In this week's edition

It’s year-end tax-planning season, and this year is more interesting than most, according to CIBC’s Jamie Golombek. In addition to the usual tax-loss selling, RRIF conversions and investment expense deductions, tax changes expected to take effect next year add another layer of planning. Top of mind for many for will be the new alternative minimum tax, which may have clients thinking about realizing gains, exercising employee stock options and making large charitable donations before the end of 2023. There are also changes coming to intergenerational business transfers and the general anti-avoidance rule. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland indicated this week that the Liberal government’s fall economic statement will be released Nov. 21.

Dramatic changes in the regulatory environment over the past few years have been challenging for financial advisors — and the regulators know it. At an event this week, CIRO president and CEO Andrew Kriegler acknowledged the additional burden advisors face from the client-focused reforms, most notably around managing conflicts of interest.

After 19 years with Franklin Templeton Canada, Duane Green has departed as chairman, president and CEO. Andrew Ashton, head of Americas (ex-US) distribution, is now chairman of Franklin Templeton Canada in addition to his current role. Meanwhile, a pair of advisor teams have left Richardson Wealth.

For many advisors, asking clients for referrals is the worst part of the job. Maybe you don’t want to appear desperate or pushy, or you think your work should speak for itself. But asking doesn’t have to be painful. Here are suggestions for going beyond the traditional “referral script.”

Finally, a former mutual fund rep has been fined and permanently banned after admitting to soliciting money from clients and being named in their wills without informing his dealer.