A vulnerable client is a client who, due to their personal circumstances, is especially susceptible to harm or disadvantage when dealing with financial services. Vulnerability can be permanent or temporary, and can arise from various factors, such as physical or mental health conditions, cognitive impairments, low financial literacy, language barriers, abuse, or discrimination. A vulnerable client may have different needs and challenges than other clients, and may require more support and protection from their adviser. Ginger would be categorized as a vulnerable client because she has reached retirement age and is easily confused, which may affect her ability to understand and make informed decisions about her financial situation. She may also be at risk of being exploited or misled by others who may take advantage of her confusion. Therefore, Ginger’s adviser should take extra care to ensure that she is treated fairly and that her best interests are served.
Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 8: Suitability and Know Your Client1
Question 2
Which of the following applies to a mutual fund trust?
Options:
A.
It has a board of directors and shareholders.
B.
It has unitholders.
C.
It is not efficient at passing through income to investors.
D.
It is always closed-end.
Answer:
B
Explanation:
A mutual fund trust is a type of unit trust that meets certain conditions under the Canadian Income Tax Act and is eligible for favourable tax treatment. A unit trust is a collective investment vehicle that holds assets and distributes profits to individual unit owners, also called unitholders, instead of reinvesting them in the fund. A mutual fund trust is not a corporation and does not have a board of directors or shareholders. It is also not a closed-end fund, which has a fixed number of shares that trade on an exchange. A mutual fund trust is an open-end fund, which can issue and redeem units at any time based on the net asset value of the fund.
Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 5, Section 5.1
Question 3
Which of the following Dealing Representatives has CORRECTLY fulfilled their suitability obligation?
Options:
A.
Clarence determines that the Absolute Alternative Fund is suitable for all of his clients. Clarence believes that all investors need alternative funds in order to be properly diversified.
B.
Kiri recommends the Conservative Bond Fund to his client, Myrtle. The fund generates income and Myrtle's investment objective is "income" on her Know Your Client (KYC) form.
C.
Li Ming recommends the Venturex Labour-Sponsored Fund to her client, Park. While Park has low tolerance and capacity for risk, Li Ming provides detailed disclosure which explains the fund's risks.
D.
Roderik determines that the model portfolio he has developed will be suitable for all of his clients. Roderik has included investments with both income and growth to appeal to all investors.
Answer:
B
Explanation:
Kiri has correctly fulfilled his suitability obligation by matching the risk-return profile of the fund with the personal circumstances of his client. The Conservative Bond Fund is a low-risk, low-return fund that pays regular interest income to investors. Myrtle’s investment objective is “income”, which means she wants to receive steady income from her investments and preserve her capital. Therefore, Kiri’s recommendation is reasonably suitable for Myrtle in all the circumstances. (Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 2, Section 2.3)
Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 2, Section 2.3: Conflicts of Interest
IFSE Institute: Suitability Obligations1
SFC: Frequently Asked Questions on Compliance with Suitability Obligations2