IFC Wealth Management

Financial planning is more than just making and managing money, it’s about achieving a happy and stress-free life. Due to the constant changes in the economic and political environment, creating and adhering to a strategy is more essential than ever. A well-designed investment methodology is crucial to reach individual and corporate long-term goals and financial security.

IFC Wealth Management is a boutique financial advisory firm that specializes in a personalized approach to financial planning. It offers a wide range of services to high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses, including investment management, and retirement, estate and tax planning. Founded almost three decades ago, IFC Private Wealth takes pride in its investment methodology, which has been refined to produce above-average returns with below-average risk.

Due to multiple licensing and regulatory requirements, IFC identifies as two entities. IFC Wealth Management provides financial planning, insurance products, and income tax preparation services. Its sister company, IFC Private Wealth of Aligned Capital Partners Inc., acts as the portfolio manager for all securities-related investments.

“We take a very active approach to portfolio management. Our planning process drives decision-making and the nature of the portfolio we construct for a client,” says Gord Hunte, portfolio manager of IFC Private Wealth.

Hunte has over four decades of experience as an investor and launched his first business at age 15. With a unique approach to financial and portfolio management, he prioritizes a planning-driven decision-making process. The firm values client input and strives to create a customized, all-encompassing strategy that aligns with their objectives.

The SCE Methodology

Many modern wealth management firms have adopted a standardized, one-size-fits-all approach to delivering services. While this approach may prove cost-effective and efficient, it overlooks the unique circumstances and requirements of clients.

In contrast, IFC Wealth takes an active approach, beginning with an in-depth understanding of a client’s financial situation. Its experienced team of financial planners takes a personal interest in each client and
engages them in meaningful conversations to comprehend their unique circumstances and goals, and devise financial plans to achieve them. At IFC, a client’s financial plan guides investment decisions.

The SCE method is a distinctive financial plan and investment model methodology, which involves creating a structured financial plan with a coherent and executable process.

Following this approach, it can anticipate and manage risks, adapt to changing market conditions, and provide clients with achievable outcomes that meet reasonable expectations.

IFC Private Wealth analyzes capital flow from a global, country, sector, and individual asset perspective, and allocates assets to maintain steady returns while minimizing risk exposure. In 2022, it held a significant portion of its portfolio in cash and had exposure to energy firms that yielded substantial returns, despite the correction. The firm’s asset allocation models are continuously monitored and modified to avoid exposure to poor-performing countries and sectors while minimizing unnecessary risks, to achieve the expected return.

“We continuously monitor and rebalance client portfolios as we understand that change is inevitable. Capital preservation is always a top priority; we strive to construct portfolios that produce above-average returns with below-average exposure to risk,” says Hunte.

Its investment methodology helps clients achieve their financial goals while minimizing risk. Building long-term client relationships enables IFC Wealth to provide exceptional services and highly values personal attention to ensure it meets each client’s unique needs.

“Our approach is to treat our clients like family, ensuring open communication and a personalized experience. We aim to integrate all aspects of their financial situation and act as the hub of their financial wheel, providing comprehensive advice and solutions,” says Hunte.
Along with the ongoing analysis, IFC Private Wealth uses internal and external research to shortlist viable investment options. Its goal is to construct portfolios that produce above average returns and ensure the appropriate amount of liquidity, based on each client’s needs and available resources.

Exposure to Investment Vehicles

One of its most notable features is unparalleled market exposure, giving clients access to an extensive range of insurance, investment, and banking products from a multitude of renowned companies, minimizing product bias.

The firm takes pride in being independent of any financial institution, providing clients with unrestricted access to many investment options.

Its flexible approach to creating and managing portfolios enables it to adapt and evolve to volatility as the world enters uncharted territory.

Real-Life Implications of Financial Planning

IFC Wealth has a proven track record of helping numerous clients overcome financial hurdles and achieve their desired outcomes. For instance, a client approached it with concerns about their portfolio’s lack of returns over five years. Its experienced team engaged in conversation to understand their investment strategy, and discovered their previous investment manager followed a buy-and-hold strategy that resulted in them barely breaking even during three severe market corrections.

IFC believes in a strategic approach that eliminates emotion from the equation. If investments stop adding value to the portfolio, there is no reason to hold on to them. The firm’s access to a broad range of public, private, alternative, and institutional investments increases the probability of a successful portfolio.

Often, clients with a diversified portfolio of real estate, business, and farm assets may require assistance to liquidate their assets effectively. They may also face unnecessary tax liabilities without the proper expertise to determine the best approach for liquidation.

A combination of financial planning methods and toolsets are used to analyze the optimal timing and structure for liquidating assets. By staggering the liquidation over time or utilizing asset-based borrowing, the firm enables clients to save significantly on taxes and generate their desired income. Its financial planning process also takes into account the tax implications of the liquidation strategy, helping minimize taxation.

Essentially, IFC Private Wealth stands out in the financial portfolio management industry with its personalized approach to financial planning, broad market exposure, and unique investment strategy.

The firm’s core values of Safety, Certainty, and Enjoyment reflect its belief that life should be abundant and full of joy. Adhering to the SCE method, it provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of the decisions that will help them achieve their goals. IFC Wealth Management’s ability to evolve and adjust to economic and geopolitical conditions makes it a partner worth considering when developing a profitable financial strategy.

Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (“ACPI”) is a full-service investment dealer and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (“CIPF”) and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (“IIROC”). Investment services are provided through IFC Private Wealth, an approved trade name of ACPI. Only investment-related products and services are offered through ACPI/IFC Private Wealth and covered by the CIPF. Financial planning and insurance services are provided through IFC Wealth Management. IFC Wealth Management is an independent company separate and distinct from ACPI/ IFC Private Wealth.