Some people might describe the job of Meaghan Britton as “behind the scenes”, but Meaghan doesn’t see it that way. “My job is strictly administrative”, she
says, “but I like to think that I make things happen for clients.”
Meaghan is the Hicks team’s Associate, and her role includes looking after contributions and withdrawals, arranging account transfers and changes, setting up online access, and processing tax information. Meaghan describes her focus in three words: “convenience, time saving, and technology.” Here are some key ways she helps clients:

DS Online

DS Online is a secure online banking system that enables clients to access up-to-date account information. Meaghan will walk you through the process and get you up and running. Among the advantages of DS Online:

• You can log in from anywhere at any time.

• Accounts owned by family members can be added (if they consent)

• Your bank account (if you bank with RBC) can be linked to DS Online, so you have only one password and login for both

• You can send secure messages to the team.

• If you need to reset your password, Meaghan can look after it over the phone, rather than having to go through a third party.

eSign:

eSign is a technology that launched during the pandemic, enabling clients to sign documents online. Although not every document can be signed this way,
eSign continues to grow in popularity:

• It’s fast, secure, and password protected
• Documents can be signed from anywhere, even when you’re on vacation
• Signing your name requires no more than a click of the mouse
• You can save the signed form to your computer, or print it out
• Meaghan will pre-fill the form, so all you need to do is click where your signature is required

W-8BEN Form

Another of Meaghan’s tasks is to give clients timely reminders. An example is the W-8BEN form, which for many clients will be due shortly.

• This is a time-sensitive form required by the U.S tax authorities for all non-U.S. citizens who may earn investment dividends or income from a U.S. security
• A signed form is required to avoid a 30 percent withholding tax
• A new form must be signed every three years

Many of you will have received the W-8BEN form in the mail recently from RBC head office with instructions on how to sign and return it. If you have any questions, please contact Meaghan. She will be tracking these forms, so please sign and return it as soon as possible, and certainly before the end of the year.

Linking your bank account

Meaghan also looks after requests for funds. If you haven’t already done so, consider linking your bank account with the RBC system so funds can
be deposited directly into your bank account online rather than by cheque through the mail.

Meaghan welcomes your calls. If you have any questions about setting up or changing accounts, accessing account information online, understanding or filling out forms, setting up beneficiaries, obtaining tax documents, or requesting funds, please contact Meaghan at 519-675-2004 or Meaghan.britton@rbc.com. Or call anyone on the Hicks Team.