• Qualifications and experience: Ask about the advisor’s registrations, professional designations, and experience serving clients with needs similar to yours.
• Transparency: Understand how the advisor is compensated, what services are included, and whether the costs align with your expectations.
  Investment philosophy: Ask how portfolios are built, risk is managed, and recommendations are adjusted as your goals and time horizon change.
• Accessibility and service model: Consider the frequency of meetings, expected response times, and how proactively the advisor provides guidance through market changes and life events.
• Comprehensive wealth management: Look for coordinated support across retirement planning, estate considerations, tax-planning coordination, and investment management.

Independent financial advisors generally work within firms that give advisors greater discretion over planning, service, and investment recommendations. Depending on the firm, this structure may provide access to a broad range of products and allow solutions to be tailored to each client’s circumstances.

Bank advisors generally work within standardized systems, approved product offerings, and established service models. This structure can offer convenience and consistency, while the available solutions and processes may reflect the institution’s policies.

The better fit depends on the client’s needs, preferred service model, and the advisor’s qualifications, approach, and ability to provide coordinated advice.

The onboarding process begins with understanding your goals and complete financial picture, reviewing existing accounts, and creating or updating your financial plan and investment strategy. Once your accounts are transferred and the plan is in place, ongoing meetings and reviews are scheduled to keep your plan up to date.

Yes. Coordinating with your accountant or lawyer can help align tax planning, estate considerations, and investment decisions within one cohesive financial strategy.

• Client assets held through Wellington‑Altus Private Wealth are custodied by National Bank Independent Network (NBIN), a division of National Bank of Canada. NBIN is responsible for safeguarding client assets and providing account administration and back-office services.
• This arrangement keeps your assets with a regulated financial institution while your advisor remains focused on personalized advice and wealth management.

• Client assets held through Wellington‑Altus Private Wealth are custodied by National Bank Independent Network (NBIN), a division of National Bank of Canada. NBIN is responsible for safeguarding client assets and providing account administration and back-office services.
• This arrangement keeps your assets with a regulated financial institution while your advisor remains focused on personalized advice and wealth management.