Enhancing the professionalism of financial advisors in the best interests of the consumer

Discover the benefits of belonging to the leading association of insurance and financial advisors.

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Designations/Accreditations (CFP®, CLU®, CHS™) Communications & Publications
Continuing Education (CE) Professional Standards
Best Practices Corporate Sponsorship
Networking through our Chapters

Advocacy

Advocis has been the strongest voice for financial advisors with federal and provincial governments on public policy and regulatory issues for over 100 years. Through the work of volunteers in chapters and on committees as well as work by Advocis’ staff, we represent the interests of financial advisors while maintaining the utmost concern for the public interest.

Some of the issues Advocis has highlighted through its advocacy work with policy-makers include:

  • Establishment of a common securities regulator in Canada
  • Principles-based regulation of financial advisors
  • Advisor incorporation

Designations (CFP®, CLU®, CHS™)

Advocis promotes the value of our designations and financial advisors’ professionalism to stakeholders, regulators, elected officials and the public at large.

Advocis offers challenging programs that lead towards the following accreditations:

CLU®: The CLU is a wealth transfer and estate planning designation. The educational program that leads towards receiving the CLU designation is offered through The Institute, the professional body that regulates CLU-holders and those who seek this designation. CLU®-holders receive CLU Comment, a bi-monthly newsletter that provides information on tax, insurance and estate planning issues.

CHS™: The CHS is a living benefits designation governed by The Institute for Advanced Financial Education that includes instruction in all facets of critical illness, long-term care and disability insurance. It is the only living benefits designation in Canada and available only through Advocis.

CFP®: The CFP® is a comprehensive financial planning designation. The educational program leading towards receiving a CFP® is administered by Advocis. The FPSC is the governing body for the CFP® designation.

Continuing Education (CE)

Lifelong learning is an integral part of a profession in financial services in Canada. Advocis members have access to Institute-accredited education programs delivered through our 41 chapters; programs that recognized by regulators as meeting and exceeding the needs of today’s financial advisors and planners. In addition to this, Advocis offers continuing education opportunities through the following programs:

  • Advocis Schools: Advocis organizes learning sessions throughout Canada every summer that involve financial advisors attending educational sessions as well as listening to experts on financial advisory topics.

  • Annual Update Seminars: The Annual Update programs (Update 2011, Update 2012, etc.)  have been developed by experts in financial services; they assist participants in gaining a better understanding of challenges, issues and trends facing the financial services industry. The Annual Updates are available through seminars and self-study.

Best Practices

The Advocis Best Practices Manual is available through our “Best Practices Portal,” and is a comprehensive resource that includes guidelines for successfully working as a financial advisor. Members have access to templates, form letters, and online tools to help them achieve the greatest levels of success in their practice.

Networking through our Chapters

Find opportunities to expand your community profile by working with Advocis members and other professionals through our 41 chapters across Canada.

  • Advocis Schools: Advocis organizes learning sessions throughout Canada every summer that involve financial advisors attending educational sessions as well as listening to experts on financial advisory topics.

  • Local Chapter Membership:Membership in Advocis automatically includes membership in a chapter. Additionally, Advocis members are free to attend events held by any of our 41 chapters.  Among the benefits of being a member of a chapter are networking opportunities and events that involve some of the best financial advisors in Canada.

  • A Chance to Serve your Profession: Leadership opportunities abound for Advocis members in their chapter and nationally through local executives and the Board of Directors.

E&O Insurance through the Advocis Protective Association

Errors & Omissions Insurance, also known as professional liability insurance, can protect you while you serve your clients. Our individual E&O Plan is offered through the Advocis Protection Association (APA) which employs Willis Canada Inc. as the authorized broker and risk management consultant. A Business Protection Plan is also available.

Communication and Publications

Advocis values communicating with its members, governments and the public; we communicate with stakeholders through a variety of methods. Some of those include:

  • www.advocis.ca: We have a comprehensive password-protected website available to members. The website features online exams, information about Advocis courses, industry news, upcoming events, a member directory and a member resource area.
  • Media: Advocis’s views on a variety of topics are sought by various media. Some issues we speak on include the financial services industry and government budgets.
  • Member services: Advocis staff dedicated to assisting members with questions about member services are available at 1-877-773-6765 from Monday to Friday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT).
Publications

Staying aware of developments in the financial services industry is essential for your success. Our publications for members include:

  • FORUM magazine: The official publication of Advocis is delivered free to members. Industry experts, financial journalists and Advocis staff provide an in-depth understanding of the financial services industry.

  • Monthly Update: A monthly look at our efforts to help you succeed in your profession.

  • Advisor Voice: A newsletter that outlines how Advocis has represented financial advisors while working with policy-makers and regulators

Professional Standards

Code of Professional Conduct (CPC): Your clients expect to be able to trust you. Your adherence to the CPC demonstrates your commitment to the highest of standards in providing financial counsel.

Corporate Sponsorship

Individuals who are affiliated with an Advocis Corporate Sponsor and join Advocis as a new member are entitled to discounts on products and services provided by Advocis. For a list of our corporate sponsors, please click here.

In addition, individuals associated with a Corporate Sponsor receive discounts and/or rebates on programs leading towards the LLQP or receiving designations such as the CLU®, CFP® and CHS™.