Start the Conversation: Wealth and Estate Planning for Digital Assets

When people think about their wealth, they often picture traditional asset classes such as cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, or perhaps more unique holdings like art or coin collections. Historically, these assets have formed the foundation of most families’ wealth, however, in today’s digital world, another category of assets has quickly been growing in importance: digital assets.
Wellington-Altus announces nearly $400M strategic minority investment from leading private equity firm Kelso & Company, confirming $1.5B+ valuation

Wellington-Altus today announced a nearly $400 million CAD secondary minority common equity investment from Kelso & Company (“Kelso”), a leading U.S. private equity firm renowned for its commitment to employee ownership.
Independent Advisor Solutions Launches Canadian Corporate Bond Plus in Expanded Partnership with Fiera Capital

Independent Advisor Solutions today announced the launch of Canadian Corporate Bond Plus (“CCBP”) and the deepening of its strategic partnership with Fiera Capital Corporation (“Fiera”), one of Canada’s leading independent asset managers.
Canada Disability Benefit

Launched in June 2025, the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is a new federal program providing monthly financial support to working-age Canadians living with disabilities. The benefit aims to reduce poverty and provide greater financial security for those who may face additional living costs related to their disability.
The Upside of Downturns: Strategic Tax-Loss Harvesting

Volatile markets often prompt investors to review their portfolios and asset allocations. While market volatility is rarely enjoyable, it can open the door to valuable opportunities – especially for tax-savvy investors. One such opportunity is the “triggering” or “harvesting” of capital losses.
Wellington-Altus recognized as Canada’s top-rated investment dealer for sixth consecutive year

Wellington-Altus Private Wealth has been recognized as Canada’s top-rated investment dealer in the 2025 Brokerage Report Card for the sixth consecutive year.
Independent Advisor Solutions Partners with Fiera Capital to Launch Canadian High Conviction Equities

Independent Advisor Solutions today announced a strategic partnership with Fiera Capital Corporation (“Fiera”), one of Canada’s leading independent asset managers.
Wellington-Altus Founder and Chair Charlie Spiring named to the Order of Manitoba

Wellington-Altus is pleased to learn that Charlie Spiring, Founder and Chair of the company, has been appointed to the prestigious Order of Manitoba.
Wellington-Altus Expands Leadership Team with Three Key Executive Appointments

Wellington-Altus is pleased to announce three strategic appointments aimed at strengthening advisor support and accelerating the firm’s continued growth.
Independent Advisor Solutions Adds to Exclusive Canadian Retail Partnership with Apollo; Continues Mission to Power Advisor Portfolios

Independent Advisor Solutions has announced the next phase in its exclusive retail partnership with Apollo, a leading provider of alternative assets and retirement solutions.
Independent Advisor Solutions Announces Exclusive Canadian Partnership with Apollo to Power Advisor Portfolios

WINNIPEG, TORONTO, and MONTRÉAL, Wednesday, December 18, 2024 /CNW/ — Independent Advisor Solutions Inc. (Independent Advisor Solutions)—a wholly owned subsidiary of Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. (Wellington-Altus)—is pleased to announce an exclusive retail partnership with Apollo (NYSE: APO), a leading provider of alternative assets and retirement solutions.
2024 Fall Economic Statement

On December 16, 2024, amid a tumultuous day at Parliament Hill, the Federal Government released its heavily delayed 2024 Fall Economic Statement (FES 2024). Earlier that day, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. In her absence, FES 2024 was tabled, but not presented or debated in the House, while the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc was being sworn in as Canada’s new Minister of Finance.
Wellington-Altus Explores Strategic Minority Share Sale to Drive Shareholder Value

Wellington-Altus is launching an exploratory minority secondary share sale process as part of its ongoing strategy to accelerate and enhance shareholder value for the firm and its partners.
Independent Advisor Solutions Announces Relationship with Goldman Sachs to Power Advisor Portfolios

Independent Advisor Solutions is pleased to announce a relationship with Goldman Sachs Asset Management, a leading investor across fixed income, liquidity, equity, alternatives, and multi-asset solutions.
Wellington-Altus Announces Three New Leadership Roles to Support Advisors and Accelerate Growth Trajectory

Wellington-Altus has announced the creation of three new leadership roles, including two executive-level positions, to support its exceptional growth trajectory and continue its mission of delivering unparalleled levels of advisor support.
Wellington-Altus Launches Independent Advisor Solutions to Enhance Experience and Accelerate Growth

WINNIPEG, TORONTO, and MONTRÉAL, Wednesday, October 2, 2024 /CNW/ Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. (Wellington-Altus), parent company to Canada’s top-rated* investment dealer, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth, today launched Independent Advisor Solutions Inc., a new wholly-owned subsidiary as part of its backing for the growing number of Canadian advisors who are seeking an independent platform that champions individual autonomy and delivers the key supports required to care for clients and accelerate the growth of their practices.
Wellington-Altus Ranked One of Canada’s Top Growing Companies

WINNIPEG, TORONTO, and MONTRÉAL, September 27, 2024 /CNW/ — Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. (Wellington-Altus), parent company to Canada’s top-rated investment dealer*, today announced its placement on The Globe and Mail’s list of Canada’s Top Growing Companies for 2024—the second consecutive year the firm has earned this recognition, demonstrating its impressive growth trajectory. Since its genesis in April […]
Wellington-Altus Announces Credit Facility With Ares Management, Providing Long-Term Capital to Fuel Growth

Wellington-Altus, parent company to Canada’s top-rated* investment dealer, has announced a new credit facility from credit funds managed by Ares Management that provides Wellington-Altus with access to significant capital as it continues its growth trajectory.
Wellington-Altus Acquires Wickham Investment Counsel to Expand Presence in Ontario

Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. (Wellington-Altus), parent company to Canada’s top-rated* investment dealer, has announced the acquisition of investment management firm, Wickham Investment Counsel Inc. (Wickham), located in Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario.
Wellington-Altus Recognized as Canada’s Top-Rated Investment Dealer for Fifth Consecutive Year

Wellington-Altus has been recognized as Canada’s top-rated investment dealer for the fifth consecutive year in the 2024 Brokerage Report Card.
Wellington-Altus Surpasses $30 Billion AUA Milestone, Continues Exponential Growth Trajectory

Wellington-Altus has exceeded the remarkable milestone of $30 billion in assets under administration (AUA) in just seven years since inception, continuing its parabolic growth.
Highlights from the 2024 Federal Budget

The 2024 Federal Budget, tabled on April 16, 2024, provides a mix of expected measures and a few surprises. In line with the announcements leading up to Budget Day, Budget 2024 outlines a multitude of measures targeted at housing affordability and the cost of living.
The New Rules for Trust Reporting: Four Unexpected Scenarios

The new enhanced trust reporting rules (“new trust rules”) may catch certain Canadian trusts or informal trust arrangements considered Bare Trusts, that previously did not have to file an annual Trust Income and Tax Information Return (“T3 Return”).
Trust Reporting Rules

Understanding the New Reporting Requirements for Trusts The New Rules for Trust Reporting: Four Unexpected Scenarios
Understanding the New Reporting Requirements for Trusts

Trusts with a December 31 year end will be required to comply with the new reporting requirements beginning with their 2023 T3 Return.
Wellington-Altus Appoints Steph Condra as Chief Experience Officer, Continues Elevation of Advisor Support

Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. has announced the appointment of Steph Condra to the new role of Executive Vice-President, Chief Experience Officer (CXO).
Deadline Reminder: 2023 Prescribed Rate Loan Interest Payment

Clients who have implemented a prescribed rate loan should be reminded to pay the appropriate interest relating
to the 2022 year on or before January 30, 2023.
Year-End Personal Tax Tips for 2023

Tax planning is a year-round activity, however as 2023 comes to an end, there are several key opportunities to take advantage of available credits, deductions, and savings.
Estate Planning: Getting the Details Right

When it comes to estate planning, co-ordination of documents and details such as beneficiary designations matter. A lack of planning and out of date or incomplete documentation can result in additional costs, delays and taxes for your estate, or a loss of control over certain aspects, such as the guardianship of minor children and/or how you want your assets to be distributed when you die.
Wellington-Altus Attracts Additional Capital to Fuel Parabolic Growth

Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. (Wellington-Altus), parent company to Canada’s top-rated wealth management company*, announced today that it has attracted $40 million in a second-round growth equity investment from The Cynosure Group (Cynosure).
Industry Veteran Andrew Marsh Joins Wellington-Altus Board of Directors

Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. (Wellington-Altus), parent company to Canada’s top-rated wealth management firm*, today announced the appointment of Andrew Marsh to its Board of Directors. Wellington-Altus has grown its assets under administration (AUA) to over $25 billion since its genesis in April 2017 and continues to strategically expand its advisory team to support the firm’s parabolic growth.
2023 Fall Economic Statement

On November 21, 2023, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland delivered the 2023 Fall Economic Statement (FES 2023), a mid-fiscal year update that was narrower in focus than previous economic statements.
Financial Literacy and Children: Keep it Relatable at Every Age

How can we raise financially confident children and grandchildren in an increasingly complex world filled with distractions? Many of our clients, for example, are concerned that the next generation won’t possess the financial literacy needed to inherit family wealth.
Wellington-Altus Ranked One of Canada’s Top Growing Companies

Wellington-Altus Financial Inc., parent company to the number-one wealth advisory firm in Canada, * has today announced its inaugural placement on Globe and Mail’s list of Canada’s Top Growing Companies for 2023.
Solving The Retirement Funding Puzzle

While generally a cause for celebration, retirement often comes with its fair share of financial anxiety. Research indicates that many people fear outliving their savings, resulting in an inability to enjoy life to the fullest throughout retirement.
RESP Withdrawal Decision Tree

When withdrawing from an RESP, there are a variety of considerations to keep in mind, such as is this the first time the beneficiary is attending post-secondary education, are they attending full or part-time, and what makes the most sense – withdrawing EAP and/or PSE.
Intergenerational Business Transfers: Where are we now?

The transfer of family businesses to the next generation has long been a contentious tax issue. Owners rightfully expect the same tax benefits when selling their businesses to their children or other relatives as if they had sold to a third-party purchaser. Fiscal policy, meanwhile, aims to ensure that such sales to family are authentic
Wellington-Altus Evolves Leadership and Readies for Parabolic Growth

The firm has been strategically preparing for its continued growth trajectory, and this has been a key area of focus and planning over the last six months. Wellington-Altus’ leadership continues to evolve and is ready for this next phase, including an elevated structure for advisor support.
The Ins and Outs of RDSPs

A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a tax-sheltered savings vehicle designed to help families
ensure the long-term financial security of a loved one affected by disability.
Wellington-Altus Ranked #1 Investment Firm in Canada

Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. today announced that its private wealth division, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc., has retained its top spot as Canada’s number-one investment advisory firm in the 2023 Brokerage Report Card, for the fourth consecutive year.
Alternative Minimum Tax – When Does It Apply, How, And For Whom?

Background. The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)1 is a second, alternate tax liability calculation that Canadian individuals and trusts must consider annually in parallel with their normal tax liability. First introduced in 1986, AMT was implemented to promote and maintain fairness within Canada’s income tax regime.
How Should I Compensate Myself: Salary Or Dividends?

Everyone’s situation is unique.
Tax is important, but incorporated business owners and professionals should also consider retirement planning, lifestyle and corporate cash flow needs when deciding to take compensation as salary, dividends, or a combination of the two.
Wellington-Altus Welcomes Jon Kilfoyle to Leadership Team

Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. (Wellington-Altus), parent company to Canada’s top-rated wealth management company*, today welcomed Jon Kilfoyle as Executive Vice-President, Products & Platforms of Wellington-Altus Financial Inc.
Real Estate and U.S. Taxes: The Cost of Ownership

For many Canadians who are not otherwise U.S. persons (“Canadian”), owning property in the U.S. may represent an investment opportunity,
a home away from home and an escape from the colder winter months.
Planning for Families Affected by Disabilities

More than one-fifth of Canadians over the age of 18 are living with disabilities, often with special needs which can entail significant costs. There is a vast network of supports, programs and tax rules designed to assist Canadians and ease the financial burden that can sometimes accompany a disability,
Reducing Household Taxes Through CPP Sharing

If you are collecting or have applied to collect your Canada Pension Plan retirement pension benefits (CPP) and have a spouse or common-law partner (CLP) in a lower tax bracket, you may want to consider sharing your CPP benefits with them. Let’s look at the “why, how, what and when” of CPP sharing.
Economic and Tax Highlights from the 2023 Federal Budget

Budget 2023 outlined the government’s plans to build a stronger, more sustainable and secure Canadian economy against a backdrop of slower global growth, elevated global interest rates, and high inflation.
Retirement Readiness: 10 Questions to Support the Planning Process

It’s never too early to start planning the retirement you desire. But do you have a clear idea of how you want to spend your time, and if you have the means to support the lifestyle you envision?
Key Considerations When Planning for Retirement

Canadians have historically relied upon employer-sponsored pension plans, government benefits and their
own assets—including rising real estate prices—to cover their financial needs in retirement.
5 Year-End Personal Tax Tips for 2022

While tax planning should be viewed as a year-round activity, there are several actions that can help you take full advantage of available credits, deductions and other savings as the year draws to a close.
Donating Shares: A Tax-Efficient Form of Philanthropy

When it comes to philanthropy, Canadians today are more intentional, want to see the impact of their gift, and are giving more. With intentional philanthropy, clients should address the following questions…
Canadian Snowbirds and U.S. Taxes: Avoiding Turbulence

Canadian residents who routinely fly south to escape the cold winters at home may not be aware that they could face U.S. tax consequences. This article looks at how spending extended periods in the U.S. can subject Canadians who are not otherwise U.S. taxpayers
Earlier or Later? Deciding When to Start Canada Pension Plan Retirement Benefits

Many individuals approaching retirement wonder if there is an optimal age to begin taking their Canada Pension Plan retirement pension benefits (CPP).
Communicate Your Wishes: Advanced Healthcare Directives

What is an Advanced Healthcare
Directive? An Advanced Healthcare Directive (“AHD”) is a legal document providing instructions for your personal care and/or healthcare decisions when you are not capable of making those decisions yourself.
Death and Taxes: Awareness and Understanding of Multiple Terminal Tax Returns

There are many reasons why preparing income tax returns for a deceased individual in the year of death can be complicated. However, we would be remiss to not recognize the planning opportunities available in appropriate client situations.
Aircraft, Vessels and Vehicles: The New Luxury Tax

First announced in the 2021 Federal Budget, the new luxury tax will apply to sales, leases, and imports in Canada of certain luxury recreational aircraft, vessels, and vehicles delivered on or after September 1, 2022.
Wellington-Altus Partners with CapIntel to Put More Innovation in Advisors’ Hands

CapIntel’s partnership with Wellington-Altus reflects the wealth management industry’s growing adoption of technology platforms that support advisors in delivering better outcomes for clients. WINNIPEG, TORONTO, and MONTREAL, May 26, 2022 — CapIntel, a leading financial technology company that improves day-to-day workflow efficiency and fund analysis for financial advisors announces a strategic relationship with Wellington-Altus Financial […]
Wellington-Altus Again Ranked #1 Investment Advisory Firm in Canada

WINNIPEG, MB, TORONTO, and MONTREAL, May 16, 2022 /CNW/ — Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. announced today that its private wealth division, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc., has again been rated the number-one investment advisory firm in the 2022 Brokerage Report Card, conducted by industry publication, Investment Executive—its third year in the coveted spot. With an overall rating […]
Wellington-Altus Elevates Shaun Hauser to CEO and Jordy Chilcott to President in Strategic Leadership Moves

WINNIPEG, TORONTO, and MONTREAL, March 21, 2022—Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. (Wellington-Altus), the number-one wealth advisory company in Canada,* is pleased to announce the appointments of Shaun Hauser to CEO, Wellington-Altus Financial, and Jordy Chilcott to President,** Wellington-Altus Private Wealth & Wellington-Altus Insurance, in a strategic leadership shift that seats the industry veterans in two of the […]
Wellington-Altus Forges Strategic Partnership with Envestnet to Empower Advisors with Industry-Leading Solutions

WINNIPEG, TORONTO, MONTREAL, and CHICAGO, December 14, 2021—Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. (Wellington-Altus), the number-one wealth advisory company in Canada*, and Envestnet, Inc., a leading provider of intelligent systems for wealth management, announce a strategic partnership to provide Wellington-Altus advisors with access to a unified financial wellness ecosystem supporting intelligently connected advisor and client experiences. “We’re forging ahead […]
Wellington-Altus Attracts Up to $85 Million in Minority Partner Capital to Fuel Future Growth

WINNIPEG, TORONTO and MONTREAL – November 2, 2021/CNW/ – Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. (Wellington-Altus), Canada’s pre-eminent independent comprehensive wealth management company, with approximately $20 billion in assets under administration, announced today that it has attracted minority growth equity investments from The Cynosure Group (Cynosure) and Jessiman Family Investments (JFI). As Wellington-Altus continues to gain momentum as […]
Wellington-Altus Advisors Among Canada’s Best in New Top Wealth Advisor Ranking

Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. (Wellington-Altus) proudly announces that nine of the firm’s investment advisors have been recognized on the Globe and Mail’s inaugural ranking of Canada’s Top Wealth Advisors, a new annual list designed to celebrate excellence in the industry and help investors identify what greatness looks like when it comes to financial expertise.
Wellington-Altus Announces Expansion of National Footprint to Quebec

WINNIPEG, TORONTO and MONTREAL, September 14, 2021/CNW/ – Wellington-Altus Financial (Wellington-Altus), has officially begun its expansion into the Quebec market, building on a track record of remarkable growth for Canada’s top-rated advisory firm.* “While still in the early phase of our rollout, we are extremely eager to get up and running in Quebec, a market with incredible potential […]