Frequently Asked Questions

Advisor Experience

• What sets Optimize Wealth Management’s platform apart for advisors?

  Optimize is built for advisors, with a focus on flexibility, support, and growth. When you join our platform, you gain true independence – you maintain full control of your practice, client relationships, and branding, while we provide the infrastructure that empowers you to serve without constraints.

• How much freedom and control will I have over my practice at Optimize?

  Complete freedom & control. You’re the CEO of your business. We have no product pushing or restrictive quotas – you, along with an Optimize Portfolio Manager or Associate Portfolio Manager tailor advice to each client, and we support your way of doing business.

• How is advisor compensation structured at Optimize?

  Transparent, Equitable Compensation. Optimize believes in rewarding advisors fairly. We offer a single, transparent payout structure with no convoluted grids or hidden claw-backs. Every advisor is on the same compensation schedule, fostering a culture of collaboration over competition. You’ll know exactly how and what you earn, and it will reflect the true value of your work and client relationships.

• What services can I offer my clients through the Optimize platform?

  We enable you to deliver a comprehensive family office experience to your clients. This means beyond portfolio management, you can offer integrated financial planning, tax planning and preparation, estate and will services, insurance solutions, and even mortgages – all through Optimize Financial Group’s platform. By having these services in-house, you can deepen client relationships and provide holistic advice without needing multiple third-party partnerships.

• What kind of investment opportunities can my clients access through Optimize?

  Your clients get access to pension-style portfolio management and institutional investment opportunities typically out of reach for retail investors. Optimize’s private pooled funds and model portfolios let you offer sophisticated strategies (in alternatives, private credit, etc.) with the support of top-tier portfolio managers, giving your clients an edge in achieving their goals.

• What technology and support do advisors receive at Optimize?

  We invest heavily in technology to make your practice more efficient. You’ll use an integrated CRM and portfolio management system that streamline client onboarding, compliance, and ongoing service. Our platform includes tools like a client online portal (so clients stay informed), an AI-driven advisor assistant for quick answers (our in-house “Stacy”), and a robust training and support library. Plus, you get dedicated back-office support – our operations team handles trading, transfers, and administrative tasks quickly, so you can focus on advising clients. In short, we pair entrepreneurial freedom with enterprise-level resources.

What services can I offer my clients through Optimize?

• What is discretionary investment management at Optimize?

  Through Optimize's Portfolio Managers and Associate Portfolio Managers, you can manage client portfolios using Optimize’s range of Model Portfolios and private funds, which employ a pension-style approach to balance growth and risk. You have access to diversified strategies, including exclusive institutional funds normally reserved for pension funds and endowments. This means you can provide sophisticated investment solutions that set you apart from the average advisor.

• What financial planning and family office services can I provide through Optimize?

  Beyond investments, Optimize gives you the capability to handle financial plans, tax returns, estate planning, and wills for your clients. As a part of Optimize Financial Group, you have access to tax specialists and estate lawyers as part of our extended team. For you, this means you can be a one-stop solution – helping clients with retirement projections, saving for their children’s education, insurance needs, and even preparing their annual taxes or updating their wills. All of these services are integrated and covered by the client’s management fee, which adds tremendous value to your advisory relationship.

• What lending and insurance solutions can I offer through Optimize?

  Through Optimize, you can facilitate loans and mortgages for clients (for example, helping them secure a mortgage at competitive rates). You also have access to insurance products – from life insurance for risk management to annuities for retirement income – ensuring you can implement comprehensive financial strategies.

• How does Optimize support client management and marketing for advisors?

  Optimize equips you with an integrated CRM platform and marketing tools. You can easily keep track of client information, track service tickets, and automate parts of your workflow. Plus, you’ll receive marketing support: content and resources you can share with clients, professional branding materials, and digital marketing assistance to help grow your practice. The platform’s design is to save you time on administrative tasks while enriching the client experience with timely insights and communication.

• Why is Optimize’s compensation model better for advisors?

  Because Optimize is independent and privately owned, there are no external shareholders siphoning off a portion of profits. We believe in aligned incentives, so your success directly translates into fair compensation without complex schemes. All details of the payout and any revenue-sharing on certain services will be clearly laid out when you join, and our management is always open about how new initiatives or products might impact your earnings.

Insurance Product Offerings (Seg Funds, Annuities, etc.)

• Can advisors offer insurance-based investments through Optimize?

  As a part of the Optimize Financial Group umbrella, yes. Advisors licensed to offer insurance products can access a full suite of insurance-based investment solutions, including segregated funds, annuities, and life insurance products. These options complement our investment and financial planning services, allowing you to deliver comprehensive wealth management tailored to client needs.

• Does Optimize support segregated fund offerings?

  Absolutely. Optimize partners with leading Canadian insurers to provide segregated fund products that combine market-based growth potential with principal protection guarantees. These are valuable tools for clients seeking both investment growth and capital preservation, especially in estate or retirement planning contexts.

• Are insurance services integrated into the overall wealth platform?

  Yes. Insurance and investment solutions are fully integrated into our family office model, meaning advisors can coordinate tax, estate, and insurance strategies within the Optimize Financial Group platform. You’ll have access to our insurance specialists for case design, illustration support, and underwriting coordination — helping you deliver holistic advice efficiently.

What tools and technology will I have access to as an Optimize advisor?

• What is Compass CRM, and how does it support my practice?

  Compass CRM is a centralized Client Relationship Management system that integrates client data, meeting notes, tasks, and compliance workflows. It’s tailored for our wealth management processes, so you can track everything from prospect pipeline to ongoing service tickets in one place. The CRM is cloud-based, accessible anywhere, and helps ensure no client request falls through the cracks.

• What portfolio management and reporting tools does Optimize provide?

  You’ll have a robust portfolio management system (integrated with NBIN and our Optimize Private Client Program) that handles performance reporting, trading, and rebalancing. This system, coupled with Croesus (a leading portfolio analytics tool), allows you to create detailed reports (e.g., realized gain/loss, performance vs benchmarks, etc.) and analyze client portfolios with ease. It’s the same caliber of technology used by large institutions, giving you an edge in portfolio oversight.

• What is MyPortfolio+, and how does it enhance the client experience?

  MyPortfolio+ is Optimize’s secure online client portal, giving clients real-time, view-only access to their portfolios, performance, and account documents at the carrying broker. As an advisor, you have a matching dashboard that mirrors the client view—so you can prepare for meetings with full visibility into what your clients see. The system updates automatically through our custodian, ensuring data accuracy and up-to-date information at all times. This transparency strengthens trust, enhances communication, and helps clients stay informed and engaged in their financial journey.

• What financial planning software is available to Optimize advisors?

  We provide enterprise-level financial planning tools (such as Conquest Planning and others) to all our advisors. These allow you to model retirement scenarios, education funding, insurance needs, etc., and produce comprehensive financial plans. Clients can even have a portal view of their plan (in a read-only format) to stay engaged. Our team offers training on these tools so you can optimize their use in your practice.

• What support and knowledge resources are available to Optimize advisors?

  You’re never on your own when you have a question – we have an internal Optimize Knowledge Base (online Help Center) with FAQs and guides on everything from submitting requests in the CRM to using our planning tools. Moreover, we’ve introduced “Stacy,” an AI-powered advisor assistant that you can query for quick answers or guidance on the fly. It’s like having a virtual support specialist available 24/7 to help with common inquiries or to point you to the right resources.

• What IT and operations support does Optimize provide?

  The platform includes dedicated IT support (for any tech issues, system access, etc.) and Operations support (for account transfers, paperwork, trades). For example, if you need to reset a password for the custodian system, our support lines are readily available. We also push regular updates and enhancements to the tech platform – always keeping you up-to-date with the latest tools to serve clients.

• Does Optimize assist with advisor transitions and succession planning?

  Absolutely. We understand that advisors may join Optimize at different stages of their careers – whether you’re in growth mode or looking toward succession, we have support structures in place. For advisors transitioning an existing practice to Optimize, we offer hands-on help to make the move as smooth as possible. This includes mapping and transferring client accounts (with minimal paperwork for your clients), training on our systems, and coordinating communications to ensure your clients understand the new advantages they’ll receive. Our transition team will work closely with you through each step (planning, ACAT transfers, compliance checks) so that no client is left behind and business downtime is minimized.

• How does Optimize support advisors planning for retirement or succession?

  If you’re an advisor who is planning for retirement or an exit, Optimize can facilitate a succession plan that protects your clients and the legacy you’ve built. We help craft a plan – for example, pairing you with a like-minded younger advisor or internal team to gradually take over servicing your clients when you’re ready. Your goal isn’t simply to step away, but to ensure your clients continue to get excellent care and that you realize the value of the business you spent years building. Optimize specializes in creating succession arrangements that safeguard your clients, honor your legacy, and unlock the value you’ve built. This might involve an earn-out or sale of your book under fair terms, all coordinated with professionalism and sensitivity.

• Who leads Optimize and what is the firm’s ownership structure?

  Optimize is an independently owned, founder-led firm. Our CEO (and founder), Matthew McGrath, established the company in 2009 with a long-term vision and a deep respect for the advisor-client relationship. Unlike many large financial institutions, we do not have external corporate shareholders or big bank ownership – this means we aren’t subject to short-term market pressures or conflicting corporate agendas. Instead, Optimize is driven by purpose and guided by experience. The leadership team is comprised of seasoned industry professionals across portfolio management, financial planning, and operations, all working together to foster a culture that puts clients and advisors first.

Getting Started

• How do I become an Optimize Wealth Management client?

  Getting started with Optimize is straightforward and personalized. Simply reach out to us at https://owm.com/book-a-meeting or call 1 866-209-6862 and we’ll connect you with a dedicated wealth advisor to discuss your financial goals and profile. From there, we guide you through a comprehensive onboarding process, including the necessary Know-Your-Client (KYC) information and account setup. Once your Managed Account Agreement is in place, we’ll implement your investment strategy in line with your objectives and risk profile.

• What types of investment accounts can I open at Optimize?

  Optimize Wealth Management offers a wide range of account types to suit different needs. You can open non-registered accounts (cash in CAD or USD), as well as all major registered plans – including TFSA, RRSP (and Spousal RRSP), RRIF (and Spousal RRIF), LIRA/LIF and other locked-in retirement accounts. We also support the new First Home Savings Account (FHSA) for first-time homebuyers, RESP for education savings, RDSP for disability savings, In-Trust For (ITF) accounts for minors, and corporate investment accounts. This comprehensive selection means you can consolidate your wealth planning within the Optimize platform as your needs evolve.

• Does Optimize offer the First Home Savings Account (FHSA)?

  Yes. Optimize supports the FHSA, a registered plan designed to help eligible first-time homebuyers save for a home. You can contribute up to $8,000 per year (to a $40,000 lifetime maximum) and enjoy tax-free growth inside the account. If you’re buying a home with a partner, each of you can contribute to your own FHSA and later combine the funds for the purchase of the same home. Keep in mind that withdrawals are tax-free only when used for a qualifying first home purchase and any non-qualifying withdrawal would be taxed similarly to an RRSP withdrawal.

• Are there minimum investment amounts or account minimums?

  Optimize Wealth Management does not impose a strict minimum investment across all clients – we work with a broad range of investors, from those just beginning to build wealth to high-net-worth individuals. Generally, many of our services and model portfolios are accessible without a hefty minimum. The emphasis is on finding the right solution for each client’s situation rather than enforcing a one-size-fits-all threshold. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss the appropriate portfolio and contributions based on your goals, ensuring you’re on a path that makes sense for your finances.

• Who holds my investments and are my assets protected?

  Your accounts at Optimize are held with our custodian, National Bank Independent Network (NBIN) – Canada’s largest independent custodian with over $300 billion in assets under administration. Optimize Wealth Management Inc. is fully regulated (registered as an Investment Dealer with CIRO) and is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). This means your eligible investment accounts are protected by CIPF coverage within applicable limits, adding an extra layer of security.

  In practical terms, you benefit from institutional-grade safety and stability while maintaining the boutique, client-focused service that defines Optimize. We take the trust you place in us very seriously and have robust measures in place – from regulatory compliance to data security – to safeguard your wealth.

Bespoke Family Office Services

• What family office services does Optimize Wealth Management offer?

  Optimize provides a complete suite of family office services designed to help you manage, protect, and grow your wealth seamlessly. These services include financial planning, tax preparation, estate and will planning, insurance, and lending solutions. All integrated under one coordinated plan.

• Can Optimize help with my tax preparation and planning?

  Yes. Our Optimize Financial Group tax specialists provide personal tax preparation and year-round planning to help you minimize liabilities and optimize after-tax returns. We coordinate with your assigned Portfolio Manger/Associate Portfolio Manager to ensure your investment strategy and tax plan work together — everything from contribution timing to capital gains management.

• Does Optimize provide estate planning and wills?

  Absolutely. As part of our family office model, Optimize offers estate and will planning services to ensure your wealth is transferred efficiently and according to your wishes. Our legal partners assist with drafting wills, establishing powers of attorney, and structuring estates for tax efficiency. You’ll receive expert guidance so your legacy is protected and your family is cared for.

• Can I get insurance through Optimize Wealth Management?

  Yes. We offer a range of insurance solutions to safeguard your financial plan, including life, disability, critical illness, and long-term care coverage. Our insurance specialists help you assess your protection needs and align your policies with your investment and estate strategies, ensuring your plan is resilient across every stage of life.

• Does Optimize assist with loans and mortgages?

  Yes. Through our lending partners, we can help you secure lines of credit, and mortgages at competitive rates. Whether you’re looking to finance a home, leverage your portfolio for growth, or optimize cash flow, your advisor will coordinate the right lending solutions within your overall wealth plan.

• What financial planning support will I receive?

  Your Optimize advisor acts as your personal CFO, coordinating every aspect of your financial life. We provide detailed retirement projections, education funding plans, income optimization strategies, and ongoing updates to reflect changes in your goals or market conditions. Every plan is customized and revisited regularly to ensure it stays on track.

• Are these family office services included in my management fee?

  Yes. Our family office services, including financial planning, tax preparation, estate planning, and insurance guidance, are included as part of your management relationship. We believe in transparent, value-driven pricing: no hidden fees, no add-on surprises, and no extra charge for accessing professional expertise.

• What makes Optimize’s family office model unique?

  Unlike many firms that outsource specialized services, Optimize integrates advice, investment management, and professional expertise within one coordinated platform. You get a single point of contact, your Portfolio Manger/Associate Portfolio,, supported by a team of specialists in tax, estate, insurance, and lending. This holistic model ensures all areas of your financial life work together efficiently toward your long-term goals.

Managing My Investments

• How can I use electronic fund transfers to contribute to my account?

  Most clients link a bank account for one-time or recurring contributions. Your advisor can help set up a Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) plan so that a set amount (you choose the frequency) is automatically pulled from your bank and invested. PACs can even be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, giving you flexibility in funding your investments.

• How do I transfer investments from another institution to Optimize?

  If you’re moving investments from another institution, we can coordinate a transfer-in of cash or securities. We will guide you through a transfer form, and your current institution will send the assets over.

• Can I contribute to my account using a cheque?

  Yes. You can contribute by mailing a cheque made out exactly to your own name as it appears on the account, and the cheque must also include your account number. The cheque should be mailed to our custodian, National Bank Independent Network (NBIN).

  Please note that mailed cheques cannot be tracked through our online system, so we recommend using electronic fund transfers whenever possible for faster processing and better visibility.

• Are there any fees for making deposits or missed contributions?

  Optimize does not charge any fee for depositing funds, and importantly, we do not charge you if a scheduled contribution fails due to insufficient funds (no NSF fees). However, to avoid missed investment opportunities, we encourage you to ensure your bank account has enough balance before a PAC is due.

Cross-Border & Expat Planning

• Can Optimize help clients with assets or lives in multiple countries?

  Yes. We offer cross-border financial planning for Canadians living or working abroad, U.S. citizens residing in Canada, and clients with international investments. Our advisors collaborate with cross-border tax and legal professionals to ensure compliance and efficiency.

• What specific services are available for expats?

  We offer support for expats through CAD and USD investment accounts, helping you manage dual-currency portfolios, retirement savings, and cross-border financial considerations. Our guidance is designed to navigate both Canadian and foreign regulations, ensuring your investments remain aligned with your global lifestyle.

Real Estate Investment Support

• Does Optimize advise on real estate investments?

  Yes. While Optimize does not directly manage real estate properties, your advisor can help incorporate your real estate holdings into your overall financial strategy. We review how your properties fit within your broader portfolio, including cash flow considerations, tax impacts, and long-term return potential.

• Can Optimize help with mortgages or property financing?

  Optimize advisors are not licensed to provide mortgage advice; however, they can refer you to qualified, licensed mortgage agents through our trusted lending partners. These specialists can assist with obtaining mortgages, investment loans, and lines of credit at competitive rates, ensuring any financing decisions support your overall wealth plan.

ESG and Responsible Investing

• Can I align my investments with my personal values?

  Yes. Optimize offers Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment options that let you align your portfolio with your values without compromising on performance. These portfolios focus on companies that demonstrate strong sustainability practices, ethical governance, and social responsibility.

• How does Optimize integrate ESG into investment strategies?

  Our team works with institutional managers who incorporate ESG criteria directly into the investment selection process. This means your portfolio can contribute to positive global outcomes—like renewable energy, ethical business conduct, or diversity in leadership—while pursuing long-term financial success.

Charitable Giving and Legacy Planning

• Can Optimize help with charitable giving strategies?

  Absolutely. We integrate philanthropy and legacy planning into your financial strategy, whether through donor-advised funds, foundations, or strategic annual donations. Our team helps you maximize your charitable impact while optimizing tax benefits.

• How can Optimize help me leave a lasting legacy?

  Our estate planning specialists can structure your gifts, trusts, and bequests to ensure your legacy reflects your values and provides lasting support to your loved ones and chosen causes. It’s about creating meaningful impact that endures across generations.

Automatic Contributions & Withdrawal Range

• What is the minimum or maximum amount I can set for a Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC)?

  The minimum per contribution is generally around $25 (some institutions may set a slightly higher minimum, up to $100). This low minimum makes it easy to invest on a regular schedule. There is no firm maximum for PACs; you can contribute as much as you’re comfortable with, within any applicable annual limits for registered plans.

• What are the minimum and maximum amounts for a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)?

  Similarly, most plans have a minimum withdrawal amount in the ~$25–$100 range per scheduled withdrawal. Optimize does not set a maximum withdrawal amount for SWPs; you can arrange to withdraw any amount you need, as long as your account balance supports it. (Keep in mind for registered retirement accounts like RRIFs/LIFs, you must withdraw at least the government-mandated minimum each year.)

• How do I withdraw money from my account?

  Withdrawing funds from your Optimize account is a straightforward process guided by your advisor. Simply inform your advisor (or our client service team) that you’d like to make a withdrawal, and we will submit a withdrawal request on your behalf. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) withdrawals to your bank account are typically processed within 1–2 business days, so you can usually expect to see the money in your bank shortly after that. If your withdrawal involves selling investments, those trades will be executed first, and then the cash will be sent to you – this might add a couple of days to settle the trades.

• How long do larger withdrawals or transfers take to process?

  For larger or more complex withdrawals (for example, withdrawing from a registered plan or transferring investments out to another provider), the timeline can be a bit longer. Transfers of investment holdings to another institution generally take about 7–11 business days after all paperwork is in place. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process. Importantly, Optimize does not charge any internal fees for withdrawals to your bank. (If your withdrawal is from an RRSP or other registered account, standard government withholding tax will apply, but no extra fees are taken by Optimize.)

• Is there a fee to transfer my account to another institution?

  If you ever decide to transfer your account out of Optimize to a different financial institution, there is a one-time transfer-out fee of $125 (plus applicable taxes). This is a standard custodial fee to cover the processing of moving your assets. Aside from this transfer-out charge, Optimize does not levy any penalties or additional fees for closing or moving your account – our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible should you choose to leave.

Access My Accounts Online

Optimize provides all clients with secure online access to view their accounts through MyPortfolio+ (MyPortfolioPlus), our client portal. Through MyPortfolio+, you get a comprehensive, view-only snapshot of your investments.

• Can I view my account balances and investment holdings online?

  Yes. In your MyPortfolio+ portal, you can see an overview of each account and drill down into your specific investments—such as stocks, funds, and other holdings—along with their market values and asset allocation.

• Can I track my account activity and performance?

  Absolutely. You can review your full transaction history—including deposits, withdrawals, and trades—and monitor performance through real-time market quotes and portfolio charts within MyPortfolio+.

• Where can I find my statements, trade confirmations, and tax slips?

  All your documents are available in the Documents section of MyPortfolio+. You can download statements, trade confirmations, and tax slips, and filter them by account, document type (e.g., monthly statement or annual tax form), and date range for easy access.

• Can I review or update my personal and account details?

  Yes. By clicking your name or profile icon in the portal, you can view your contact information, financial profile, and document delivery preferences to ensure everything on file is current and accurate.

• Can I make trades or changes through the MyPortfolio+ client portal?

  It’s important to note that the client portal is view-only: for security reasons, clients cannot initiate trades, transfers, or changes through MyPortfolio+. Any transactions (e.g. requesting a withdrawal) still go through your advisor or our support team. This way, we maintain a high level of oversight and personalized service for all account changes.

• Where can I find my account statements and tax slips?

  All your key account documents are available through the MyPortfolio+ online portal. After logging in, navigate to the “Documents” tab – there you’ll find electronic copies of your account statements (e.g. monthly or quarterly statements), trade confirmations, and annual tax slips. Documents are organized by date, and you can use filters to sort by account or document type. For example, to find tax documents, select the year and look for forms like T5, T4RSP, T4FHSA, etc., which are labeled under the Tax Slips category.

• How do I reset or recover my online account password?

  If you forget your MyPortfolio+ portal password or need it reset, the fastest route is to call our custodian’s support line for assistance. Please contact NBIN Technical Support at 1-855-322-9389. Their support team is available to verify your identity and promptly help reset your credentials so you can regain access. For security, password resets are handled via this phone line to ensure your account stays protected. If you run into any issues, you can also reach out to your Optimize advisor or our client services, and we will guide you through the process.

Youth & Intergenerational Wealth Planning

• Can Optimize help me prepare my children or heirs for wealth management?

  Yes. We specialize in intergenerational planning to ensure your family’s wealth transitions smoothly across generations. This includes strategies for education savings (RESPs), first-home planning (FHSAs), and legacy preparation for children and grandchildren.

• How does Optimize support family wealth transfer?

  Your advisor can coordinate family meetings and generational planning discussions to align financial goals, address succession planning for family businesses, and help ensure your family’s assets are protected and purposefully managed.

Cybersecurity & Data Privacy

• How does Optimize protect my personal and financial information?

  Safeguarding your data is one of our highest priorities. We use bank-level encryption, secure data centers, and continuous system monitoring to protect your personal and financial information. Your data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, ensuring complete confidentiality.

• Does Optimize use two-step verification for online access?

  Yes. The MyPortfolio+ client portal is protected by two-step verification (2FA), requiring both your password and a unique verification code. This provides an added layer of protection against unauthorized access and ensures that only you can view your financial details.