Media Release

Media Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 23, 2009

The Future of Financial Services Distribution:
An Advocis regulatory affairs symposium

Toronto - Financial literacy, a national securities regulator and global trends in regulation of the financial services industry will be among the topics discussed at the symposium, The Future of Financial Services Distribution in Canada, hosted by Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, on Thursday November 26 in Toronto.

“With the global financial market meltdown, the financial services industry is under increased scrutiny by media, consumers and regulators,” said Greg Pollock, Advocis’ president and CEO.  “Because the financial services landscape is ever-evolving, specifically as it relates to regulation, it’s critical that we take a look at the current and future regulatory landscape; see where we are going and how to ensure that it works for financial advisors, planners and consumers.”

Industry thought-leaders speaking at the event include: 

• Donald A. Stewart, CEO, Sun Life Financial Inc. and Chair, Task Force on Financial Literacy;
• Larry Ritchie, Executive Vice President and Senior Policy Advisor, Transition Office, Canadian Securities Regulator;
• Paul Mahon, President & Chief Operating Officer, Canada, Great-West Life / London Life / Canada Life; and
• The Hon. John Wilkinson, Ontario Minister of Revenue.  

“I know it will be a day of good discussion and debate,” said Mr. Pollock.  “Those financial services practitioners who want a sense of where we are moving should consider attending this important event.”

Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, is the oldest and largest voluntary membership association of financial advisors and planners in Canada. With more than 10,000 advisors and planners in 43 chapters across Canada, Advocis members provide financial advice, product service and employee benefit planning to millions of Canadians in a number of areas including estate and retirement planning, wealth management, risk management and tax planning. For more information about Advocis, visit www.advocis.ca.

Further information about Advocis’ symposium, The Future Financial Services Distribution, can be found here.

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For more information, please contact Ann Walker, at 416-342-9838 or Brett McDermott at 416-342-9814.