Français
- Getting startedLearn about the stock market, investment types, and how to get started.
- Working with an advisorA financial advisor can help you choose investments and manage your portfolio.
- Making a planHaving a plan can make it easier to make the right investing decisions for you.
- Tracking your progressLearn how to track your investing progress and see how you're doing.
- Understanding riskHaving a plan can make it easier to make the right investing decisions for you.
- Rules and regulationsRegulators protect investors in Canada by setting and enforcing securities rules.
- Psychology of InvestingMake better financial decisions by learning about behavioural insights.
- Community outreachOSC in the Community takes the OSC's mandate from Bay Street to Main Street.
- AnnuitiesAnnuities are an investment that can generate a steady income in retirement.
- BondsBonds are an investment that generate interest after a fixed period of time.
- Crypto assetsCrypto assets are digital investments with different opportunities and risks.
- ESG investingESG investing allows you to choose investments that align with your priorities.
- ETFs (exchange-traded funds)These funds hold a collection of investments and are traded on a stock exchange.
- GICs (Guaranteed investment certificates)GICs guarantee a specific rate of return over a short period of time.
- Mutual funds & segregated fundsMutual funds pool multiple investments into a fund owned by many investors.
- Pension & savings plansDifferent kinds of workplace pension plans provide retirement income.
- Real estateBuying a home is a way to invest your money and diversify your portfolio.
- StocksStocks give you equity in a company, and are traded on a stock exchange.
- More complex investmentsComplex investments have potential for high reward, but also higher risk.
- RDSPsPeople with disabilities can save with a Registered Disability Savings Plan
- RESPsSave for your child's education with a Registered Education Savings Plan.
- RRIFsYou open a Registered Retirement Income Fund with funds from your RRSP.
- RRSPsA Registered Retirement Savings Plan grows your savings tax free until you retire.
- TFSAsA Tax-Free Savings Account helps you save for any goal, tax free.
- Bank accountsChequing and savings accounts can help you manage your short-term needs.
- BudgetingA budget can help you manage your spending, saving, and plan for the unexpected.
- Life eventsLearn about how your financial needs may change at different stages of life.
- Managing debtDebt shouldn't get in the way of your saving and investing. Learn how to manage it.
- Personal insurancePersonal insurance coverage can help protect you and your loved ones.
- RetirementPlanning for retirement helps you determine how much to save and where.
- Running a small businessImprove your financial knowledge for your business and your personal life.
- Saving moneyKeep your financial goals on track by saving some money each month.
- Understanding taxLearn more about how tax filing and tax deductions work.
- Wills and estate planningPreparing a will and estate plan ensure your final wishes are taken care of.
- Types of fraudLearn how to spot frauds and scams and what they look like.
- Making a complaintKnow your options for making a complaint.
- Reporting fraudIf you suspect you've been a victim of fraud, report it immediately.
- Checking registrationAlways check the registration of anyone trying to give advice or sell investments.
- Investor warnings and alerts
- CalculatorsPractice calculating compound interest, savings, debt consolidation, and more.
- Quizzes and toolsCheck your knowledge of scams, behavioural biases, and other financial tools.
- WorksheetsTry our downloadable tools to help you plan and budget.
- VideosOur videos show you the basics of investment types, frauds to watch for, and more.
- Interactive investing charts
- Research & reportsDelve into our research on Canadians' needs and habits in finances and investing.
- Investing introductionVisit our multi-lingual site for information for those new to investing or new to Canada, or both.
- Investor NewsStay informed about the latest investor initiatives, educational resources, topical issues, key dates, and investor warnings/alerts from the Ontario Securities Commission’s Investor Office.
- Investing questionsOur Investing questions site offers clear, unbiased answers to your questions on investing, from a trusted source.
- Investing fundamentalsThis site brings you on a visual journey of key investing concepts. No matter your age, income or goals, these eight fundamentals can help you make smarter investing decisions.
- Investor officeVisit the Investor Office website to learn more about how we lead investor-focussed education and outreach, research, and policy initiatives at the Ontario Securities Commission.
- Investment reportingThis site guides you through the steps to learn how your investments are doing. Then you'll know when to make changes in order to meet your goals.
- Interviews

8 questions to ask an advisor

2 min read

1. What are your qualifications?

How are you qualified to offer investment advice or sell products?
What designations do you hold (e.g., Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Financial Analyst)?

2. Are you and your firm registered?

Are you registered and in good standing with a provincial securities regulator or another regulator?

Anyone selling securities or offering investment advice must be registered with a securities regulator, unless they have an exemption. Check registration through the Ontario Securities Commission or Canadian Securities Administrators.

3. How much experience do you have?

How long have you been working as an advisor?
How long have you been with this company?
Do you have experience with a range of products, or do you specialize in just a few?

4. What products and services do you offer?

Can you provide different types of products such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs, or do you specialize in certain products?
Do you only offer products that your firm sells or recommends, or do you offer other products?
Can you help me build a financial plan? What elements are included in that plan?
Will you prepare an investment policy statement for me?

5. Who are your clients?

Do you specialize in a certain type of client?
Do you have other clients like me?
How long have you worked with most of your clients?
What results have you achieved for clients like me?
May I contact a few clients you’ve worked with for at least 5 years?

6. What is your investment philosophy?

Will you buy and hold fairly safe investments that are likely to make money over a longer period of time?
Will you buy and sell investments often, even daily, to try to grow my money faster?

Watch this video for more tips on selecting an advisor.

7. How are you paid?

Do you get paid by salary, commission, fee, or a combination?
Are you paid a sales fee or commission every time you buy or sell an investment for me?
Do you charge a flat fee (hourly, annually, or based on a percentage of my assets)?

8. How will you work with me?

How often will you contact me or meet with me?
How often will we review my investments together?
How do I get in touch with you if I need to?
Will I hear from you directly, or from someone else at your firm?

Take action

Read this brochure about questions to ask when choosing an advisor.