Advisor-review checks.
The goal is not to assume a move. The goal is to know whether staying, asking better questions, or transferring is safer.
| Decision | What to check first |
|---|---|
| Stay | Service expectations can be clarified and the portfolio purpose is still explainable. |
| Ask better questions | Fees, tax records, product terms, or service level are unclear but fixable. |
| Review transfer path | Costs, taxes, missing ACB, product terms, or insurance disruption need analysis first. |
An advisor review should slow the decision down enough to make it clear. The point is not to criticize another advisor; it is to score what is known, what is unclear, and what could cost money or create tax friction if accounts move too quickly.
Key takeaways
- Score communication and review rhythm.
- Score planning depth and tax awareness.
- List fees, product costs, and compensation questions.
- Review transfer friction before signing paperwork.
Who this applies to
Use this when the advisor question has moved from vague discomfort to a real comparison of fit, fees, service, and paperwork. The details may involve fit, fees, service rhythm, transfer friction, and the useful answer often depends on the documents behind the question.
If the matter is urgent, legal, tax-filing specific, investment-trade specific, or account-instruction specific, start with the right professional or institution instead of relying on a public article.
The planning issue
- Score communication and review rhythm.
- Score planning depth and tax awareness.
- List fees, product costs, and compensation questions.
- Review transfer friction before signing paperwork.
A scorecard should turn a vague concern into scored categories: fit, service, fees, planning depth, tax context, portfolio purpose, and transfer risk.
Example Ontario scenario
A family is unsure whether the current advisor relationship still fits. Communication has been thin, fees are unclear, and retirement income is approaching. The scorecard turns a vague concern into specific questions.
The first scorecard review would identify which categories are clear, which need better questions, and which transfer or tax issues should be checked before paperwork starts.
Documents to gather
- Current account statements
- Cost reports, Fund Facts, or fee disclosure documents
- Recent tax slips and realized gain/loss reports
- Insurance policy summaries
- Any plan, proposal, or service agreement from the current advisor
Keep sensitive documents out of public notes and ordinary email until the office confirms the secure route.
Red flags to slow down for
- Scoring the relationship without account statements, fee reports, and service notes
- Treating a low score as an automatic reason to move accounts
- Ignoring transfer friction, product terms, tax records, or missing documents
- Not separating communication issues from portfolio, fee, and tax questions
Questions that change the next step
- What decision is actually being made, and what can wait?
- Which facts would change the answer?
- What costs, taxes, fees, or paperwork could appear if action is taken now?
- Who else needs to be involved before anything permanent changes?
- What would a clean next step look like after the first conversation?
Professional boundaries to keep clear
- Current advisor or institution
- Potential new advisor
- Accountant for taxable accounts
- Insurance professional if policies are involved
- Lawyer if estate documents or authority are involved
Sources checked
- FCAC: Choosing a financial advisor
- CIRO: Transferring accounts between firms
- CSA: National Registration Search
Related Stiller pages
- Advisor Review Scorecard
- Downloads
- Fees and Compensation
- Investment Review & Portfolio Planning
- Changing Financial Advisors
Article-specific next step
Score the unclear parts before paperwork starts. If this topic connects to your situation, use the Advisor Review Scorecard or review the Advisor Review Scorecard page before booking a first call.
