IFC Investment Funds in Canada (IFC) Exam Questions and Answers

The value of John’s investment on December 31 of this year can be calculated by multiplying the number of units he holds by the net asset value per unit (NAVPU) on that date. Since John invested $500 on January 3 and $500 on July 1, he holds a total of 125.6 units (62.8 units from the first investment and 62.8 units from the second investment). Therefore, the value of his investment on December 31 will be 125.6 units x $9.55 NAVPU = $1,256.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 2: Mutual Funds1

The S&P 500 is the appropriate benchmark for researching the largest listed public companies in the US market. The feedback from the document provides:

"Index: S&P 500, Description: The 500 largest publicly held companies that trade on U.S. markets, Performance uses: U.S. equity funds."

Disclosure documents are documents that provide information about a mutual fund’s features, risks, performance, fees, and expenses to investors and regulators. Disclosure documents are required by securities laws and must be prepared and filed by the fund manager in accordance with the prescribed rules and standards. Disclosure documents relating to mutual funds include the following:

Statement of net assets: This is a document that shows the value of the fund’s assets and liabilities as of a specific date. It also shows the net asset value per unit (NAVPU) of the fund, which is the price at which investors can buy or sell units of the fund. The statement of net assets is part of the fund’s financial statements, which are prepared and filed semi-annually and annually.

Annual information form (AIF): This is a document that provides additional information about the fund that is not included in the simplified prospectus or the fund facts. The AIF includes information such as the fund’s history, organization, management, governance, policies, risks, conflicts of interest, fees, expenses, taxation, and legal matters. The AIF is prepared and filed annually.

Management reports of fund performance (MRFP): These are documents that provide information about the fund’s financial performance, portfolio composition, risk profile, and management expenses. The MRFPs are prepared by the fund manager and filed semi-annually and annually. The MRFPs include sections such as financial highlights, past performance, summary of investment portfolio, management discussion of fund performance, and financial statements.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 6: Fund Operations and Regulations1

The investor in this scenario is concerned about fund expenses (MERs) and prefers a product with lower costs and potential for higher returns.

According to the CSC materials, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are known for having:

Significantly lower management expense ratios (MERs) compared to mutual funds and most other managed products, because they are generally passively managed and do not bear the high costs of active portfolio management.

Lower trading costs due to the in-kind creation and redemption process, which reduces the need for the fund itself to buy and sell securities.

Opportunities for higher returns as lower costs directly enhance net returns to investors.

In contrast:

Segregated funds (B) are insurance products with higher fees due to guarantees.

Hedge funds (C) typically charge very high fees (often 2% management + 20% performance fees).

Liquid alternatives (D) also come with higher MERs and are designed for diversification and risk management, not necessarily for low cost.

Therefore, the most appropriate choice is Exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as they best meet the investor’s preference for low MERs and potential for higher returns.

The dividend tax credit for Canadian dividends is calculated based on the grossed-up dividend amount. For eligible dividends, the gross-up is 38%. The taxable amount for $1,200 in dividends is $1,200 × 1.38 = $1,656. The dividend tax credit is 15.02% of the grossed-up amount: $1,656 × 15.02% = $248.73. The feedback from the document confirms:

"The taxable amount of the dividend is the income received plus a 38% gross-up amount. In this example, $1,200 + ($1,200 × 38%) = $1,656. The dividend tax credit is 15.02% of the grossed-up amount, in this example, $1,656 × 15.02% = $248.73."

The marginal tax rate is the percentage of tax that an individual pays on the last dollar of income earned in a given year. It is also the tax rate that applies to any additional income earned in that year. The marginal tax rate varies depending on the individual’s income level and tax bracket. For example, if an individual’s taxable income for the year is $50,000 and the tax rate for that income bracket is 20%, then the marginal tax rate is 20%. This means that the individual pays 20% tax on the last dollar of income earned, as well as on any additional income earned above $50,000.

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 5: Types of Investments, Lesson 6: Taxation, Section 5.6.1: Income Tax 1; CIFC prepkit, Chapter 5: Types of Investments, Question 5.6.1 2

A strategic asset allocation strategy is one that involves setting target allocations for various asset classes based on the investor’s risk tolerance, time horizon, and investment objectives, and rebalancing the portfolio periodically to maintain the original allocations. This strategy is compatible with a buy-and-hold approach and aims to achieve long-term goals by diversifying across different asset classes and markets. In this case, you are implementing a strategic asset allocation strategy for your client Sierra by assigning 30% of her portfolio to fixed income and 70% to equities, and planning to rebalance her portfolio when the actual allocations deviate significantly from the target allocations.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 7, Section 7.1

 Dollar-cost averaging is the practice of systematically investing equal amounts of money at regular intervals, regardless of the price of a security. This strategy can reduce the overall impact of price volatility and lower the average cost per share. By buying regularly in up and down markets, investors buy more shares at lower prices and fewer shares at higher prices. Dollar-cost averaging aims to prevent a poorly timed lump sum investment at a potentially higher price. References: What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging? - Investopedia

Beta measures systematic (market) risk:

Beta = 1.0 → moves with market.

Beta < 1.0 → less volatile, more defensive.

Beta > 1.0 → more volatile, aggressive.

Defensive stocks (e.g., banks, utilities) typically have low betas.

Given options:

0.5 (A) = least risky, most defensive.

2.0 (B) = highly aggressive.

1.0 (C) = average risk.

1.5 (D) = above-average risk.

Withdrawals from an RRSP are taxed as regular income at the plan holder’s marginal tax rate, regardless of the type of income earned within the plan. The feedback from the document states:

"Contributions withdrawn from an RRSP are taxed as regular income at the plan holder’s marginal tax rate."

To calculate Peter’s net federal tax liability for the year, we need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Calculate Peter’s taxable income. This is the amount of income that is subject to federal income tax. It is equal to his earned income from employment plus his net capital gain plus his grossed-up dividend income. A net capital gain is 50% of the capital gain realized from selling an asset. A grossed-up dividend income is the actual dividend received plus a percentage of the dividend that reflects the corporate tax paid by the issuer. According to the image, the dividend gross-up rate is 15.02%. Therefore, Peter’s taxable income is:

50000+0.5×15000+(500×2)×(1+0.1502)=68251.00

Step 2: Apply the federal tax rates to Peter’s taxable income according to the tax brackets shown in the image. The federal tax rates are progressive, meaning that higher income is taxed at higher rates. Therefore, Peter’s federal tax before credits is:

0.15×(48535−0)+0.205×(68251−48535)=11293.69

Step 3: Subtract the federal tax credits from Peter’s federal tax before credits. A tax credit is an amount that reduces the tax payable by a taxpayer. There are two types of federal tax credits: non-refundable and refundable. Non-refundable tax credits can only reduce the tax payable to zero, but not below zero. Refundable tax credits can reduce the tax payable below zero, resulting in a refund to the taxpayer. In this question, we assume that Peter only has two non-refundable tax credits: the basic personal amount and the dividend tax credit. The basic personal amount is a fixed amount that every taxpayer can claim to reduce their taxable income. According to this site, the basic personal amount for 2021 is $13,808. The dividend tax credit is a percentage of the grossed-up dividend income that reflects the corporate tax paid by the issuer and avoids double taxation. According to this site, the federal dividend tax credit rate for eligible dividends in 2021 is 15.0198%. Therefore, Peter’s federal tax credits are:

0.15×13808+0.150198×(500×2)×0.1502=2100

Step 4: Subtract Peter’s federal tax credits from his federal tax before credits to get his net federal tax liability. This is the amount of federal income tax that Peter has to pay or has overpaid for the year. Therefore, Peter’s net federal tax liability is:

11293.69−2100=9193.69

Hence, option B is correct. References: Federal Income Tax Rates for Canada - TurboTax Canada Tips, Capital Gains Tax in Canada | Wealthsimple, Dividend Tax Credit | TurboTax Canada Tips, Basic Personal Amount (BPA)

Quartile rankings:

1st quartile = top-performing funds.

4th quartile = worst-performing funds.

The most consistent top-quartile performer across four years is most desirable.

Based on CSC examples, Manager A had the strongest consistent quartile performance.

✅ Correct = Manager A.

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

The financial planning pyramid illustrates the risk-return spectrum of investments. For a very aggressive investor, high-risk securities like OTC securities are suitable. The feedback from the document states:

"As a visual aid, the planning pyramid helps you show clients how mutual funds fit into the investment universe. A very aggressive investor could consider investments such as OTC Securities."

The original capital contributed to a Registered Educational Savings Plan (RESP) is not taxed upon withdrawal, while other amounts, such as income or grants, are taxable to the beneficiary. The feedback from the document states:

"The original capital withdrawn from an RESP is not taxed; all other amounts are taxed in the hands of the beneficiary."

Money market funds are safe investments because their net asset value per unit does not usually fluctuate. Money market funds invest in highly liquid instruments like high-interest savings accounts, term deposits, short-term debt securities, cash equivalents, and other low-risk, short-term investments3. These funds aim to preserve capital and provide liquidity while generating some income3. Money market funds typically have a stable net asset value per unit (NAVPU) that does not change much over time3. The other statements are false. Money market funds do not provide high returns without risking the capital invested. Money market funds offer low returns that may not keep up with inflation or meet long-term investment goals3. Money market funds also have some risks, such as credit risk, interest rate risk, and liquidity risk3. Money market funds do not pay income weekly which can be automatically reinvested. Money market funds may pay income monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, depending on the fund’s distribution policy3. Investors can choose to receive cash distributions or reinvest them in more units of the fund3. Money market funds do not provide investors a guaranteed fixed rate of return. Money market funds do not guarantee any return or principal amount3. The return of money market funds depends on the interest rates and yields of the underlying investments, which may vary over time3. References: 7 Best Money Market ETFs in Canada 2023: Cash And HISA ETFs, Best Money Market Funds in Canada | WOWA.ca, 3 Best Canadian Money Market Funds (2023) - PiggyBank

Ethics in the securities industry are defined as moral principles that go beyond simple compliance with the law, incorporating both the letter and the spirit of the law .

Compliance = following rules only.

Fiduciary duty = acting in the best interest of clients.

Professional responsibility = broader conduct obligations.

The correct term here is Ethical conduct.

 Relationship Disclosure Information (RDI) is a document that provides important information about the nature and scope of the relationship between a registered firm and its clients. It covers topics such as the products and services offered by the firm, the fees and charges applicable to the client’s account, the risks associated with investing, the conflict of interest management policies of the firm, and the dispute resolution services available to the client. According to Section 14.2 of National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations (NI 31-103), registered firms must provide RDI to their clients before they purchase or sell securities for them or advise them to do so. Registered firms must also update RDI in a timely manner if there are any significant changes to it. To evidence that they have satisfied their RDI obligation, registered firms may retain a copy of the RDI in the client file with detailed notes to confirm that they have provided and explained RDI to their clients. This is one of the acceptable methods suggested by Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) in its presentation on RDI1. Delivering RDI only upon request or using a letter of engagement are not sufficient methods to comply with NI 31-103. Providing and explaining Fund Facts is a separate obligation under NI 31-101 Mutual Fund Distribution Rules. References: Relationship Disclosure Information August 2021, Relationship Disclosure Information, Relationship Disclosure Information

PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) requires firms to obtain informed consent when collecting, using, or disclosing personal information.

B (prohibit disclosure) is too absolute; exceptions exist (e.g., legal requirements).

C (verify client ID) is under AML rules, not PIPEDA.

D (must provide service if info refused) is incorrect; firms may deny services if info is not provided.

The peak stage of the business cycle is marked by demand exceeding supply, leading to rising wages, inflation, and interest rates, while sales slow and business investment decreases. The feedback from the document states:

"The top of the cycle is called a peak. A peak is characterized by the following activities: demand begins to outstrip the capacity of the economy to supply it; wages increase; inflation rises; interest rates rise and bond prices fall; sales begin to decline; business investment slows, and stock market activity begins to decline."

A lower standard deviation indicates lower volatility and thus lower risk. Fund B, with a standard deviation of 2%, is less risky than Fund A, with a standard deviation of 5%. The feedback from the document states:

"We can find the probable range of returns as follows: Average Return + Standard deviation = Positive outcome. Average Return - Standard deviation = Negative outcome. In any given year Fund A, which has the higher standard deviation, could fluctuate much more widely, making it less attractive as an investment, even over the long-term. Volatility is the most common measure of risk."

An IPP is a registered, defined-benefit pension plan that provides a fixed retirement benefit to the person designated in the plan. It is similar to an RRSP, but with some differences in contribution limits, deductions, and tax benefits. One of the main advantages of an IPP is that it allows higher contribution limits than an RRSP, especially for older and higher-income individuals. The contributions are based on the actuarial calculations of the pension benefit, and are tax-deductible for the sponsoring corporation. The higher contribution limits can help Fabiola catch up on her retirement savings and reduce her taxable income123

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) - Module 3: Registered Plans - Section 3.3: Individual Pension Plan (IPP) and web search results from search_web(query="individual pension plan")123

https://www.ifse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CIFC-Module-3.pdf

Direct investment means the investor owns the asset directly, e.g., real estate property, stocks, or bonds held personally.

Mutual funds (B) are indirect investments since they pool money.

Government bonds (C) can be direct if held individually, but in CSC context, examples of direct investments often emphasize real estate ownership as the clearest form.

Advisor purchases stocks for a client (D) is indirect because the advisor acts on behalf of the client.

A long margin purchase means buying securities partly with borrowed funds from the dealer .

The investor pays part of the purchase price (the margin), while the dealer lends the balance .

This differs from:

A (cash purchase): uses only own funds.

B (limit order): unrelated, based on price conditions.

D (short sale): selling borrowed shares, not buying.

Correct action = buying shares on borrowed funds at market price.

A Trusted Contact Person (TCP) is someone who the client authorizes their financial advisor to contact in limited circumstances, such as when the client is vulnerable, has a health issue, or cannot be reached. A TCP should be someone who the client trusts and who is mature and can handle difficult conversations about the client’s personal situation. Often, a TCP is someone who is involved with providing care for the client who requires personal assistance, such as a family member, a friend, or a caregiver. A TCP does not have a financial interest in the client’s account or assets, does not have the authority to make financial decisions on behalf of the client, and does not need to simplify financial concepts for the client

A material conflict of interest is a situation where a dealing representative or a mutual fund dealer has an interest that may affect their ability to act in the best interest of their clients, or that may influence their judgment or behaviour. A material conflict of interest may arise from various sources, such as compensation arrangements, personal or business relationships, or ownership interests. In this case, Manuel has described some information that may indicate a material conflict of interest, such as:

•His dealer represents many different mutual fund families, including their own: CF Group of Funds. This may create a bias or incentive for Manuel to recommend the CF equity fund over other funds that may be more suitable for his client, Stefania.

•The accounts are set-up in nominee name, which means that the dealer is the registered owner of the mutual funds and holds them in trust for the client. This may affect the client’s rights and benefits as the beneficial owner of the funds, such as voting rights, transferability, or access to information.

•The mutual funds are not transferable, which means that the client cannot move them to another dealer or fund family without selling them and incurring fees or taxes. This may limit the client’s flexibility and choice, and create a lock-in effect for the dealer.

•The fund does pay trailer fees, which are ongoing commissions paid by the fund manager to the dealer for the services and advice provided to the client. This may create a conflict of interest for Manuel, as he may receive a portion of the trailer fees as part of his compensation. This may influence his recommendation of the fund, as he may benefit from the client’s continued investment in the fund.

Manuel should disclose these potential material conflicts of interest to his client, Stefania, and explain how they may affect his recommendation of the CF equity fund. He should also ensure that his recommendation is based on the client’s needs, objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon, and that he provides the client with the necessary information and documents, such as the fund facts, to make an informed decision.

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 7: The Regulatory Environment, Lesson 1: The Regulatory Framework, Section 7.1.3: Material Conflicts of Interest1; CIFC prepkit, Chapter 7: The Regulatory Environment, Question 7.1.3 2

When anticipating rising interest rates, a fund manager using an interest rate anticipation philosophy should reduce interest rate sensitivity by increasing holdings in short-term T-bills and high coupon bonds, which are less affected by rate increases. The feedback from the document states:

"Interest rate anticipation is a fixed-income investing philosophy that involves moving between long-term government bonds and very short-term T-bills, based on a forecast of interest rates over a certain time horizon. Price sensitivity to interest rate movements increases as the term to maturity increases and the coupon decreases. Therefore, to avoid a large capital loss if interest rates rise, the fund manager would decrease the fund's interest rate sensitivity."

Risk refers to the potential volatility in returns or the range of possible future outcomes on the price of a security. This concept captures the uncertainty associated with a security’s future value, a fundamental aspect of investment analysis. The feedback from the document states:

"Risk is the potential volatility in returns or the range of possible future outcomes on the price of a security."

Dale is using his mutual fund portfolio for income, is comfortable with variable payouts, and accepts market fluctuations.

A ratio withdrawal plan pays out a fixed percentage of the fund’s value each year. Since the percentage is applied to a fluctuating fund value, the payouts vary with market performance. This makes it suitable for investors who can tolerate variability.

In contrast:

Life withdrawal plans and annuities provide more predictable income.

Fixed-period plans are designed to exhaust the investment over a set period, which may not align with Dale’s needs.

Thus, the best option is the Ratio withdrawal plan, which matches Dale’s comfort with variable payouts and fluctuating markets.

Fund wraps are managed portfolios with pre-selected asset allocation models, where the wrap sponsor is responsible for allocation decisions. The feedback from the document states:

"A fund wrap program provides a series of portfolios with multiple mutual funds to reflect pre-selected asset allocation models. Each model is designed to meet the needs of a group of investors sharing a similar client profile. Responsibility for the asset allocation decision falls to the wrap sponsor."

Monetary policy is the process by which the central bank, in Canada’s case the Bank of Canada, influences the supply and demand of money in the economy, and thereby affects the level of interest rates, inflation, and economic activity. One of the main tools of monetary policy is the overnight rate, which is the interest rate that banks charge each other for short-term loans. The Bank of Canada sets a target for the overnight rate and adjusts it periodically to achieve its inflation target of 2%. By increasing or decreasing the overnight rate, the Bank of Canada affects the cost and availability of credit for consumers and businesses, and influences their spending and saving decisions. For example, if the Bank of Canada increases the overnight rate, it becomes more expensive to borrow money, which reduces the demand for loans and credit, and slows down economic growth and inflation. Conversely, if the Bank of Canada decreases the overnight rate, it becomes cheaper to borrow money, which increases the demand for loans and credit, and stimulates economic growth and inflation.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 1: The Canadian Financial Services Industry1

The nominal rate of return is the return before adjustment for inflation, which is given as 2%. The real rate of return would be adjusted for inflation (2% - 1.5% = 0.5%), but the question asks for the nominal rate. The feedback from the document states:

"It is important to consider the effects of inflation on investments because we can isolate the difference between nominal and real returns. Investors are more concerned with the real rate of return – the return adjusted for the effects of inflation. A nominal return is a return that has not been adjusted for the impact of inflation. The approximate real rate of return is calculated as: Real Return = Nominal Rate - Annual Inflation Rate."

Interest income distribution is a type of income that a mutual fund pays to its investors from the interest earned on its fixed-income investments, such as bonds and mortgages. Interest income distribution is taxed as ordinary income at the investor’s top marginal tax rate, which is the highest tax rate that applies to their income bracket. Therefore, B is the correct answer. References: Interest Income and Taxes - Fidelity, Topic No. 403, Interest Received | Internal Revenue Service

The cash flow from operations to total debt ratio assesses a company’s ability to meet its debt obligations using cash generated from operations. The feedback from the document states:

"The cash flow from operations/total debt ratio gauges a company’s ability to repay the funds it has borrowed. A company’s annual cash flow should therefore be adequate to meet these commitments."

Survivorship bias occurs when poor-performing funds are closed, excluding them from performance rankings and inflating the perceived performance of surviving funds. The feedback from the document states:

"All comparison universes also exhibit some degree of survivorship bias no matter how carefully the universes are constructed. Survivorship bias develops as defunct portfolios drop out and are excluded from rankings in subsequent quarters. A performance universe is essentially a universe of survivors."

The standard of integrity requires dealing honestly, fairly, and with good faith in all personal and professional interactions with clients, including personal financial dealings.

Compliance (B) ensures adherence to laws, regulations, and firm policies.

Professionalism (C) relates to competence and ethical conduct.

Confidentiality (D) relates to safeguarding client information.

A group RRSP is a retirement savings plan sponsored by an employer that allows employees to contribute through regular payroll deductions and benefit from tax advantages and possible employer matching. The employer is responsible for choosing the plan provider, which is the financial institution that administers the group RRSP and offers a range of investment options for the employees to choose from. The employer may also negotiate lower fees and better services with the plan provider than what individual RRSPs can offer. Therefore, statement D is correct.

The other statements are incorrect for the following reasons:

Statement A: A group RRSP is less costly and time consuming to administer than traditional pension plans, as it does not require actuarial valuations, funding requirements, or regulatory filings.

Statement B: If you leave your employer, your group RRSP does not stay with the employer. You can transfer your group RRSP to an individual RRSP or another registered plan without tax consequences, as long as there are no locked-in provisions.

Statement C: You do not need to wait until you file your taxes to receive your contribution tax deduction. Your contributions are deducted from your gross income before tax is calculated, so you receive an immediate tax benefit on your paycheque.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 9, Section 9.1

According to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), personal information is any factual or subjective information, recorded or not, about an identifiable individual. This includes information in any form, such as age, name, ID numbers, income, ethnic origin, or blood type. However, PIPEDA also specifies some exceptions to the definition of personal information, such as business contact information. Business contact information is any information that is used for the purpose of communicating or facilitating communication with an individual in relation to their employment, business or profession. This includes the employee’s name, position name or title, work address, work telephone number, work fax number or work electronic address. Therefore, an employee’s business address and business telephone number are not considered personal information under PIPEDA. An employee’s name could be considered personal information if it is not used for business purposes, but it is not clear from the question whether that is the case. An employee’s credit record is clearly personal information under PIPEDA, as it reveals sensitive information about the individual’s financial situation and history.

 1: PIPEDA in brief - Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada 2

 Underwriting is the process through which an individual or institution takes on financial risk for a fee. This risk most typically involves loans, insurance, or investments. In the case of securities, underwriting involves conducting research and assessing the degree of risk each applicant or entity brings to the table before assuming that risk. During the underwriting process, investment bankers raise investment capital from investors on behalf of corporations and governments issuing securities. They also help determine the company’s underlying value compared to the risk of funding its IPO. References: Underwriting: Definition and How the Various Types Work - Investopedia, The future of insurance underwriting | Deloitte Insights

The statement that is correct about Jehona’s permitted activities is option B. According to Section 13.3 of National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations (NI 31-103), registered individuals must not engage in discretionary trading, meaning that they must not execute a transaction for a client’s account without the specific authorization of the client before the transaction. Therefore, if Jehona wants to execute trades for Sokol’s account, Sokol must provide his specific authorization before the trades are entered. The other statements are not correct about Jehona’s permitted activities. Option A is false because a Limited Authorization Form does not allow Jehona to process trades in the account without Sokol’s pre-approval; rather, it allows Jehona to accept instructions from a third party authorized by Sokol, such as a spouse or a lawyer. Option C is false because Sokol cannot give Jehona discretionary trading authority, as it is prohibited by NI 31-103 for mutual fund dealers and their representatives. Option D is false because appointing Jehona as his Power of Attorney does not allow Jehona to execute trades without Sokol’s pre-approval; rather, it allows Jehona to act on behalf of Sokol in legal and financial matters, subject to certain conditions and limitations. References: [Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations], [Discretionary Trading | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca], [Limited Authorization Form | IFIC], [Power of Attorney | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca]

Kerry’s taxable income would be $98,000 ($100,000 - $2,000). Using the federal tax rates provided in the image, the first $48,535 of her income would be taxed at 15%, the next $48,534 at 20.5%, and the remaining $931 at 26%. This would result in a total federal tax payable of $18,754. You can see the calculation in detail below:

Taxable Income

Marginal Tax Rate

Federal Tax Payable

$0 - $48,535

15%

$7,280.25

$48,536 - $97,069

20.5%

$9,934.47

$97,070 - $98,000

26%

$539.80

Total

$18,754.52

Note: The final answer is rounded to the closest whole dollar.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 8, Section 8.2; [4]

 C is correct because bond funds receive fixed interest payments from most of their investments, as they invest mainly in bonds and other fixed-income securities that pay a regular coupon rate. Dividend funds receive variable dividend payments from most of their investments, as they invest mainly in stocks and other equity securities that pay dividends based on the company’s earnings and policies. The return of dividend funds does not rely only on interest rates (A), but also on other factors such as stock prices, earnings growth, dividend yield, and dividend payout ratio. The return of bond funds also depends on interest rates, as well as other factors such as credit quality, maturity, duration, and yield curve. When interest rates rise, the NAVPU of both bond funds and dividend funds decreases (B), not rises, as it lowers the present value of their future cash flows. Bond fund distributions do not receive more favorable tax treatment than that of dividend funds (D), but rather less favorable, as interest income is fully taxable at the investor’s marginal tax rate while eligible dividends receive a dividend tax credit that reduces their taxable amount.

Misrepresenting risks violates the MFDA Rule No. 2 requirement to deal fairly, honestly, and in good faith with clients. The feedback from the document states:

"MFDA Rule No 2 ‘Business Conduct’ sets out the standards applicable to all MFDA members and their respective dealing representatives. In this case, the representative has not dealt honestly with the client by misrepresenting information."

Rights of survivorship means that if one account holder dies, their share of the assets automatically transfers to the surviving holder(s).

This feature is available in joint non-registered accounts.

Registered accounts (A) (e.g., RRSP, TFSA) are individual accounts and cannot be opened jointly with rights of survivorship.

Trust accounts (B) follow trust law, not survivorship rules.

Corporate accounts (D) belong to the company, not individuals.

Suitability ensures that recommendations align with the client’s unique situation and investment objectives, based on their personal and financial circumstances. The feedback from the document states:

"Suitability means ensuring that all recommendations are appropriate for the client’s unique situation and investment objectives. It also means that recommendations are based on a personal and financial knowledge of the client and knowledge of the investment products being recommended."

The Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA) is the self-regulatory organization (SRO) that regulates mutual fund dealers in Canada, except in Québec. The MFDA is responsible for setting and enforcing rules and standards of conduct for its members and their representatives, as well as conducting compliance reviews and investigations. Rashad works for a mutual fund dealer that is registered in all provinces and territories of Canada, including Alberta, where he is based. Therefore, his client files will be part of a compliance review by the MFDA, which is the applicable SRO for his firm and jurisdiction.

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 7: The Regulatory Environment, Lesson 1: The Regulatory Framework, Section 7.1.2: Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs) 1; MFDA website 2

Orel’s goal is to build emergency savings, which means he needs a flexible and accessible account that does not penalize withdrawals. A TFSA is more suitable for this purpose, as it allows tax-free withdrawals at any time and does not affect other income-tested benefits. An RRSP, on the other hand, is designed for long-term retirement savings, and withdrawals are subject to income tax and withholding tax. Moreover, RRSP withdrawals reduce the contribution room permanently, and may affect eligibility for government benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit or the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) - Module 3: Registered Plans - Section 3.1: Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)1 and Section 3.2: Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)2

1: https://www.ifse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CIFC-Module-3.pdf 2: https://www.ifse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CIFC-Module-3.pdf

MFDA Policy No. 3 requires that all written client complaints, including emails, be acknowledged in writing. The feedback from the document states:

"MFDA Policy No. 3 specifies the minimum procedures for dealing with written client complaints (including emails). All written client complaints must be acknowledged in writing."

The current ratio is a liquidity ratio that measures a company’s ability to pay its short-term obligations with its current assets. A higher current ratio indicates that the company has more current assets than current liabilities, which means it can meet its short-term obligations more easily. A lower current ratio indicates that the company has less current assets than current liabilities, which means it may face liquidity problems or default risk. Therefore, the information given in the question indicates that Truesteel is better able to meet its short-term financial obligations than Strongco. The current ratio does not necessarily reflect the profitability, market outlook, or debt financing of the companies. References: Current Ratio Explained With Formula and Examples, Current Ratio Formula, Current ratio

By ignoring sales quotas and prioritizing client needs, the representative adheres to the standard of putting the client’s interests first. The feedback from the document states:

"Priority of Client’s Interest: The client’s interest must be the foremost consideration in all business dealings. In situations where you may have an interest that competes with that of the client, the client’s interest must be given priority."

Capital gains are realized when an investor sells a fund at a profit. Selling units at $18.80 (purchased at $17.60) triggers a taxable capital gain in a non-registered account. The feedback from the document states:

"Capital gains are generated when an investor sells an investment for more than the price paid; for example, selling a stock at a profit will generate a capital gain. Capital gains are not realized when an investment goes up in price; a sale must occur."

Discussing questionable personal experiences in a public setting can harm the representative’s professional image, relating to the aspect of other personal endeavors. The feedback from the document states:

"The representative must take care to ensure that any publicly visible activity in which he participates is conducted responsibly and moderately so as not to present an unfavorable public image."

Maureen is looking for investments that provide steady income with low to medium risk. Money market funds, mortgage funds, and bond funds are suitable for her because they invest in fixed-income securities that pay regular interest and have lower volatility than equity funds. Money market funds invest in short-term debt instruments such as treasury bills and commercial paper. Mortgage funds invest in mortgages or mortgage-backed securities that are secured by real estate properties. Bond funds invest in bonds issued by governments or corporations with varying maturities and credit ratings. References: 9 Best Retirement Income Funds Of 2023 – Forbes Advisor, 5 Best Income Funds for Retirement - U.S. News, 7 Best Funds for Retirement | Investing | U.S. News

A Trusted Contact Person (TCP) is someone that an investor authorizes their brokerage firm to contact in limited circumstances, such as if the broker has trouble reaching the investor or has a reasonable belief that the investor’s account may be exposed to possible financial exploitation. A TCP does not have the authority to make changes to the investor’s account or direct trading, unlike a Power of Attorney (POA). A TCP also does not have the power to place a temporary hold on the investor’s account, which is a decision made by the brokerage firm. Therefore, C is the correct answer. References: What is a Trusted Contact Person and why you should name one, Do You Need A ‘Trusted Contact’ To Help Protect You?, Investor Bulletin: Please Consider Adding a Trusted Contact Person to Your Account

The Fund Facts document provides essential information to ensure the fund’s objectives and risk profile align with the investor’s needs. The feedback from the document states:

"The fundamental purpose of a Fund Facts document is to provide ‘full, plain and true’ disclosure of material information concerning the securities and the issuer of the securities, so that potential purchasers can make informed decisions about purchasing the new securities. The fundamental investment objectives of a mutual fund can be found in the Fund Facts. It specifies what the fund intends to accomplish and how it is to be done."

Sales communication is any written or electronic communication that is intended to promote the sale of a mutual fund, or to influence a person to buy or sell a mutual fund. Sales communication includes any advertisement, brochure, report, newsletter, or other material that is distributed to existing or potential clients. A marketing brochure is an example of sales communication, as it is designed to inform and persuade clients about the features and benefits of a mutual fund. A prospectus, a fund facts, and an annual information form are not considered sales communication, as they are legal documents that provide essential information about a mutual fund, such as its investment objectives, strategies, risks, fees, and performance. These documents are required by securities regulators and must be delivered to investors before or after they purchase a mutual fund.

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 7: The Regulatory Environment, Lesson 2: Sales Communication, Section 7.2.1: Definition and Scope of Sales Communication1; CIFC prepkit, Chapter 7: The Regulatory Environment, Question 7.2.1 2

Long transactions involve buying a security with the expectation that its price will increase, while short transactions involve borrowing and selling a security with the hope of buying it back at a lower price. The feedback from the document states:

"Short transactions are a common feature of the capital markets, although not as common as long transactions – the transactions taken by investors who anticipate a price increase in the security. Investors who short sell stocks must first borrow the shares. They must also declare their short transactions."

If an investor’s primary objective is capital gains, the focus is on growth through security selection and market timing rather than interest income.

Coupon rate applies to fixed-income securities and is relevant to income-focused investors, not those pursuing capital gains.

Risk tolerance, client knowledge, and time horizon remain highly relevant to any capital gains strategy.

Thus, the irrelevant factor is coupon rate.

A is correct because mortgage mutual funds typically pay monthly distributions of interest to their investors, as they invest in mortgages that generate regular interest income. If interest rates fall, the mutual fund’s net asset value per unit (NAVPU) will increase (B), not decline, as the value of the existing mortgages in the fund will rise. Mortgage mutual funds are suitable for low to moderate risk investors ©, not only for high risk investors, as they provide stable income and capital preservation. Mortgage mutual funds are not risk-free (D), even if the mortgages are National Housing Act (NHA) insured, as they still face credit risk, interest rate risk, and liquidity risk.

The Do Not Call List (DNCL) is a national registry of personal telephone numbers that consumers can register to reduce the number of unsolicited telemarketing calls they receive. Telemarketers are required to subscribe to the DNCL and avoid calling the numbers on the list, unless they have an exemption. One of the exemptions is for existing business relationships, which means that a telemarketer can call a consumer who has purchased a product or service from them or their employer within the last 18 months, or who has made an inquiry or application within the last six months. Therefore, Kendrick is still eligible to contact Chandra, who is an existing client of Oak Solid Financial, even if she is on the DNCL registry. However, Kendrick must respect Chandra’s right to request that he stop calling her and remove her number from his contact list.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 1: The Canadian Financial Services Industry1, National Do Not Call List - Canada.ca2

The question that you should ask Sarah and Kyle next is what is their investment objective for these savings. An investment objective is a statement that defines the purpose and goals of an investment. It helps investors and advisors select suitable investment products and strategies that match the investor’s needs and expectations. An investment objective typically considers factors such as risk tolerance, return expectations, time horizon, liquidity needs, tax situation, and personal preferences. Therefore, option B is the correct question to ask Sarah and Kyle next. The other options are not relevant or sufficient to determine their investment objective. Option A is related to their risk tolerance, but it is not the only factor that affects their investment objective. Option C is related to their net worth, but it does not indicate their purpose and goals for their savings. Option D is related to their income, but it does not reflect their return expectations or liquidity needs for their savings. References: [Investment Objective Definition], [Investment Objectives: What They Are and How to Use Them], [Investment Objectives | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca]

According to the Canadian Investment Funds Course, a stock exchange is a centralized and regulated market where securities of listed companies are traded between buyers and sellers. A stock exchange has strict listing requirements that companies must meet in order to be eligible for trading on the exchange. These requirements may include minimum capitalization, number of shareholders, financial reporting, corporate governance, and compliance with securities laws. A stock exchange also provides liquidity, transparency, and efficiency for the trading of securities.

An over-the-counter (OTC) market is a decentralized and unregulated market where securities that are not listed on a stock exchange are traded between dealers and brokers. An OTC market has no physical location, rather the trading is done through phone, email, or computer networks. An OTC market has lower listing requirements than a stock exchange, which makes it easier for smaller or newer companies to access capital. However, an OTC market also has less liquidity, transparency, and efficiency than a stock exchange.

Therefore, if Underground Airways Ltd. wants to take their privately owned corporation public through an initial public offering (IPO), they would have to weigh the pros and cons of listing on a stock exchange or the OTC market. One of the main considerations is that a stock exchange listing would provide them with greater market exposure and public confidence than listing on the OTC market. This is because a stock exchange listing signals that the company has met the high standards of the exchange and is subject to ongoing regulation and oversight. A stock exchange listing also attracts more investors, analysts, and media attention than an OTC listing. A stock exchange listing may also increase the value and liquidity of the company’s shares.

 1: Canadian Investment Funds Course - IFSE Institute 2 (Unit 5: Equity Securities)

Rakesh will not be subjected to a switch fee if it is outlined in the prospectus. A switch fee is a charge that may apply when an investor switches from one fund to another within the same fund family. The prospectus is the legal document that provides information about the fund, including its fees and charges. If the prospectus states that there is no switch fee or that there are certain conditions under which the switch fee is waived, then Rakesh will not have to pay a switch fee. The type of fund (no-load, low-load, or sales charge) does not determine whether there is a switch fee or not, as different fund families may have different policies regarding switch fees. References: Mutual Fund Fees, Prospectus

Mutual fund orders placed after the market closes are processed using the next business day's net asset value per unit (NAVPU). Since Derek submitted his sell order at 8:00 p.m. EST on Friday, January 6 (after the close of the markets), his proceeds will be based on the NAVPU for Monday, January 9, the next business day.

An income trust is an investment trust that holds income-producing assets, such as debt instruments, royalty interests, or real properties. It can be structured as either a personal investment fund or a commercial trust with publicly traded closed-end fund shares. The main attraction of income trusts, in addition to certain tax preferences for some investors, is their stated goal of paying out consistent cash flows for investors, which is especially attractive when cash yields on bonds are low12

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) - Module 2: Investment Products - Section 2.3: Income Trusts3 and web search results from search_web(query="income trust")12

3: https://www.ifse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CIFC-Module-2.pdf

The statement that is correct about Ken’s plan is option D. A defined benefit pension plan (DBPP) is a type of employer-sponsored retirement plan that promises to pay a specified amount of income to the plan member upon retirement. The amount of income is based on a formula that considers factors such as years of service, salary, and age. Income received from a DBPP is eligible for pension income splitting even if Ken retires before 65, meaning that he can transfer up to 50% of his eligible pension income to his spouse or common-law partner for tax purposes. This can reduce the overall tax payable by the couple if they are in different tax brackets. Therefore, option D is correct about Ken’s plan. The other statements are not correct about Ken’s plan. Option A is false because contributions to the plan do result in a Pension Adjustment (PA) for Ken, which is an amount that reduces his RRSP contribution room for the following year. Option B is false because the amount Ken receives in retirement does not depend on the performance of the investments he has selected within the plan; rather, it depends on the formula that determines his pension benefit. Option C is false because the amount that Ken will receive at retirement is guaranteed by the plan sponsor, unless the plan sponsor becomes insolvent or terminates the plan. References: [Defined Benefit Pension Plans | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca], [Pension Income Splitting | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca], [Pension Adjustment (PA) | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca]

Survivorship bias occurs when underperforming funds are terminated and excluded from performance rankings, making surviving funds appear to perform better over time. The feedback from the document states:

"All comparison universes exhibit some degree of survivorship bias no matter how carefully the universes are constructed. Survivorship bias develops as defunct portfolios drop out and are excluded from rankings in subsequent quarters. Funds that are terminated or cease to exist are usually those who have been unsuccessful, creating an upward bias in the returns of longer-run funds in the surviving universe."

A short-term bond fund combines characteristics of money market and bond funds, aiming to preserve capital while generating higher income than a money market fund due to its short duration. The feedback from the document states:

"A short-term bond fund is part money market fund and part bond fund. You would expect its investment objectives to reflect this combination. A short-term bond fund’s objectives are to preserve capital and generate better current income than is likely from a money market fund. Although there is some capital gain potential, you would not expect this to be a key objective given the short duration of this type of fixed-income fund."

The client mobility exemption is a provision in the National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations that allows a registered individual to continue dealing with a client who moves to another jurisdiction without having to register in that jurisdiction, subject to certain conditions. One of the conditions is that the individual must not have more than five clients in each of the other jurisdictions where they are not registered. Therefore, the client mobility exemption would apply to Lori’s situation, as she has five or fewer clients in Alberta, where she is not registered. The client mobility exemption would not apply to the other situations, as they do not meet the conditions for the exemption. For example, Olaf’s mutual fund dealer is not registered in New Brunswick, which is a requirement for the exemption. Sigrid’s brother-in-law is not an existing client who moved to another jurisdiction, but a new client who resides in a different jurisdiction. Karl has more than five clients in British Columbia, where he is not registered, which exceeds the limit for the exemption.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 1: The Canadian Financial Services Industry1

A conflict of interest is a situation where an individual or a firm has competing or incompatible interests that may affect their ability to act fairly, honestly, and in the best interest of their clients. A material conflict of interest is a conflict of interest that a reasonable person would expect to know about and that may influence the client’s decision to enter into or maintain a business relationship with the individual or the firm. According to the MFDA rules, Barend has an obligation to identify and address material conflicts of interest in a manner that prioritizes the client’s interest over his own or the firm’s interest1. If a material conflict of interest cannot be addressed in the best interest of the client, Barend must disclose it to the client before opening an account, providing advice, or executing a transaction. The disclosure must be clear, meaningful, and timely, and it must explain the nature and extent of the conflict of interest and how it could affect the client’s interests2. Barend must also obtain the client’s written consent to proceed with the account opening, advice, or transaction despite the conflict of interest. Barend must avoid material conflicts of interest that are prohibited by law or that would result in a breach of his fiduciary duty to the client. Barend must also report any material conflicts of interest to his firm and comply with the firm’s policies and procedures for managing conflicts of interest3. References:

MFDA Rule 2.1.4 - Conflicts of Interest1

MFDA Policy No. 2 - Minimum Standards for Account Supervision2

MFDA Policy No. 9 - Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest (Outside Business Activities)3

Tax deductions are amounts that reduce your total income before calculating your tax payable. They lower your marginal tax rate, which is the tax rate that applies to your last dollar of income. For example, if Wilma’s total income is $50,000 and she claims $5,000 in tax deductions, her taxable income will be $45,000 and her marginal tax rate will be lower than if she had no deductions. Therefore, A is the correct answer. References: All deductions, credits, and expenses - Personal income tax - Canada.ca

When distributions from a mutual fund are reinvested (rather than taken in cash), they are not taxed again at the time of reinvestment. Instead, they increase the adjusted cost base (ACB) of the investment. This is important because when the investor eventually sells the mutual fund units, the capital gain (or loss) is calculated as:

Capital Gain = Proceeds of Disposition – Adjusted Cost Base – Expenses Incurred to Sell

In Zofia’s case:

Original investment = $10,000

Reinvested distributions = $2,500 (which increases the ACB)

Therefore, ACB = $10,000 + $2,500 = $12,500

Proceeds of sale = $15,000

Capital gain = $15,000 - $12,500 = $2,500

Thus, the correct answer is D, because $12,500 is the adjusted cost base and the capital gain on sale would be $2,500, not $5,000.

This is clearly stated in the Investment Funds in Canada material where it explains that reinvested distributions increase the investor's ACB and are not separately taxed at the time of disposition.

According to the Canada Revenue Agency, taxable income is the amount used to calculate federal tax and provincial or territorial tax on the income tax return. Taxable income is calculated by subtracting tax deductions from total income. Total income is the sum of income from all sources, such as employment, business, investment, pension, and other income. Tax deductions are amounts that can be subtracted from total income to reduce the amount of income that is subject to tax. Some examples of tax deductions are RRSP contributions, child care expenses, moving expenses, and alimony payments. Tax credits are not subtracted from total income, but rather from the tax payable. Tax credits are amounts that can reduce the amount of tax owed or increase the amount of refund. Some examples of tax credits are basic personal amount, spouse or common-law partner amount, Canada workers benefit, and foreign tax credit.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. total income less tax deductions.

 1: Line 26000 – Taxable income - Canada.ca 2

 A commodity pool is a type of mutual fund that can invest in specified derivatives and forward contracts for commodities, such as grains, meats, metals, energy products, and coffee. A commodity pool allows investors to gain exposure to the commodity markets without having to buy or sell the physical commodities themselves. A commodity pool may also use leverage and hedging strategies to enhance returns and reduce risks. Therefore, B is the correct answer. References: Commodity Pool: Definition and How It Works - Investopedia, Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) | IFSE Institute

The category of Know Your Client (KYC) information that has been given is investment experience. Investment experience refers to the level of knowledge and familiarity that a client has with various types of investments, such as mutual funds, stocks, bonds, etc. It also includes the client’s past performance, frequency of trading, and length of holding period. In this case, Felipe has given information about his investment experience by stating that he purchased a mutual fund with a deferred sales charge, that he had a 25-year growth objective, that he never noticed his mutual fund having a drop in value, and that he never made any changes to his investment.

References = Know Your Client (KYC): What It Means, Compliance Requirements, Know Your Client (KYC) - Overview, Importance and Benefits, Process, IFSE CIFC Module 2: The Investment Industry, page 2-14.

A defined contribution pension plan (DCPP) is a type of retirement savings plan where the employer and/or employee make contributions to an individual account for the employee. The retirement benefits depend on the amount of contributions and the investment returns. Contributions to a DCPP reduce the employee’s available registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) contribution room, which is the maximum amount that can be contributed to an RRSP each year without tax penalties.

Government of Canada Bonds are fixed income securities issued by the federal government that pay a fixed rate of interest (coupon) and return the principal amount (par value) at maturity. They are considered low risk investments, as they are backed by the full faith and credit of the government. They also provide regular income to investors, as they pay interest semi-annually. For Sheldon, who has a low risk profile and an investment objective of receiving regular income, 3% Government of Canada Bonds at par would be an appropriate investment recommendation, as they would match his time horizon of 5 years and provide him with a stable and predictable income stream. The other options are not suitable for Sheldon, as they involve higher risk, volatility, or complexity.

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 5: Types of Investments, Lesson 2: Fixed Income Securities, Section 5.2.1: Government Bonds1; CIFC prepkit, Chapter 5: Types of Investments, Question 5.2.1 2

 A fund of funds is a mutual fund that invests in other mutual funds. This means that there are two levels of management fees: one for the fund of funds itself and one for the underlying funds. Therefore, fund of funds have higher fees than traditional mutual funds that invest directly in securities.

Systematic risk (market risk) affects the entire market or asset class, and cannot be diversified away. A downturn in Canadian equities impacts all Canadian stocks, making it a systematic risk.

Unique risk (A) is company-specific and can be diversified away.

Currency risk (B) arises from exchange rate fluctuations, not applicable here.

Default risk (C) applies to debt issuers failing to meet obligations, not equities.

The element of the Know Your Client (KYC) information that Malik has been able to learn is Charlotte’s risk preference. KYC information is a collection of personal and financial information that registered firms and individuals must obtain from their clients before providing any investment advice or services. KYC information helps registered firms and individuals understand their clients’ needs, goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and personal circumstances, as well as comply with regulatory obligations such as suitability, disclosure, and reporting. One of the components of KYC information is risk preference, which is a measure of how much risk an investor is willing to take on in their portfolio. It reflects the investor’s attitude, personality, and emotional factors that influence their investment decisions. Risk preference can be classified into three categories: risk-seeking, risk-averse, or risk-neutral. Based on Charlotte’s statement that she does not know much about trading ETFs, but she wants to invest in ETFs, and that she feels fortunate to have this money and that she’s not worried about losing it because she never planned on having any of it, Malik can infer that Charlotte has a high-risk preference or a risk-seeking attitude. This means that Charlotte is willing to take on more risk in exchange for higher potential returns, even if it means losing some or all of her money. Therefore, option C is correct regarding what element of KYC information Malik has been able to learn. The other options are not correct regarding what element of KYC information Malik has been able to learn. Option A is false because risk profile is not an element of KYC information; rather, it is an outcome of KYC information that summarizes the investor’s overall suitability for different types of investments based on their KYC information. Option B is false because risk capacity is not an element of KYC information; rather, it is a measure of how much risk an investor can afford to take on in their portfolio based on their financial situation and goals. Option D is false because risk tolerance is not an element of KYC information; rather, it is a measure of how much risk an investor can handle in their portfolio without losing sleep or changing their plans. References: [Know Your Client (KYC) | IFIC], [Know Your Client (KYC) | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca], [Risk Preference | Investopedia]

Your client, James, would like to work beyond the normal retirement age. He comes to you for advice on his registered retirement savings plan (RRSP). What are the rules regarding terminating an RRSP?

James must terminate the plan by the end of the year he turns 65.

James must terminate the plan by the end of the year he turns 67.

James must terminate the plan by the end of the year he turns 70.

James must terminate the plan by the end of the year he turns 71.

Answer: D

According to the Canadian Investment Funds Course, an RRSP is a retirement savings plan that allows individuals to defer taxes on their contributions and investment income until they withdraw the funds. However, an RRSP cannot be held indefinitely and must be terminated by the end of the year the annuitant turns 71. At that point, the annuitant has three options to withdraw the funds from the RRSP:

Make a lump-sum withdrawal, which is subject to withholding tax and income tax.

Convert the RRSP to a registered retirement income fund (RRIF), which provides a steady stream of income with a minimum amount that must be withdrawn each year.

Purchase an annuity, which offers a guaranteed income for life or for a specified period.

 1: Canadian Investment Funds Course - IFSE Institute 2 (Unit 9: Retirement)

Interest rate risk is the primary risk for fixed-income securities, as their value decreases when interest rates rise due to fixed cash flows. The feedback from the document states:

"Interest rate risk is the fundamental risk factor for fixed-income securities such as bonds, mortgages and preferred shares. As interest rates move up, the value of a fixed-income security falls. This is because the cash flow from the fixed-income security is fixed."

Under Know Your Client (KYC) and suitability rules, advisors must assess not only an investor’s objectives but also their risk tolerance, which directly influences appropriate investment recommendations.

Account type (B), insider status (C), and referral arrangements (D) are relevant for compliance but do not fulfill the suitability obligation.

Contractionary monetary policy is used when the economy is overheating or facing inflationary pressure.

The Bank of Canada increases interest rates, which leads to reduced borrowing and lending.

This action decreases the money supply in circulation and reduces the availability of credit to consumers and businesses.

Therefore, the correct effect of contractionary monetary policy is that it reduces both money supply and credit in the economy.

According to the Canadian Investment Funds Course, inflation is the general increase in the prices of goods and services over time. Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money, meaning that a dollar can buy less in the future than it can today. Inflation also affects the returns of fixed income investments, such as bonds, which pay a fixed amount of interest and principal. If inflation is higher than expected, the real rate of return (the nominal rate minus inflation) of a bond will be lower than anticipated.

In this case, Pippa purchased a 15-year bond with a 7% coupon rate at the time of issuance. The bond is due to mature later this year. The general interest rate climate remained stable for the first 13 years of the bond’s term. However, especially over the past 18 months, both inflation and general interest rates have increased more than expected. This means that Pippa will receive less purchasing power from her bond’s interest and principal payments than she expected when she bought the bond. She will not experience a capital loss, as she will receive the full face value of $5,000 at maturity. She will also not benefit from a higher real rate of return, as inflation erodes the value of her fixed payments. She will not receive any capital appreciation, as the bond’s price does not change once it is held to maturity.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. The return of investment capital will have lower purchasing power than prior to investing.

 1: Canadian Investment Funds Course - IFSE Institute 2 (Unit 4: Fixed Income Securities)

 The “Know Your Product” obligation requires that Dealing Representatives understand all the products they purchase, sell or recommend for their clients, including their structure, features, risks, costs and suitability. Rehan has fulfilled this obligation by reviewing the features of the Hedge Fund and explaining them to Georgi, who may not be aware of the lock-up period and its implications. The other Dealing Representatives have failed to fulfill their obligation by either not knowing or not disclosing important information about the products they deal with.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 7: Know Your Product1

 A Fund Facts document is a summary disclosure document that provides key information about a mutual fund, such as its investment objectives, risks, past performance, and fees. One of the information items that a Fund Facts document provides to potential investors is what the mutual fund is currently investing in, such as its top 10 holdings, asset mix, geographic allocation, and sector allocation. A Fund Facts document does not provide information on how to calculate taxes, portfolio management strategy, or remuneration of the Independent Review Committee. References: Fund facts guide | Sun Life Global Investments, Mutual Funds - Fund Facts | ScotiaFunds

Target-date funds (also called life-cycle funds) automatically adjust their asset allocation (glide path) over time. They start with a growth-oriented strategy (more equities) and gradually shift towards conservative allocations as the target date approaches.

This matches the father’s goal: minimal management required while allowing for growth in earlier years and reduced risk later.

Balanced equity, high-yield income, and global equity funds do not automatically shift allocations over time.

Thus, the most appropriate choice is Target date fund.

 A life income fund (LIF) is a type of registered retirement income fund (RRIF) that can be used to hold locked-in pension funds as well as other assets for an eventual payout as retirement income. A LIF cannot be withdrawn in a lump sum and has minimum and maximum withdrawal amounts each year. A LIF can only be funded by transferring money from a locked-in retirement account (LIRA) or another LIF. Therefore, D is the correct answer. References: Life Income Fund (LIF): Definition and How Withdrawals Work - Investopedia, Retraite Québec - Characteristics of an LIF

Foreign dividend income is taxed at the investor’s marginal tax rate without the benefit of a dividend tax credit, unlike Canadian dividend income, which qualifies for a tax credit. The feedback from the document states:

"Foreign dividend income is not eligible for any dividend tax credit, and is taxed at an investor’s marginal tax rate."

A mutual fund corporation is a type of mutual fund structure that is organized as a corporation and issues different classes of shares to investors. A mutual fund corporation has the ability to allocate its income and expenses among the different classes of shares, and to distribute any income received by the corporation in the form of either capital gains or Canadian dividends. These types of distributions are taxed at lower rates than interest or foreign income, which may reduce the tax liability of the investors. A mutual fund corporation can also use capital losses to offset capital gains, and carry them forward or back to reduce taxable income in other years.

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 6: Mutual Funds, Lesson 2: Mutual Fund Structures, Section 6.2.2: Mutual Fund Corporations1; CIFC prepkit, Chapter 6: Mutual Funds, Question 6.2.2 2

A is correct because Francis will receive $37,888 in Canadian dollars when he redeems the Funds. This is calculated by dividing the current proceeds from the redemption in US dollars by the current CAD/USD exchange rate and rounding to the nearest dollar. That is,

To make a suitable recommendation, Solomon needs to identify how the proposed investment is in alignment with the investor’s profile and holdings. A suitable recommendation is one that meets the investor’s needs, goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and personal circumstances. It also considers the investor’s existing portfolio and how the new investment would affect its diversification, performance, and risk. Therefore, option C is correct regarding what Solomon needs to do to make a suitable recommendation. The other options are not correct or sufficient to make a suitable recommendation. Option A is false because mutual fund costs are important regardless of the past fund performance, as they reduce the net returns and compound over time. Option B is false because relying on the risk rating of the mutual fund is not enough to offer an investment solution, as it does not reflect the investor’s return expectations, liquidity needs, tax situation, or personal preferences. Option D is false because matching the past rates of return of the mutual fund with what is the anticipated rate of return is not a reliable way to make a recommendation, as past performance does not guarantee future results and may not be consistent with the investor’s risk tolerance or time horizon. References: [Suitability | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca], [Mutual Fund Fees | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca], [Risk Rating | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca]

Avoidance is a method of addressing conflict of interest by preventing it from occurring in the first place. Ethical Financial’s policies and procedures manual (PPM) require that Catarina decline the gift from Darlene, which is a potential source of conflict of interest. By doing so, Catarina avoids any appearance of favouritism or bias towards Darlene’s mutual fund family. (Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 2, Section 2.3)

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 2, Section 2.3: Conflicts of Interest

IFSE Institute: Conflicts of Interest1

CIRO requires member firms to have clear complaint handling procedures. The first step after receiving a written or emailed complaint is to acknowledge it in writing. Firms must confirm receipt, explain the complaint process, and provide expected timelines for resolution.

Other steps such as escalation, investigation, and potential arbitration or OBSI involvement may follow, but acknowledgment in writing is the mandatory initial requirement.

 According to the What Is a Call Option and How to Use It With Example - Investopedia, a call option is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy an underlying stock at a specified price (the strike price) within a specified time period (the expiration date). The seller of a call option is obligated to sell the stock if the buyer exercises the option. Pierre buys a call option on a stock, which means he has the right to buy the stock if he exercises the option. He can also choose not to exercise the option or sell it before expiration.

Governments finance publicly funded capital projects through issuing securities. The Government of Canada uses both bonds and Treasury bills (T-bills) to raise funds for deficits and large infrastructure projects.

T-bills are short-term debt instruments used frequently for government funding.

Commercial paper = corporate borrowing.

Preferred and common shares = equity securities, not typically for public capital projects.

Thus, the correct answer is Treasury bill.

 A registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) is a retirement savings and investing vehicle for employees and the self-employed in Canada. Contributions to an RRSP are tax-deductible and grow tax-deferred until withdrawal. However, RRSPs have a maturity date of December 31st of the year in which the holder turns 71. By then, the holder must convert the RRSP to a registered retirement income fund (RRIF), purchase an annuity, or withdraw the funds in cash (subject to tax). Therefore, B is the correct answer. References: Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP): Definition and Types, Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) - Canada.ca

A mutual fund trust structure allows the fund to avoid taxation by distributing its income to unitholders. The feedback from the document states:

"The most common structure for mutual funds in Canada is the open-end trust. The trust structure allows a fund itself to avoid taxation. Any interest, dividends and capital gains income, net of the fund’s fees, expenses and capital losses, if passed to its unitholders each calendar year, will allow the trust to avoid being taxed on its income."

A beta of 1.4 indicates that the Optima Equity Fund is 1.4 times more volatile than the market. If the market rises by 5%, the fund is expected to rise by 5% × 1.4 = 7%. The feedback from the document states:

"One way to measure market risk is by calculating a portfolio’s beta. Beta shows how much a portfolio fluctuates when the market as a whole fluctuates. A higher beta means that the portfolio is exposed to more risk. The market has a beta of 1.0. In this example: The Optima Equity Fund has a beta of 1.4, which means the Fund is expected to be 1.4 times more volatile than the market as a whole. If the S&P/TSX Composite Index is used to measure the performance of the Optima Fund, then if the Index rose by 10% you would expect to see the Optima Fund rise by 14% (1.4 × 10%)."

If Helen believes in the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), she accepts that markets fully reflect available information and that it is nearly impossible to consistently beat the market.

The recommended action is passive investing, e.g., buying an index-tracking ETF.

B (market timing) and D (security selection) contradict EMH.

A bond fund is a mutual fund that invests primarily in bonds and other debt securities. Income from a bond fund will primarily be interest but may also be capital gains if the fund sells bonds that have appreciated in value. Bond funds are not very low risk because they can fluctuate in value depending on interest rate changes and credit risk. If interest rates rise, the value of a bond fund will tend to fall because existing bonds will become less attractive than new bonds with higher rates. Securities regulation does not specify that bond funds must invest in investment grade bonds, although some funds may have this as an investment objective or policy. References: What Is a Bond Fund?

A front-end load is a sales charge paid at the time of purchase, calculated as a percentage of the investment amount.

A. $1,500 × 3% = $45

B. $1,000 × 4% = $40

C. $5,000 × 1% = $50

D. $3,000 × 2% = $60

✅ Most expensive = $60 (Option D)

Correction: Answer = D. Purchase $3,000 at 2% front-end load

The lifetime RESP contribution limit is $50,000 per beneficiary.

Monique has already contributed $45,000.

Remaining contribution room = $50,000 – $45,000 = $5,000.

Even though she wants to contribute $7,000, the maximum allowed is $5,000.

Thus, the correct answer is B. $5,000.

A registrant adds value by helping clients match mutual fund solutions to their needs and objectives, not by making promises or pushing products.

B (low MERs) is one factor, but not the entire scope of advice.

C (guaranteeing performance) is unethical and prohibited.

D (cross-selling) prioritizes the dealer, not the client.

The correct answer is D. If Jacinta shares the list with Saabir without obtaining the clients’ prior consent, she will be in breach of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

PIPEDA is the federal privacy law for private-sector organizations in Canada. It sets out the ground rules for how businesses must handle personal information in the course of their commercial activity. One of the key principles of PIPEDA is consent. This means that organizations must obtain meaningful consent from individuals before collecting, using, or disclosing their personal information, unless an exception applies. Consent must be obtained for the original purpose of collecting the information, and for any new purpose that arises later. Consent can be express or implied, depending on the sensitivity of the information and the reasonable expectations of the individual.

In this scenario, Jacinta’s clients’ personal information is sensitive, as it relates to their financial situation and investment goals. Jacinta’s clients would not reasonably expect that their information would be shared with Saabir, who is not affiliated with WealthSource Partners Inc., for the purpose of marketing insurance products. Therefore, Jacinta must obtain express consent from her clients before disclosing their information to Saabir. If she does not, she will violate PIPEDA and risk legal action from her clients or from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC).

Fixed assets are long-term tangible assets used in business operations, not held for resale (e.g., land, buildings, machinery, equipment, computers).

Marketable securities (A) are current assets (short-term investments).

Inventories (B) are current assets.

Trade receivables (D) are current assets (accounts receivable).

The status quo bias is the tendency for investors to resist change and prefer their current situation, even when a review or adjustment may be beneficial. Natalia refuses to attend a portfolio review because she is comfortable with her current allocation and does not see the need for change.

Endowment bias relates to overvaluing owned assets.

Overconfidence is excessive belief in one’s own ability.

Availability bias is reliance on easily recalled information.

Thus, Natalia is demonstrating status quo bias.

While comparing Fund Facts of the different mutual funds, Simone points out that not only are the fund management expenses different but so are the investor profiles for each fund. This behaviour from Simone is ethical because it shows that she is providing accurate and complete information to Pierre and helping him make an informed decision based on his personal circumstances and objectives4. Fund Facts is a document that summarizes key information about a mutual fund, such as its investment objectives, risks, fees, performance history, and investor rights5. By comparing Fund Facts of different mutual funds, Simone can help Pierre understand how each fund differs in terms of its suitability, costs, and potential returns. The other behaviours from Simone are unethical because they do not serve Pierre’s best interests or comply with professional standards. Simone’s ability to keep her knowledge current on competitors’ investment offerings does not necessarily show that she is putting her client’s interest first. She may have other motives for researching other funds, such as trying to persuade Pierre to stay with her dealer’s funds or finding new opportunities for herself4. Knowing Pierre does not like that her dealer’s funds have trailer fees, she chooses not to discuss the relationship between trailer fees and MER while making comparisons. This behaviour is unethical because it is misleading and omits relevant information that Pierre should know before investing4. Trailer fees are fees paid by the fund manager to the dealer for the ongoing services provided by the dealer and its advisors to unitholders5. Trailer fees are part of the management expense ratio (MER), which is the total cost of running and distributing a fund expressed as a percentage of its assets5. Trailer fees and MERs affect the net returns of a fund and may create conflicts of interest between the advisor and the client5. When comparing her dealer’s own mutual funds to the one Pierre discovered, Simone emphasizes the importance of similar net rates of return and minimizes the significance of management expense ratios (MERs). This behaviour is unethical because it is biased and does not present a balanced view of the pros and cons of each fund4. Net rates of return are not the only factor to consider when evaluating a fund’s performance. MERs are also important because they reduce the fund’s gross returns and may indicate how efficiently the fund is managed5. A fund with a lower MER may have an advantage over a fund with a higher MER, all else being equal5. References: Unit 2: Know Your Client, What’s a good MER fee plus 3 strategies to avoid high fees - Bellvest

A labour-sponsored investment fund (LSIF) is a type of mutual fund that invests in small and medium-sized businesses that are not publicly traded. LSIFs are sponsored by labour unions or associations and offer tax credits to investors. However, LSIFs are also very risky and illiquid investments that may not be suitable for investors with a medium risk profile, such as Banji. Therefore, Quinton should not proceed with the purchase of the Prospect Labour-Sponsored Fund because it is not suitable for Banji based on her current KYC. Therefore, C is the correct answer. References: Labour-Sponsored Investment Funds (LSIFs): Definition and How They Work - Investopedia, Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) | IFSE Institute