The Hemisphere Difference
Wealth Management In Calgary With a History of Success.
With a history spanning over three decades, Hemisphere is a Calgary wealth management firm dedicated to providing trusted financial advice. We have proudly served high net worth individuals, families, business owners and foundations across Canada, adapting to the evolving needs of our clients. We have weathered economic ups and downs and changing industry landscapes. All while remaining committed to our core values of trust, service, and independence. Our proven track record reflects our dedication to helping clients navigate complex financial challenges and achieve long-term prosperity.
Choosing the Best Financial Advisor in Calgary for You.
A Difficult Choice with Long-Term Implications
Choosing the best financial advisor for you can be a difficult decision. With so many options available, it can be hard to differentiate between firms. This does not even consider the various registrations or qualifications that apply to Calgary wealth managers, financial advisors and financial planners.
Some of our clients have likened this process to choosing a life partner. Just as you would carefully consider compatibility, trust, and shared goals, choosing the right financial advisor requires assessing factors such as shared financial values, long-term objectives, and the advisor’s approach to managing your wealth. They will play a crucial role in helping you plan for retirement, invest in your future, and navigate life’s major financial decisions. In an ideal scenario, you will only make this decision once.
The Changing Industry Landscape
The wealth management industry is currently experiencing significant change, driven by a wave of consolidation. Larger firms are increasingly acquiring smaller firms in an effort to gain market share. While this trend may bring scale, it often comes at the cost of a firm’s existing clients. Client experience suffers, as corporate structures prioritize volume over personal relationships.
Adding to the industry’s challenges is the aging advisor population. A growing number of financial advisors are approaching retirement, raising concerns about the continuity of service for clients. Without a clear succession plan in place, many advisors are choosing to sell their practices, which has only accelerated the ongoing consolidation.
It is increasingly important to consider the long-term stability of the firm and advisor you choose to work with. These industry challenges highlight the importance of selecting a firm that values long-term client relationships and is able to provide continuity of service. By considering these factors, you can better protect your financial future and avoid disruption in your financial plan.
Think in the Context of Your Financial Plan
Comparing fees, performance and asset minimums is often viewed as the first step during an initial discussion. However this may not be an apples-to-apples comparison between firms. Some wealth managers in Calgary tend to pursue higher risk investments. Others may prefer a more conservative approach. Some financial companies in Calgary may claim lower advisor fees but use externally-managed funds that have fees embedded within them. Understanding these differences is important. But understanding how they apply in the context of your financial goals is what drives success.
Focus on Your Risk Tolerance
Your portfolio and financial plan should be as dynamic as your financial journey. As your life progresses, your investments should adjust accordingly. Reviewing your asset allocation and risk tolerance ensures that your portfolio remains aligned with your needs. This approach not only helps you stay on track towards your financial goals but also enables you to capitalize on new opportunities and mitigate potential risks along the way.
Choosing a Calgary financial advisor who provides regular communication and updates is essential for this process. This way, they can offer ongoing guidance, address any emerging concerns, and keep you informed about market developments and their potential impact on your portfolio. By fostering a collaborative relationship, your financial advisor helps you stay on track, make informed decisions, and proactively manage your investments to focus on long-term success.
EvaluatE the Intangibles
Once you have decided which firms can help you meet your financial goals, the next step is deciding between them. This decision often comes down to the intangibles – how their qualities can offer you the most satisfaction and peace of mind while working towards your goals. How does the firm communicate with you? Are they responsive, transparent, and proactive in offering guidance? These aspects can greatly influence your satisfaction and peace of mind as you work towards your long-term objectives.
At Hemisphere, we believe that choosing the right financial advisor goes beyond just finding someone with technical expertise. We have outlined key qualities that we believe are essential when selecting the best financial advisor in Calgary for you. These principles are at the core of the Hemisphere Difference and they define our client-centric approach.
Explore Your Wealth Journey.
The Hemisphere Difference.
1. Independent and Employee-Owned
True independence is becoming harder to find. At some of the top wealth management firms in Canada, your financial advisor may be limited in the products they can offer or may be motivated to sell specific products. But these products may not always be in your best interest. Are there any trailer fees or commissions on the product? Are there any restrictions on selling the product? Does this product properly reflect your risk level? These questions can sometimes go unanswered.
As an independent investment manager in Calgary, Hemisphere is not affiliated with any bank, investment dealer or insurance firm. We know that the onus should not fall on you to ask these types of questions to uncover conflicts. For us, the best approach is to ensure these conflicts do not exist in the first place. This is our advantage: we can focus on you while ignoring the conflicting interests of larger organizations.
2. Registered professionals
The financial landscape in Canada is filled with a wide range of certifications and titles. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a qualified professional and someone with limited expertise. This raises concerns about the quality of the advice. Understanding the different certifications so you can choose the right financial advisor for you is a key step in the process.
Hemisphere’s investment professionals are Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) or Chartered Investment Managers (CIM). Clients can have confidence in the knowledge of our team. We have undergone thorough education and adhere to a strict code of ethics.
3. Personalized Service
Longer wait times and less personalization have become commonplace across many industries. High net worth wealth management in Calgary is no different. Customer service has declined while more financial advisors and financial planners now service their clients virtually. The industry is using more standardized products at a time when financial problems are becoming more complex.
At Hemisphere, we know that managing your assets is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is your individual financial situation that allows us to truly demonstrate our value. That is why we offer personalized services. Whether you are looking to grow your nest egg, preserve your assets after retirement, or distribute your estate to the next generation, we are here to help.
4. An Established Succession Plan
What happens when your financial advisor leaves or retires? Or when your existing firm is acquired by another? At large firms, the decision may not be up to your advisor. This can lead to a lack of communication or a revolving door of relationship managers. Establishing trust in this scenario can be very difficult. You are often told to have a long-term view on investing. But when your financial advisor is disengaged or nearing retirement, it may be harder to have this view.
For over 30 years, Hemisphere has served a diverse group of clients in Canada. Our legacy is built on the success of our clients. We are committed to our legacy. Our succession plan is well in place as we look to continue serving our clients for the next 30 years.
5. A Tradition of Trust
Wealth management is a trust-based industry. A financial advisor has a direct impact on your financial future. Clients want to know that their financial advisor has their best interests at heart. That they will act in an ethical and transparent manner.
All of Hemisphere’s client relationships are built on this principle. While many firms may make a similar statement, we back it up with tangible actions. We own the same securities as you do. Our success depends on yours. Our registered portfolio managers have a fiduciary duty to you. We adhere to ethical standards for both asset management and performance reporting.
6. Established Investing Principles
Investing principles provide a clear basis for an informed decision-making process. These principles help us make rational choices based on sound analysis and research. By adhering to our investing principles, we can focus on your long-term financial success.
The portfolio managers at Hemisphere are conservative individuals. We operate with a disciplined, but flexible, decision-making process. It is through our principles that we are able to shape our approach to success.
MAXIMIZING LONG-TERM NET WORTH
We are not market timers. Successful investment management is about effective asset allocation over the long-term between equities and fixed income.
INVESTING WITH A MARGIN OF SAFETY
Our conservatism means we would rather be reasonably certain of a good result than hopeful of a great one. Good investing is about avoiding mistakes.
DISCIPLINED APPROACH
Conviction in our insight and decision-making approach facilitates the framework to successful and reliable investment management.
VALUE INVESTING
Our business is one of identifying undervalue in the financial markets. We want to own good companies, but at the right price.
INDEPENDENCE OF THOUGHT
We think for ourselves. Other business interests, recent investment returns and consensus views do not shape our investment management approach.