What’s New at Advocis

As we enter spring, things have continued to heat up at Advocis! A few highlights include:

• Advocis Coffee Talks: Our popular espresso-sized webinars serve up quick, impactful insights on the topics shaping the financial advice profession. In our latest session, “Closing the Money Behaviour Gap,” leading experts explored why clients struggle to act on financial advice and shared strategies advisors can use to help close the gap.
• The countdown is on for the Advocis Schools: The Advocis Atlantic, Banff, and Pacific Schools are fast approaching, bringing together advisors from across the country for immersive learning, powerful networking, and practical strategies.
• Save the Date: Advocis Symposium 2026: Join us on November 12, 2026, as advisors from across the country come together for a dynamic day of industry insights, thought leadership and meaningful connections. This flagship event will feature powerful conversations on the future of financial advice, emerging trends, and the opportunities shaping our profession. Stay tuned for more details and registration coming soon.

Fresh rules for turning prospects into clients

CRMs, virtual meetings, automation and video follow-ups can help advisors close the prospect gap

By Angelina Hung and Zainab Williams
March 18, 2026

When a new prospect reaches out, it can feel like a small victory. Websites, seminars, referrals and social media can all help bring potential clients through the door. And now, after all of that work, someone wants to discuss their financial future with you.

Yet attracting prospects is only part of the equation for long-term growth. The tougher task is converting that interest into commitment. Moving someone from a curious first meeting to a lasting client relationship requires more than a good pitch.
[...] Read more

New trust reporting rules explained

Here’s what advisors need to know about the latest changes, including reporting requirements

By Jamie Golombek and Debbie Pearl-Weinberg
March 18, 2026

 
Change is here and it comes in the form of T3 filings.
 
New, enhanced trust reporting rules introduced in 2023 significantly expanded the number of trusts required to file a T3 return. Under the changes, many trusts must now file a T3 annually, even if they have no tax payable, did not realize capital gains or dispose of capital property during the year. The rules also require more detailed information to be disclosed on T3 trust returns than in the past. [...] Read more

Avoiding costly capital dividend mistakes

A recent court decision serves as a cautionary tale for private corporations: calculate your capital dividend account (CDA) carefully

By Kevin Wark
March 18, 2026

Owners of private corporations know the benefits of a capital dividend account (CDA) credit. It gives the company the ability to pay dividends from its CDA completely tax-free to Canadian resident shareholders.

The CDA typically includes the non-taxable portion of capital gains (net of capital losses) and life insurance proceeds received by a corporation (net of the policy’s adjusted cost basis). It’s a cumulative amount, and reflects positive and negative transactions over a company’s lifetime. [...] Read more

Spring clean your brand

It’s time for a post-RRSP season reset to strengthen your clients’ experience

By Kelly Maxwell
March 18, 2026

Without a doubt, RRSP season is demanding. Calendars fill quickly with contribution deadline reminders – and don’t forget the deluge of last-minute client questions and tax planning conversations. The work is important and rewarding, but the hurried pace naturally shifts attention toward meeting deadlines, and away from maintaining client relationships and improving their experience.

The good news? As the busy season winds down in early spring, advisors finally regain a bit of breathing room to rest and reflect.[...] Read more