A fiduciary is a single advocate who sits on your side of the table to whom you can turn for objective investment management advice. You know, without a doubt, that your assets are managed by someone who puts your interests first.
What Is a Fiduciary?
A fiduciary has a legal and ethical responsibility to put their client’s interests first and is held to a higher standard of care than an advisor who is not a fiduciary.
In practical terms for HighView, this means:
- No conflicts of interest
- No propriety investment products
- No obligations to anyone except clients
- No fees received from any specific investment product or manager recommended
- Clients receive full disclosure and transparency
For foundations, the benefit of having a fiduciary financial adviser comes down to one thing: sustainability.
Are All Investment Advisors Fiduciaries?
Investment counselors and investment advisors are not always fiduciaries. Those who are not considered fiduciaries are only held to a Suitability Requirement.
The suitability standard: Advisors who are not fiduciaries must only recommend investments that are “suitable”.
Contrast this with the Fiduciary Requirement, which ensures much broader and deeper service than the traditional investment advisor provides. Firms registered as Portfolio Managers are held to the fiduciary standard.
The fiduciary standard: Advisers (investment counselors and portfolio managers) who are fiduciaries must recommend investments that are both suitable and in their client’s best interest.
As a foundation, it is prudent to seek out an adviser who also has your best interests at heart.
HighView Is an Investment Fiduciary
HighView is registered as a Portfolio Manager (through HighView Asset Management Ltd.) in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, which means we are held to the fiduciary standard both legally and ethically.
Beyond this, HighView strongly believes in the fiduciary relationships we build with clients, which are based on objectivity, transparency, and responsibility. We are guided by an unwavering philosophy and our processes are created first and foremost to benefit our clients.
