When you look to invest outside the borders of the United States, Canadian investment firms rarely come up in assessment. This however is a mistake, as Canadian investment managers collect most of their capital from outside their borders. Investment firms in Canada offer competitive rates and sufficient expertise to grow your company’s assets. That's not to say there aren't some basic issues your company must investigate prior to the allocation of capital.

Canadian investment management firms do operate under different government regulations, economic conditions and tax structure than US ones. Your company needs to be familiar with each of these aspects before you hire any Canadian assets managers to handle your money. Therefore, prior to making any changes in your company's investment strategy, there are few items to consider:

1. Evaluate the economic conditions under which asset management companies in Canada operate.

2. Contact the various associations that are familiar with Canada investment services.

3. Compare the rates and services that Canadian asset managers offer to your current management firm.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the basic economic environment for any investment company in Canada

While Canada investment firms accumulate their capital base and earnings from many countries, the local economic conditions are still an integral factor in the viability of the company. It's important that you know the current macroeconomic environment that influences the profitability of any Canadian asset management firm.

I recommend: Examine the latest information on Canadian Accounting & Taxation. Subscribe to the Canadian Investment Review for current asset management news. Review the economic outlook for Canada from The Economist.

Use various Canada investment firm associations for basic investment information

Investment associations provide a wealth of Canadian investment information. From the rules and regulations to best-reviewed management firms, associations can answer most every question your company has about the industry.

I recommend: Speak to representatives from the Investment Counsel Association of Canada, Investment Industry Association of Canada and the Alternative Investment Management Association. Each of these associations represents a different asset management perspective, which can help you understand Canadian investment management firms basics.

Assess the services of leading asset management firms in Canada

To obtain a full and accurate picture of Canadian investment management firms basics, you'll need to speak to asset management firms in Canada. The type of asset management firm that's best for your company will depend on the size of your investment portfolio and the investment goals therein.

I recommend: Contrast the investment services that Lincluden Investment Management, Integra and GE Asset Management Canada offer compared to each other and your current investment management firm.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Investment services in Canada can have different contractual language than their US counterparts. Therefore, have an international contract lawyer review any documents before you sign them.

Canadian investment management firms make investing in Canada’s stock market as well as global markets easy. Canadian investment firms put your money to work in stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

Canadian asset managers help individuals and business owners strengthen their portfolios. Wise investments with Canadian investment managers mean bigger returns on every investment dollar.

Investment firms in Canada know how to put money to work for businesses, helping entrepreneurs plan for future growth and greater income potential. Along with working hard for the money, Canadian investment firms help make financial success a reality.

In today’s global marketplace it’s important to have the right investment team on your side. Your personal financial future and the health of your business depends on a healthy relationship with Canada investment services. Having the right Canadian investment firm will:

1. Make your business dollars work harder for greater returns.

2. Diversify your company portfolio for a more strategic financial plan.

3. Establish long-term relationships with investment services in Canada.

4. Build more wealth over time through the Canadian investment managers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Work with your current financial institution for an easy transition to Canadian asset managers

Most larger financial institutions have entire departments devoted to financial planning. Working with your existing bank's financial planners or referrals helps transitioning to asset management easier.

I recommend: ScotiaBank and The Royal Bank of Canada are full service banks offering everyday banking options as well as financial planning and investments for their customers.

Consider asset management companies in Canada that manage both personal and business assets

Using a full service financial team just makes sense. Many Canada investment firms offer personal and business checking accounts along with a wide range of investment products and insurance.

I recommend: SEI Canada and Lincluden for a balanced approach to investment and wealth management with personalized service.

Use a Canada investment management firm that has both global and local funds available

Keeping your investments in both local and global funds and stocks is good for you and good for your local economy. Investing where you are means good relationships with your neighbors, and investing abroad means more earning potential for you.

I recommend: AIG Life of Canada and AGF Management have a broad range of investment vehicles for both private and corporate investors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you can't establish a good working relationship with your asset management team, keep looking. Canadian investment firms need to know their clients well to provide the best possible service and client satisfaction.
• •  Getting the most out of your Canada investment management firm means developing a long term relationship. Getting to know your representative well means better service for you and your business over time.

Investment firms in Canada seek qualified candidates who have a background in business and finance and exposure to hands-on experience. Canadian asset managers keep track of client assets to ensure the business is functioning properly. Potential Canadian investment managers, along with Canadian investment managers who work in the industry, can benefit from training and education courses to sharpen skills.

For employment in Canadian investment firms, a diploma, certificate or degree in investment management in necessary and hands-on experience through a reputable internship program is advised. As you consider employment in Canadian investment management firms, you should:

1. Enroll in education courses that provide the proper background for a job in an investment company in Canada.

2. Intern with an investment management agency in Canada for essential hands-on training.

3. Attend conferences and seminars that address the needs of asset management companies in Canada to keep up with trends in the industry and to network with other Canadian investment firms.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Enroll in courses geared toward careers as Canadian asset managers

A background in finance and business is essential for a position in Canadian investment firms. Courses in investment and asset management, coupled with knowledge of Canadian regulations is essential.

I recommend: The Canadian Securities Institute offers courses in investment management that highlight management techniques. An Investment Funds in Canada seminar is also offered that focuses on important concepts in asset management in Canada. Seneca College provides courses in Canadian Investment Funds to prepare candidates for careers in Canada investment firms.

Intern with a Canada investment management firm for hands-on experience

Hands-on experience is an asset when you seek employment with Canadian investment management firms. Apply for internships with asset management companies in Canada that are a good fit with your unique needs.

I recommend: The University of Alberta School of Business offers an internship program that can place MBA candidates in appropriate investment management firms. Secure an internship through Simon Fraser University. The MBA program prepares you for and helps locate internship opportunities in Canadian investment firms.

Attend seminars and conferences that address the needs of asset management firms in Canada

Conferences and seminars offer an excellent way to stay up-to-date with trends in Canada investment services. They also offer many networking opportunities with other Canadian asset managers.

I recommend: Attend the Morningstar Investment Conference where professionals in investment firms in Canada present relevant topics for discussion among Canadian asset managers. Conference attendees can use the conference for continuing education credit. The Investment Counsel Association of Canada offers yearly conferences and seminars focused on issues pertinent to Canadian investment firms.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Become a member in The Investment Funds Institute of Canada for benefits that include free programs, services and networking opportunities.
• •  Sign up for conferences and seminars yearly to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in Canada investment services.

Working with Canadian investment managers can begin with a deeper understanding of how professional the firms that provide investment services in Canada are and whether or not they are trustworthy. You will be reassured once you realize the profession has well-known and established professional associations as well as educational programs that lead to certification and licensing. That way you know your money will be handled by professionals who know what they are doing.

There are a wide variety of Canadian investment firms and the services they offer cover the water front. As you explore your options, you will want to:

1. Research professional associations that focus on investment firms in Canada to learn what it takes to become an investment manager

2. Investigate licensing or certification offered for investment managers in Canadian investment firms.

3. Explore what Canadian asset managers and their firms offer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Utilize association and educational resources for Canadian investment managers

Find a professional association that supports and espouses high standards for investor education and which promotes transparency and due diligence.

I recommend: AIMA Canada can help you with finding out the specifics you need to know when working with Canadian investment management firms. CSI Global Education offers courses that culminate in a license for professionals working in investment services in Canada.

Evaluate firms that offer investment services in Canada

As you explore ways to work effectively with asset management companies in Canada, develop a list of criteria that you can use to focus your search on. The relationship with an analyst will be a key part of your criteria so it might make sense to interview them, as they will be working for you, so you want to make sure they are trustworthy.

I recommend: CIBC is an investment firm in Canada and has information including research and tools, which you will find helpful. Professional Investment Services is an investment management agency in Canada and has a large number of financial advisers that can help you with your business plan as well as provide marketing support.

Compare and contrast the various services you will find from investment firms in Canada

The range of services you can expect from Canadian investment managers runs the gamut from discount brokerage services, financial planning, investment management and research.

I recommend: TD Group Financial Services has a wide range of services. HSBC Bank Canada provides portfolio management services, advisory and direct investing services to choose from.