Case Studies - Investments

All investors should understand that higher potential investment returns come with a higher risk of investment losses, but most people find it much easier to consider potential investment gains than to deal with investment losses. Before committing to any investment plan with medium-to-high expected returns, consider: If your investments were to lose half their value, how would you feel? How would your short- and long-term financial well-being be impacted? Could you stick to your plan? Discuss these issues with your advisor to help them understand your risk tolerance.

At OBSI, we have seen a significant increase in complaints related to cryptocurrency and fraud. The case example below was originally published in our Consumer Bulletin: Cryptocurrency scams increasingly targeting and exploiting Canadians.

At OBSI, we have seen a significant increase in complaints related to cryptocurrency and fraud. The case example below was originally published in our Consumer Bulletin: Cryptocurrency scams increasingly targeting and exploiting Canadians.

Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) are complex investment products that usually are invested for many years before the money can be used for a child’s post-secondary education.

If you invest through a do-it-yourself account at an order-execution-only (OEO) firm, you can pay significantly less in fees than you would to an advisor. 

Investment suitability is not determined on the basis of losses. 

Financial advisors are responsible for providing sound investment advice to match the financial needs and goals of their clients.

OBSI is committed to conducting impartial investigations and recommending fair outcomes for both firms and consumers. When consumers escalate their complaints to OBSI, firms are obligated to participate in our process in good faith. 

Consumers who open online investing accounts (also known as discount brokerage or “order execution only” accounts) are responsible for reviewing all account agreement terms and conditions, making their own trades, and monitoring their account activity.

In December 2010, Ms. R was 60 years old, had been retired since 2008, and had been divorced for several years. Between 2008 and 2010, her annual income averaged $17,500. She owned her home that was valued at $352,000 and had $100,000 in investable savings. Her investment objective was to generate income from her investment portfolio to supplement her income.