The professional bench strength that you have at your disposal in working with Hymers Private Wealth of RBC Dominion Securities – world-class portfolio management and client service excellence is my commitment to you. It is for this reason that I have built a team that shares my work ethic, and whom are backed by a high level of professional accreditation and experience in our industry. Please feel free to review the bios of each of our outstanding team members.
Have you ever wondered what our professional designations mean? I am referring to the alphabet of letters that follow our names on our respective business cards. Please read the below explanations of what they stand for, and how they contribute to our level of expertise as a professional advisory team. The most important aspect of these designations is the level of responsibility that accompanies them, meaning that we are always focused on making decisions with your best interests in mind.
- FCSI: The Fellow of Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®) designation is the highest credential offered by the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI). The Fellow of CSI is held by a small number of financial services professionals in Canada that have met standards for industry experience, advanced education, ethics, and whom have been endorsed by peers and superiors.
- CFA: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) is one of the most respected designations in finance, and is widely considered to be the gold standard in the field of investment analysis. To become a CFA® charterholder, candidates must pass three difficult exams, have a Bachelor’s degree, and have at least four years of relevant professional experience. Passing the CFA® program exams requires strong discipline and an extensive amount of studying.
- CIM: The Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designation is the industry standard for discretionary investment and portfolio management services. It is recognized by Canadian securities regulators and helps ensure that those who earn it are qualified to evaluate and manage all aspects of a client’s investment portfolio. A CIM® designation enables your Portfolio Manager to manage money on a discretionary basis for an increasing number of sophisticated clients.
- CIWM: The Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM) designation is recognized worldwide as a top credential for wealth management. It ensures that financial professionals have the unique knowledge and skills to address the complex needs of high-net-worth clients. Co-granted by the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) and the Association of International Wealth Management (AIWM), the CIWM has international recognition and relevance.
- CFP: A Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) is an individual that has received a formal designation from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Becoming a CFP® is one of the most difficult and stringent processes in terms of financial advisors. It requires years of experience, successful completion of standardized exams, a demonstration of ethics, and a formal education. CFPs can help individuals in a variety of areas in managing their client’s finances, such as retirement, investing, education, insurance, and taxes.
- FEA: Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA™). Families are becoming more discerning about the advisors they bring into their fold. The FEA™ designation reinforces your Advisor’s standing and expertise in this growing sector of the business world, and helps bring family-focused and thoughtful solutions to the table. With over 800,000 family enterprises in Canada, there is a critical need for expert advisors who understand the uniqueness of family enterprises.
- PFP: The Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designation is a leading credential for comprehensive financial planning in Canada, recognized by Canada’s largest financial institutions. It ensures that financial professionals have the knowledge and skills to address all aspects of a client’s financial situation.
In order for an advisor or associate to maintain industry designations and accreditations, they are required to perform numerous hours of continuing education credits every year. These educational credits enhance professionalism and help advisors remain up-to-date, while advancing their knowledge in an ever-changing industry.
Continuing education is an important value of our team to ensure we are always on the leading edge of delivering exceptional professional advice to enhance and grow your wealth. With that in mind, I am currently working on the completion of my CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) designation and Rossi on her CLU® (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation. The CLU® designation is an advanced designation that expands on the CFP® education program. It sets financial advisors apart by successfully meeting established standards for competent practice and presenting a greater level of knowledge and specialized skill in complex wealth and estate-transfer markets. Marnie Laing is currently enrolled in CSI’s Wealth Management essentials and Kaitlyn Rihel is also working on her CFP® designation.
Please reach out to our team if you have any questions. We welcome the opportunity to assist your friends, family, or colleagues who you feel may also benefit from working with our team. There is no greater compliment than an introduction from a client or professional colleague.
Warm regards,
Rhonda Hymers, CIWM, CIM, FCSI, FEA | Senior Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor
Rossellen Wiltse, CIM, FCSI, CFP, FEA | Associate Investment Advisor, Financial Planner & Wealth Advisor
Kuan Ho, CFA | Associate Investment Advisor
Darren Zalay, CFA | Associate Investment Advisor
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” ― Paulo Coelho
