For nearly 25 years, PEAK Financial Group (PEAK) has proudly served, represented and promoted Independent Advice. As a Multidisciplinary company they manage: mutual funds, securities, insurance, discretionary portfolio management and private wealth across Canada.

With $9 billion in assets under administration, PEAK is positioned as the leader amongst independent full-service dealers. From coast to coast, PEAK Financial Group has captured the trust of 1,500 independent Advisors, professionals and employees registered throughout Canada, enabling them to successfully serve more than 150,000 clients by delivering unbiased financial advice for their investments.

Since they were last featured in The Canadian Business Journal, PEAK Financial Group continues to build their brand within their market place in the areas of wealth management, mutual funds, securities, insurance and financial planning.

In December 2016, Investor Economics Strategic Insights ranked PEAK in second place for being a dealer with the highest growth rate in Canada within the last six months.

Offering clients access to exchange-traded funds

Leveraging the firm’s 15-year securities experience, PEAK pursues innovative solutions for the benefit of financial Advisors. PEAK’s technology and operations expertise is powering this solution on an in-house platform that enables mutual fund Advisors to place ETF (exchange-traded funds) trades directly through PEAK Investment Services.

Mutual fund Advisors will now be able to offer their clients access to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as Peak launched their ETF Solution in December 2016. PEAK Investment Services, the Mutual Fund Dealer of PEAK Financial Group, was pleased to announce that mutual fund Advisors will now be able to offer their clients access to ETFs. “We are the first mutual fund dealer to offer ETF access to mutual fund dealer in Canada,” says Robert Frances, Chairman and CEO of PEAK Financial Group. “This is unique to PEAK Investment Services, the Mutual Fund Dealer of PEAK Financial Group.”

PEAK is one of the first dealers to provide mutual fund Advisors with products typically reserved for the securities clients. “We believe that providing Advisors with an extensive offering of investment opportunities will contribute to create successful financial strategies for their clients.” says Mr. Frances, “It is crucial for Advisors to be well-equipped to better serve their clients and overcome the challenges of a changing and highly competitive industry. PEAK is committed to providing Advisors with a large offering to ensure them a bright future.”

Recent Accolades and Additions

PEAK Financial Group also continues its flourishing growth by expanding its insurance activities. Recently, PEAK announced a major transaction with L.E.S Financial Services, a group of Advisors under the leadership of Mr. Lorne Schecter, an industry leader and specialist in living benefits insurance for more than 6,000 doctors and other healthcare professionals in Canada. “This is excellent news as we will expand the reach of our insurance services, says Frances. “This transaction also allows PEAK and L.E.S Financial Services to form a competitive partnership.”

“This deal reflects PEAK’s ambitions to continue to develop as the largest fully independent multidisciplinary group in Canada, having grown in assets under administration by 38% over the past five years,” says Mr. Frances. “Concluding this transaction after alliances with three Managing General Agencies in recent years, PEAK Insurance Services will significantly strengthen its position in the insurance industry.”

In February 2017, the top 25 ranking of Quebec’s financial sector for 2016 awarded Mr. Robert Frances the number one spot in the multidisciplinary firms category. Also, in February 2017, Joanne De Laurentiis, former President and CEO of the Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC), was appointed to the Board of Advisors of Peak Financial Group. With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services sector, Joanne De Laurentiis is recognized and respected in the financial community as a strong leader.

“Adding Joanne to our Board of Advisors will enable us to benefit from her vision and extensive expertise as we continue to invest in the future of Independent Advice while innovating and taking advantage of the major changes facing our industry,” says Mr. Frances.“Whether we are talking about financial advice with no conflicts of interest, fundamental changes to Financial Advisors’ compensation or innovations to equip Advisors so that they can serve their clients more effectively, I firmly believe no player is better positioned than PEAK. This is the perfect time to build on the strengths of our Board of Advisors and to continue our growth across Canada.”

In March of this past year, PEAK Financial Group appointed Marc Doré as the firm’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Marc Doré brings over 25 years of leadership experience in management, real estate and investment with a number of major companies. “We are very pleased and honoured to welcome Marc Doré to PEAK,” says Mr. Frances. “Marc Doré’s arrival will give me the opportunity to focus on PEAK’s strategic growth Canada wide, as well as innovation and new opportunities for Independent Financial Advisors,” says Mr. Frances.

“Our growth continues to be strong and sustainable and new growth prospects are taking shape,” says Mr. Frances. “There is a large, growing demand for Independent Advice, and there is no independent dealer that is better positioned to meet that demand than PEAK.”

Continuing to invest in the future of Independent Advisors and their clients is a powerful source of motivation for the team at PEAK. “PEAK Financial Group will celebrate its 25th Anniversary in the coming months,” says Mr. Frances. “As we continue to reach new milestones, this is the perfect time to build on the strength of our management team and embark on a new chapter of growth.”

For more information go to: peakgroup.com