Frequently asked questions.
Joining Designed & Transition Support
How do I know if Designed Wealth Management is the right fit for my practice?
We work with independent-minded financial advisors across Canada who want the flexibility to build and grow their practices without the constraints of a bank or publicly-owned dealer. Whether you’re an established advisor looking for greater freedom or a newer advisor building your business, Designed provides the resources and support to help you succeed.
Can I join Designed with a smaller book of business?
Yes. We work with financial advisors at different stages of their careers, from those building their practices to established advisors looking for new opportunities or more flexibility. Our team takes the time to understand your business and growth objectives, including opportunities for practice acquisitions and succession planning, to help you build a foundation for long-term success.
How long will it take me to switch investment dealers?
Timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of your practice, including any account transfers or investments that may require additional time. Most advisors complete their transition to Designed within three to five weeks, supported by our three-phase process – pre-transition, transition, and post-transition – which helps make the move as smooth as possible for you and your clients.
Who handles my client account transfers and paperwork when I switch dealers?
Our transition team works alongside you to coordinate account openings, asset transfers, and the necessary documentation throughout your transition. We guide you through each step while you maintain your client relationships and obtain the required authorizations. Our transition team will travel to work with your team in person to facilitate the fastest access to support. Our goal is to minimize the administrative lift so you can stay focused on your clients.
Will my clients’ account history and data transfer when I transition to Designed?
Your clients’ investments and relevant account information can generally be transferred to Designed, although certain historical records, such as past statements, transaction histories, and performance reporting, may require separate arrangements. Our transition team works with you to identify what information can be transferred and any additional documentation that may be needed.
What transition support will I receive when joining Designed?
You will receive dedicated support throughout your transition, from initial planning and registration coordination to account transfers and technology onboarding. Our team works closely with you to help minimize disruption to your practice and clients. And don’t worry, support doesn’t stop once you’ve made the move. You’ll continue to have access to our operations, compliance, and technology teams as you settle in.
Independence & Flexibility
How much flexibility will I have to run my practice independently?
At Designed, we believe financial advisors should have the freedom to build their practice around their clients and business goals. You will have the flexibility to develop your own approach to client service, practice management, and business growth, supported by our technology, operations, and compliance teams. Whether you prefer to work from home, a vacation property, or an office of your own, Designed offers the flexibility to work where it makes sense for you and your practice, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.
Can I keep my own brand and website when I join Designed?
Yes! You can maintain your own tradename and email, branding, website, and practice identity, allowing you to build a brand that reflects your practice and the clients you serve. Our team will work with you to ensure your marketing materials, website, and professional titles meet applicable regulatory and compliance requirements.
What investment products can I offer my clients at Designed?
With no required products or product quotas, you have the flexibility to recommend investment solutions that best meet your clients’ needs. Our platform provides access to a broad range of investment products, including equities, ETFs, mutual funds, fixed income, and alternative investments, subject to applicable regulatory requirements and approvals. Additional capabilities include the ability to establish your own pooled funds and access to a Unified Managed Account (UMA) and Separately Managed Account (SMA) program, subject to additional registration and regulatory requirements.
Can I have an ownership stake in Designed?
Yes! Designed offers advisors the opportunity to participate in the ownership and long-term growth of the firm through a limited partnership structure. This approach allows participating advisors to share in the firm’s future success while maintaining the flexibility to operate their own practices. Our team can walk you through the opportunity and explain how participation works. Note that units of the limited partnership are finite and may not always be available for purchase.
Fees & Compensation
How do Designed’s fees and compensation structure work?
Our transparent flat-fee model is $3,500 per month for fully registered securities advisors, and $2,500 per month for mutual fund-only registrants (plus applicable taxes and subject to change). This allows you to retain 100% of the commissions and fees earned from your clients’ accounts, providing greater cost predictability and the opportunity to retain more revenue as your practice grows. Unlike traditional percentage-based payout models, our approach means your dealer fees aren’t directly tied to your revenue, allowing you to benefit more from the success of your business. Additional costs may apply depending on your practice’s needs.
Can I offer both fee-based and commission-based investment services?
Yes. Designed supports both fee-based and commission-based investment services.
How will compensation be structured if I work with an advisor team?
Every advisor team operates differently, which is why we work with you to establish compensation arrangements that reflect your team’s business model. This can include considerations such as shared clients, revenue splits, and individual responsibilities. Our goal is to provide the flexibility needed to support your team’s operations and long-term growth.
Technology & Tools
What technology and software will I have access to at Designed?
Financial advisors at Designed have access to a range of technology solutions that support trading, portfolio management, account opening, client reporting, and day-to-day practice operations, all of which is included in the flat monthly fee. Some of our technology partners include Aviso, Qtrade, Mako Fintech, and Univeris, providing tools that help streamline administration and enhance the client experience.
What technology is available to support trading, account management, and client reporting?
Our technology partners provide solutions to help you manage client accounts and investment activities efficiently. Aviso serves as our carrying broker, providing custody and back-office support, while Qtrade supports advisor-directed and client-directed investing. For client-name mutual fund accounts, Univeris offers an integrated platform for account management, trading, compliance supervision, and client reporting, including a self-serve client portal. Aviso also supports client–name business, providing choice to our advisors and clients.
What tools are available to streamline client onboarding and administrative workflows?
Mako Fintech helps streamline client onboarding and account opening through digital workflows and automation, providing greater visibility across advisors, compliance, and back-office teams, and supports both nominee and client-name held accounts. Univeris also offers digital account opening and DocuSign-powered onboarding for client-name mutual fund accounts. Together, these solutions can help reduce administrative work, improve efficiency, and create a smoother experience for you and your clients.
Can I continue using my own investment models and software?
We recognize that every financial advisor has their own approach to managing investments and running their practice. Our team works with you to explore opportunities to maintain your preferred investment models and software, provided they meet applicable regulatory, compliance, and security requirements.
Don’t see a technology partner you currently use? Let us know! We’re always exploring new solutions and partnerships to better support the evolving needs of our advisors.
Compliance & Regulatory Support
What licensing requirements do I need to meet to join Designed?
Licensing and registration requirements depend on your qualifications, registration category, and the investment services you provide. As an investment dealer regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), we work with you to review your existing qualifications, guide you through the registration process, and identify any additional requirements needed to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Can I continue my outside business activities when I join Designed?
Outside activities, such as consulting, insurance services, directorships, or operating another business, may be permitted subject to regulatory requirements and approval. Our compliance team works with you to review your existing activities, identify potential conflicts of interest, and determine what approvals may be required.
What compliance responsibilities will I have as an independent financial advisor?
While you remain responsible for meeting your individual regulatory and compliance obligations, our dedicated compliance team provides oversight, guidance, and support across areas such as account opening, suitability, trading, and other regulated activities. We take a collaborative approach to compliance, helping you navigate regulatory requirements while staying focused on serving your clients.
Still have questions?