BMO Nesbitt Burns: Investors most value honesty, trustworthiness and knowledge of advisors

By National Underwriter

National Underwriter

By Warren S. Hersch

Nearly 9 in 10 Canadians cite trustworthiness, honesty and knowledge as the key attributes they look for in a financial advisor, according to a new report.

BMO Nesbitt Burns, Toronto, Ont., published this finding in a summary of results from a new survey of Canadian investors. The survey was conducted by Pollara, a Canadian-based public opinion and research company.

When selecting an investment advisor, the report notes, Canadians chose the following key attributes as topping their wish list:

• Trustworthiness and honesty (89% cited as most important)
  
  
• Level of knowledge (88%)
  
  
• Experience (83%)
  
  
• Track record and availability (tied at 76%)
  
  
• Reputation and advisor confidence level (tied at 75%).

The study also shows that more than two-thirds (69%) of Canadian investors have used the services of a financial or investment advisor within the past 12 months.

Among the study’s additional findings:

• 82% of Canadian want their investment advisor to explain their investments in easy-to-understand terms.
  
  
• Investors more highly value returns that meet their financial plan's targets (84%) than returns that outperform the market (71%).
  
  
• 69% of Canadian investors say that it is very important that investment advisors regularly engage in meaningful communication with them.

Originally published on LifeHealthPro.com