Advocis, CSI launch new Web sites

(January 3, 2003) The arrival of 2003 means the long-awaited merger between Canada’s two main financial planning associations becomes official. Advocis, formerly CAIFA/CAFP, came into being on January 1. The new Advocis Web site was launched last month.

The www.advocis.ca site, a redesigned version of the CAIFA site, includes information about the new organization as well as educational tools and frequently asked questions about Advocis. There’s also a “find an advisor” feature for the public.

The Web site is the first step in a branding campaign to promote the Advocis name. “Our goal will be to provide instant name recognition within the marketplace and drive demand for the services of our members,” Advocis says.

Advocis, legally known as the Financial Advisors Association of Canada, has nearly 17,000 members in 50 chapters across the country. Advocis is located at CAIFA’s former head office in downtown Toronto.

The Canadian Securities Institute also recently beefed up its Web content, creating a new site aimed at those holding the Fellow of Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) designation.

The www.fcsi.ca site includes a FCSI directory and information on obtaining the senior financial designation. Members of the public can also download an educational brochure about the FCSI.

“CSI aims to increase the awareness of the FCSI and help more financial professionals obtain this designation,” the site says.

More than 5,000 financial professionals currently hold the FCSI, according to the CSI.

Filed by Doug Watt, Advisor.ca, dwatt@advisor.ca