When Advice Becomes a Transaction: Why Independence Matters in Financial Planning
The results of a recent anonymous survey conducted by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) have made waves: a significant proportion of advisors working within firms affiliated with major Canadian banks admitted they are under constant pressure to sell.
Sales quotas, performance targets, product-specific incentives — all of these factors can shape the recommendations given to clients. According to the report, nearly one in four advisors even acknowledged that some advice given did not directly serve the client’s best interest.
When Financial Advice Turns into a Sales Pitch
This raises a fundamental question: what happens when financial advice is driven more by sales targets than by the unique needs of the client?
The risk is clear: decisions may no longer align with a family’s life goals, but rather with the business goals of the institution. The result? Erosion of trust, lack of transparency, and ultimately, clients left feeling like just another number in a massive banking machine.
The Independent Approach: A Different Kind of Relationship
At Investamp, we believe a client deserves more than just a product or a transaction. Being an independent wealth advisor means being free to choose strategies and solutions that truly fit your needs, your risk tolerance, and your life projects.
There are no quotas here. No seasonal sales campaigns. Our role is not to meet the head office’s objectives, but to design a financial strategy tailored to you — with a long-term vision at its core.
Transparency as the Foundation
Because an informed client always makes better decisions, transparency and education are non-negotiable for us. We take the time to explain options, fees, and impacts. We’re not afraid to “over-explain.” This clarity builds trust and helps our clients become true owners of their choices.
A Human Relationship Above All
Another key difference is proximity. At Investamp, we know our clients, their families, and their concerns. You speak to the same people year after year — people who are with you through highs and lows. This stability makes all the difference when it comes to decisions about your wealth and your peace of mind.
In Conclusion
The OSC and CIRO report highlights a sometimes uncomfortable truth: in certain institutions, sales pressure can blur the mission of truly serving the client.
At Investamp, our mission is clear: to put your interests first. Always. With integrity, transparency, and human support that goes well beyond the numbers.
Because at the end of the day, your wealth deserves more than just another line item on a sales report.