What is the CIM designation?
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 ensures that those who earn it are qualified to evaluate and manage all aspects of a client's investment portfolio.
Investment advisors who earn the CIM designation become qualified to manage money on a discretionary basis for an increasing number of sophisticated clients.
Some universities may offer CIM holders credit toward a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA). Dalhousie University in Halifax, for example, offers CIM holders credit for up to three courses toward its MBA degree in financial services.
Why choose a CIM holder to manage your investments?
The CIM designation matters to your money – this credential is widely regarded in the financial services industry for its rigorous focus on managing all aspects of a client’s portfolio.
As well, an advisor with the CIM designation will be listed in the Canadian Securities Institute's CIM® Directory, which helps you find the advisor and verify their credentials, if necessary.
CIM holders possess the expertise and experience to create sophisticated discretionary investment and portfolio management strategies that best serve the unique needs of affluent and institutional clients. They are also adept at evaluating industry trends, managing risk, and developing and enhancing client relationships.
What is the CIM program?
To be eligible for the CIM program, advisors must have at least two years of experience within the past five years involved in an investment management capacity that includes applying or supervising any aspect of the investment management process.
CIM holders have earned:
- The ability to conduct discretionary portfolio management services on behalf of their clients.
- Specialization in high-level investment strategies tailored to affluent clients.
- Meaningful relationships with clients, built upon trust, respect and truly effective portfolio management.
- Credibility in the eyes of clients, peers, employers and regulators through the dedication to a higher professional standard.
In earning the CIM credential, advisors learn the following:
- Advanced money management strategies that best serve affluent and institutional clients.
- How to tailor both traditional and/or sophisticated investment strategies to the unique needs of each client.
- Effective portfolio management within Canadian markets and regulatory environments.
What is the CFP designation?
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation is the most widely recognized financial planning credential in Canada and worldwide. CFPs help clients plan their financial futures with a focus on investments. They also help their clients achieve specific long-term financial goals, such as saving for retirement or buying a home.
To become a CFP, a person must complete a course of study and then pass a two-part examination. The exam covers wealth management, tax planning, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning and other personal finance topics.
Why choose a CFP holder to manage your investments?
CFP professionals have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, experience and ethics to examine their clients’ entire financial picture, at the highest level of complexity required of the profession, and work with their clients to build a financial plan.
To obtain the CFP designation, candidates must complete a rigorous education program, pass a national exam and demonstrate three years of qualifying work experience. To maintain certification, CFP professionals must keep their knowledge and skills current by completing 25 hours of continuing education each year. They must also adhere to the FP Canada Standards Council™ Standards of Professional Responsibility, including a Code of Ethics, which mandates that CFP professionals place their clients’ interests first. The Standards Council vigilantly enforces these standards.
What is the CFP program?
The Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC) confers the CFP designation. The CFP course can be taken on its own or it can be folded into a diploma or bachelor’s degree program. Candidates with relevant financial planning qualifications, such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), may apply for fast-track options. Holders of the CFP must complete 25 hours of continuing education (CE) each year.
The CFP Professional Education Program teaches students how to apply learning achieved through their Core and Advanced Curriculum programs to the practice of financial planning.
While the technical content learned in Core and Advanced Curriculum courses is essential, it is critical for financial planners to focus on the holistic nature of people’s lives, develop behavioural and relationship skills to effectively connect with clients, and above all, to always act in the client’s best interest maintaining the highest standards of professional responsibility.
What is IIROC?
The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada is the national self-regulatory organization that oversees all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada. Created in 2008 through the consolidation of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada and Market Regulation Services Inc., IIROC sets high quality regulatory and investment industry standards, protects investors and strengthens market integrity while maintaining efficient and competitive capital markets. IIROC carries out its regulatory responsibilities through setting and enforcing rules regarding the proficiency, business and financial conduct of dealer firms and their registered employees and through setting and enforcing market integrity rules regarding trading activity on Canadian equity marketplaces.
