Frequently Asked Q's

Fantastic! We simply send you an electronic invitation to allow SciVest to become the Investment Advisor on your account.  It's that easy! 

Making a deposit to your accounts is easy and convenient. Just set up a bill payment on your on-line banking: the Payee is your custodian (Interactive Brokers or Aviso) and input your investment account number (remember to tag the account number for yourself - RRSP, TFSA, etc.) Depending on the time of day, the deposit can be reflected in your account within a day or two. 

Simply send us notice of the amount you wish to withdraw, and we will insure there are funds available for you to withdraw.  The account is in your name, so you initiate the withdrawal and the funds are transferred to your bank account.

Your direct client portal with your custodian allow you to transfer money between your accounts.  Just let us know how much you will be  moving so we can insure the cash is available. 

We currently have an account size minimum of $10,000.  Our suite of investment options can divided into two categories,

• Asset Allocation portfolios:  Account minimum of $5,000 per portfolio. SciVest has created nine (9) unique, balanced, global Asset Allocation Portfolios that allow you to choose a portfolio that best fits your particular investment goals and risk profile. Each SciVest Asset Allocation Portfolio offers the best level of long-term expected return for its targeted risk profile for the then current economic and market environment.

• Individual Stock Portfolios:  Account minimum varies by strategy, beginning at $12,000. SciVest has created eight (8) Individual Stock Portfolios established from three (3) unique, equity-based, investment strategies each specifically designed to meet specific investment objectives; Low Volatility Dividend Income, Growth of Dividend Income, and Price Momentum Strategies.

Your investment account is set up at one of our approved broker/custodians – currently either Interactive Brokers Canada Inc. or Aviso Wealth (Credential Qtrade Securities Inc).

As broker they provide brokerage trade execution of your SciVest Direct separately managed account security trades, and as custodian they hold and protect all of your separately managed account investment portfolio assets. The broker/custodian also provides all tax reporting, as well as Canadian Investor Protection Fund (“CIPF”) insurance on your SciVest Direct separately managed account. Our broker/custodians were chosen because of their large size, safety, service offering, and competitive pricing.

We will recommend the appropriate custodian based on your needs. Client investment accounts are  set up at one of our approved broker/custodians – currently either Interactive Brokers Canada Inc. or Aviso Wealth (Credential Qtrade Securities Inc).  

Yes. It is common for clients to have accounts at different custodians. For example, one might have a TFSA with IB, and a LIRA with Aviso. Each month, SciVest will provide a consolidated account statement that details all of the client holdings by account, by custodian, asset allocation, and also include performance summaries.

Our SciVest statements are cutting edge and pretty fabulous!! 

We are a full disclosure operation. Each custodian does have their list of minimal fees, and we discuss the pros & cons of each custodian when recommending an account. You can also check out the websites of each custodian to research the fees for yourself.  Feel free to contact us for more information.

It is quite simple and we generally take care of that for our clients.  However, it's pretty easy to do yourself if you chose to.  Whichever method is most comfortable for you.  

It’s easy. Your accounts are in client name with the custodian – they are your accounts! Should you be disappointed with SciVest in any way, while we hope you would let us know so we could address the issue, we understand that sometimes things don’t work out. Simply go to the “settings” button on your log-in screen and “un-link” SciVest Capital Management Inc. as your advisor. We will be sorry to see you go!

Quite possibly.  Contact our admin team, or your designated Client Relations Advisor and we will review your situation.  Just email us at admin@scivest.com and someone will contact you shortly for details. In most circumstances, these accounts are transferable with just quick click of a button. 

Depending on where your accounts are coming from, we may be able to sell your equities at a much deeply discounted rate.  The only assets we cannot move over are GICs and Mutual Funds.  Therefore, you would have to redeem the Mutual funds prior to transferring into your SciVest account.  It is possible to do a partial transfer in the event you carry GICs that need time to mature. Ask our team for assistance - we are here to help!  

1. Reduced Net Returns: Management fees directly reduce the net returns you receive from your investments. If your portfolio earns a 10% return, but you pay a 1% management fee, your net return becomes 9%. Over time, this difference compounds significantly.

2. Compounding Effect: Fees erode the power of compounding. Even seemingly small fees can have a substantial impact over long investment horizons. For instance, consider an investment of $100,000 with a 1% annual fee. Over 30 years, that fee could cost you around $30,000 in lost returns!

3. Benchmark Comparison: Compare your investment’s performance to a relevant benchmark (like an index). If your portfolio consistently underperforms after accounting for fees, it might be time to reassess.

4. Active vs. Passive Management: Active management (where professionals actively select investments) tends to have higher fees than passive management (such as index funds). Ensure the added value justifies the cost.

5. Fee Transparency: Understand the fee structure. Some fees are explicit (e.g., advisory fees), while others are embedded in fund expenses (e.g., expense ratios).

6. Tax Efficiency: High fees can impact tax efficiency. For taxable accounts, consider tax-efficient strategies to minimize the impact.

Always stay informed and make informed decisions!

The Management Expense Ratio, or MER is the fee that covers the costs of operating the Fund. 

MER = Management Fees + Admin costs + other expenses (i.e. trade fees & commissions) 

Inflation impacts your investment returns by:

• Reducing your purchasing power: Your money buys less over time.
• Affecting your "Real Returns":
  *Real Return= Total Return less the Inflation rate. 
• Impact on Returns Vary by Asset Class:

• • Bonds: Fixed returns may lose value.
  • Stocks: Some may perform better, especially those with pricing power.