It’s impressive that Bilyk Financial has been serving Canadians for over 50 years. Over the years, they’ve stayed as an independent wealth manager, which we love because it means they serve the client’s interest and not any financial institution.

Bilyk Financial offers top-tier investment management tailored precisely to your needs.

Instead of the typical approach of dividing assets into different categories and then picking investments, they do things differently.

They start by analyzing a range of strategies based on returns, volatility, and correlations. Then, they build a portfolio that combines these strategies to best meet your goals.

This means looking beyond just stocks and bonds to include alternatives, which can be great for generating income today.

Their portfolios cover a variety of investment options, like stocks, real estate, and commodities.

They aim to deliver better-than-average, long-term returns while managing risk. Plus, they make sure to visit all the cities where their clients live regularly, showing their commitment to personalized service.

What we like about Nicola Wealth is they’ve been around since 1994, which we believe speaks volumes about their knowledge and skills. We were also impressed that the owner, John Nicola, has been working since 1974 in the financial services industry.

We’re also glad that they have a pretty big team, including many wealth advisors. The reason this is a good thing is because they can serve many clients at once, which also means they’re accessible in Vancouver.

Speaking of accessibility, we appreciate Nicola Wealth for accepting evening consultations for clients with hectic schedules. They’re also available to consult via phone or email, which is convenient.

Notably, their services are catered to individuals, families, and institutions. And we like their integrated planning because clients can grow their wealth and incorporate all their finances for better strategies.

Another thing we like is their services because these are curated for each client. They even have cross-border planning for individuals with connections to the US.

Although we appreciate Nicola Wealth, it was a bummer to find that they mostly cater to high-net-worth clients. Unfortunately, this means they’re not as accessible as we’d like.

Also, we learned that their management fees are a tad higher than other financial advisors in Vancouver. For the first $1 million, they will charge 1.15%, but will lessen as the assets increase.

Cox Financial Group is a trusted name in wealth management, with nearly 70 years of experience helping Canadians navigate complex financial landscapes. Supported by a robust team of over 10 professionals, they offer a comprehensive suite of financial services, from investment management to insurance consulting. Their multi-generational approach has earned them a reputation for delivering expert, personalized financial advice.

Few firms can match the nearly seven decades of experience that Cox Financial Group brings to the table. Their history and longevity are a testament to their deep understanding of financial markets and client needs. This experience is invaluable for clients seeking stability and informed decision-making in their financial planning.

The portfolio managers on Cox Private Wealth’s team are fiduciaries – meaning they are legally bound to act in the best interests of their clients. This high standard of care ensures that the firm’s advice is unbiased and focused solely on what is best for the client’s financial health, giving clients confidence in the integrity of their financial strategies.

One of the key differentiators of Cox Financial Group is their commitment to individualized planning. They work closely with clients to develop customized financial plans that consider all aspects of their financial situation, including investments, insurance, and retirement goals. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the client’s financial life is accounted for, reducing risks and optimizing potential returns.

Cox Financial Group applies an institutional-style investment strategy that leverages advanced portfolio management techniques. This sophisticated approach, typically reserved for large institutions, is tailored to meet the needs of individual clients, offering them a level of service and strategy that is often difficult to find elsewhere in the retail financial advisory market.

The firm’s offer of a no-obligation, free consultation is a significant benefit for potential clients. It allows individuals to meet with the team, discuss their financial goals, and gauge whether the firm’s approach aligns with their needs—all without any financial commitment. This transparent, client-first approach helps build trust and ensures a good fit from the beginning.

At Cox Financial Group, clients benefit from the expertise of a diverse team that includes wealth advisors, insurance specialists, and pension consultants. The collaborative nature of the firm’s team ensures that clients receive well-rounded, integrated advice that addresses all aspects of wealth management, making it easier to achieve their financial objectives.

Cox Financial Group emphasizes building lasting relationships with clients rather than treating them as mere accounts. By taking on a limited number of clients, the firm is able to offer personalized service, understanding the nuances of each client’s financial journey. This approach fosters deeper trust and helps create strategies that align closely with the client’s life goals.

Ocean 6 Wealth Advisory is one of our picks because they’re all about helping business owners in Vancouver. Financial planning for entrepreneurs is what they specialize in!

However, we think focusing on business owners is also a setback since it limits their clientele. While they still serve families and individuals, they’re not the main focus.

On a good note, we appreciate their approach, which includes a customized financial plan called The Blueprint. What this entails is that clients can learn about their financial problems in just over six weeks before moving to the implementation process.

Furthermore, we like that this process is very hands-on, as financial advisors will provide ongoing support. For us, this is important because it means constant assistance, so the client is always in the loop.

It’s also nice that they offer other services, like investment solutions and insurance strategies. It ensures that their business-minded clients can still protect their families and not just their companies.

Over the course of our research, we found that their financial advisors were attentive and professional. Previous clients liked that they got their money’s worth because of the top-notch and honest service.

Ocean 6 Wealth Advisory earns points for being accessible to Vancouverites. Their office is conveniently located in Gastown and they accept online meetings.

The Wong Group at Wellington-Altus Private Wealth caught our eye because they’re a highly recognized firm. In our books, they wouldn’t have earned it if they didn’t provide top-notch service.

One of the most impressive things is they won the Wealth Professionals Award in 2022 for the Canadian Advisor of the Year. That’s not all, though!

Their senior wealth advisor, Maili Wong, was also named WXN’s Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 and BC’s Most Influential Women by BCBusiness.

Another thing we like is their range of services for financial strength. They offer wealth management, retirement planning, estate planning, and insurance.

Moreover, we learned that The Wong Group caters to high-net-worth individuals. While that’s good if you have tonnes of money, we think they’re not ideal for middle-income families.

Now, about their services, we appreciate that they stick to financial strategies and plans for the long term. Our findings showed that their plans can last for generations, securing the client and their family’s futures.

We also want to highlight that their financial advisors were praised for their attention to detail, competency, and honesty. We believe those qualities are essential for a lasting and positive relationship.

Also, it was nice to learn that The Wong Group accepts in-person and online appointments. The flexibility sure is convenient!

Lastly, clients who book a consultation will even get a free bestselling book written by their senior wealth advisor, which we think is a good introduction to financial decision-making.

RightFit Advisors earns a spot on our list because they accept clients regardless of their net worth. It makes them accessible to Vancouver residents, which is something we highly approve of.

Their process is also different from other financial advisory firms in Vancouver. We learned that based on the financial situation and goals, they will pair the client with the right advisor instead of the client choosing one.

During our surveys, we were happy that aggressive sales tactics were not a problem. The clients we conversed with have loved RightFit Advisors for their transparency and unbiased opinions.

Plus, we found that RightFit Advisors works with independent financial advisors and planners. The advantage of that is lower fees since they don’t work with large firms.

Moreover, we were glad that their financial advisors charge on a fee-only basis. It’s typically cheaper and more transparent because the advisors don’t get commissions from products.

Service-wise, we like the variety. They have financial planning, cash flow services, investment management, and retirement planning.

Plus, we like that they will provide a customized plan for each client. Even if it’s just for one service, we appreciate that they will still accept the client.

However, RightFit Advisors works remotely, which is a bummer since they don’t have an office in Vancouver for in-person meetings. On the other hand, it opens up to more flexible hours.