth a great fit. Additionally, they offer clients global investment expertise and an evidence-based approach to portfolio management.
While the firm offers a team of highly experienced advisors, we found that there was little information available regarding their specific services, particularly where financial planning is concerned.
This lack of information may make it challenging for new clients to fully evaluate the capabilities of their Ottawa financial advisor before signing up for a financial plan, and thus we have scored them with 3-stars.
By including more detail on the specific financial planning capabilities that they offer, Polaris Wealth could easily improve both their value proposition to new clients and their rating as a top financial advisor in Ottawa in the future.
Conclusion – 2019 Top 10 Best Financial Advisors in Ottawa & Montreal, Canada
One of the most impactful steps that a person can make is to take control of their finances and create a strategized plan for the future. This can mean the difference between being ready for retirement or having to work longer than you planned.
Finding the best Montreal or Ottawa financial advisor can help you chart a successful path for your family’s future that is designed to weather any market fluctuations or unexpected life changes.
Your next step would be to narrow down this list of the top 10 Ottawa and Montreal financial planning firms to a handful that you’d like to learn more about. Many of them offer a free 15-minute phone conference or meeting that can help you determine if they’re a good fit.
Once you’ve learned more about your top contenders and spoken with them, you can better pick your top choice as a financial guide that’s going to help you reach your dreams and goals for the future and be there with you for a lifetime of financial decisions.
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Image sources:
- https://pixabay.com/photos/montreal-city-urban-night-lights-247795/
- http://cnalfp.com/montreal/
- https://www.jflglobal.com/en/
- https://potvinfinancial.com/ottawa/financial-advisors/
- https://www.tma-invest.com/faqs/
- https://pixabay.com/photos/canada-ottawa-ottaoutais-river-893534/
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