You can search for an adviser in your area using an online search engine like Google. Or, you can search online directories like yellowpages.ca and Canada411.ca.
Another option is to visit the websites of the industry organizations most advisers belong to. Some of these professional groups regulate their own industries. Most can help you search for advisers on their websites. Here are 5 groups to try.
1. Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC)
IIROC is a national self-regulatory organization that oversees investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada. View this list of dealers they regulate. You can also do a background check on advisers regulated by IIROC.
Check the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA)
disciplined persons list to see if an adviser has been disciplined by their provincial securities regulator.
2. Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA)
The MFDA is a national self-regulatory organization that oversees firms and their representatives who sell mutual funds in Canada. View this list of member firms.
3. Advocis
Advocis is the Financial Advisers Association of Canada. You can search for members with specific designations or specialities who work in your area.
4. Financial Planners Standards Council (FPSC)
The FPSC is a not-for-profit industry group that develops, promotes and enforces professional standards for financial planners in Canada. Use this directory to find a Certified Financial Planner near you. They also publish an annual list of planners who have faced disciplinary action.
5. Portfolio Management Association of Canada (PMAC)
PMAC represents investment management firms across Canada. You can search for a firm through their website.