It’s been three decades since Edward Jones opened its first Canadian branch, in Orleans, Ont. The firm has grown to 873 advisors across 597 offices across the country. Clients have access to wealth strategies, investment and insurance products. Entrepreneurs can also access business owner plans and group benefit and retirement plans.

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Parents are already providing financial support to their children well into adulthood, with many continuing to help with expenses even after they’ve retired, says Marc Mercier. Developing a sound intergenerational financial plan is imperative to protect the financial well-being of all generations, he explains, outlining eight components that should be considered.

The little things matter when it comes to advisor-client relationships, transforming them from something that can feel transactional to something that earns loyalty and trust, writes Robin Reid-Riviere. She shares five best practices that can help you demonstrate you’ve got your client’s back and earn you more referrals.

Retirement readiness isn’t just financial — it’s emotional, social and purpose-driven. In his latest column, Simon Chan explores how financial advisors can become essential life-design “guides” for their clients, helping to reframe retirement as an opportunity for reinvention.

In July, a survey on sales practices at the big banks revealed that reps were under pressure to sell — sometimes resulting in product recommendations to clients that weren’t in their interest. Now, as part of a “multi-phase regulatory initiative,” the Ontario Securities Commission says it’s conducting compliance exams at five bank-owned mutual fund dealers. Michelle Schriver brings us the story.