The Hemisphere Difference
Choosing Between Wealth Management Firms in Calgary
Choosing the best financial advisor in Calgary for you can be hard. There are over 100 registered wealth management firms in Calgary alone. It can be difficult to recognize what makes each one different. This does not even consider the different registrations that wealth managers, financial advisors or financial planners may fall under.
Think in the context of your financial plan
Comparing between fees, performance and asset minimums is often viewed as the first step. Yet these may not be an apples-to-apples comparison between firms. Some wealth managers in Calgary have a tendency to pursue more risk. Others may prefer a more conservative approach. Some financial companies in Calgary may claim lower management fees but use external funds that have fees embedded within them. Understanding these differences is important. But understanding how they apply in the context of your financial plan is what drives success.
Facilitate Your Financial Journey
Your portfolio and financial plan should be as dynamic as your financial journey. As your life progresses – whether you are navigating career changes, getting ready for retirement, or planning for future generations – 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.
It is important to choose an advisor that will not only craft a tailored investment strategy but will also adjust it as your circumstances change, ensuring your financial plan remains relevant and effective. Choosing a financial advisor that will provide regular communication and updates is essential for this process. This way they can provide 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.
At Hemisphere, we like to split your financial journey into three major stages. However, we emphasize the importance of a flexible portfolio that can adjust to each individual’s unique needs.
Evaluate the Intangibles
Once you have decided who can help you meet your financial goals, the next step is understanding the firms themselves. 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. We outline some of the qualities that we believe are important in choosing the best financial advisor for you in Calgary, AB. It is through these qualities that we emphasize 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 are motivated to sell specific products. But these products may not always be in your best interests. 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 be left 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 make sure 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 any 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 waiting times and less personalization have become commonplace across many industries. The high net worth wealth management industry in Calgary is no different. Customer service has fallen while more financial advisors or 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 show our value. That is why we offer personalized services. Whether you are looking to grow your nest egg, preserve your assets after you retire, or distribute your estate to the next generation, we are here to help. Come introduce yourself.
4. An ESTABLISHED SUCCESSION PLAN
What happens when your financial advisor leaves or retires? Or 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 rotating door of relationship managers. Establishing trust under this scenario can be very difficult. You are often told to have a long-term view on investing. But when your financial advisor is not engaged or is close to 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 stands 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 this up with tangible actions. We own the same securities as you. 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 our advisors make rational choices based on sound analysis and research. By adhering to our investing principles, our advisors 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.