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PlanPlus Inc. has opened a new permanent office in Shenzhen, China. This choice of location was not taken lightly and is believed to be an ideal position from which to expand the company’s business in Asia, specifically in China and Hong Kong.

“Over the past 12 months PlanPlus evaluated a number of alternatives for a permanent presence in China,” said Brad Greer, vice-president of global sales and China operations for PlanPlus Inc., who will be overseeing the Shenzhen office. “Shenzhen provided an ideal location as the major finance centre after Shanghai, a technology hub and a simple subway ride to the well established markets in Hong Kong. It provides a prefect location from which to grow our sales and service efforts in the region.”

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TD alters small/mid-cap equity fund

TD Asset Management announced today that the name of the TD Private Small/Mid-Cap Equity Fund will be changed to TD Private U.S. Mid-Cap Equity Fund.

The new investment objective of this fund is to “achieve long-term capital growth by investing primarily in, or obtaining exposure to, equity securities of medium-capitalization issuers in the U.S. and [secondly] small-capitalization issuers in the U.S.”

To ensure consistency in fund names, there will also be a number of name changes across the TD Waterhouse Private Investment Counsel investment platform.

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Salida Capital launches private equity fund

Salida Capital is opening its first private equity fund, which will focus on investing in natural resources. The fund’s marketing period will begin in May and is slated to continue for six to eight months, or until it has reached its maximum capital commitment.

The fund has already secured a $100 million seed investment from Bill Gallacher, president and CEO of Avenir Capital Corporation, as well as chairman and founder of Athabasca Oil Sands Corporation.

Brad White, current portfolio manager and co-founder of Salida, will be leaving the company to join Gallacher’s asset management team at Avenir. White currently manages the Salida Multi Strategy Fund and the Global Energy Fund.

Danny Guy, chief investment officer and founder of Salida will now manage the Multi Strategy Fund. Brian Trenholm, who has 17 years of experience in the investment industry and currently manages the Salida Wealth Preservation Fund, will manage the Global Energy Fund.

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Sun Life voted “most trusted” insurer in Canada

Voters in a recent Harris/Decima poll named Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada the “most trusted life insurance company.” The poll results will be used for Reader’s Digest’s 2010 Trusted Brand awards program.

“The fact that Sun Life was chosen for this award speaks volumes about its business and reflects well on Sun Life as an international organization,” said Larry Thomas, vice-president and publisher for the Reader’s Digest Association of Canada.

Of those polled who voted Sun Life as a trusted brand, 97% state that having a high quality product is important to a brand’s reputation; 94% think that offering high quality customer service, as well as product and service backing, is important; and 93% agree on the importance of having a positive personal experience with the brand.

“At Sun Life Financial, our mission is to help provide lifetime financial security to our clients, backed by our financial strength and the integrity of our leaders, our employees and our Sun Life Financial advisors,” said Kevin Dougherty, president of the firm. “Being the recipient of the ‘most trusted life insurance company’ in Canada award is great recognition of our company values.”

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Richardson GMP teams up with Benefaction Foundation

Richardson GMP Limited has formed a partnership with Benefaction Foundation to help clients streamline their charitable donations while reducing their tax burden.

“Richardson GMP recognizes the value of incorporating strategic giving into our clients’ wealth management plans,” said Mike George, director of wealth and estate planning for Richardson GMP. “Through our partnership with Benefaction Foundation, we are providing professional, comprehensive support and innovative, cost-effective solutions to help our clients build a legacy of giving in a tax efficient manner.”

Richardson GMP clients and investment advisory teams now may choose to make their philanthropic donations through “direct giving” or “donor advised funds.”

“We work with Canadians and their advisors to take a holistic approach to planned giving and provide powerful, customized strategies to maximize their charitable giving and enjoy the lasting rewards of achieving their philanthropic goals,” said Nicola Elkins, chief executive officer for Benefaction.

(04/15/10)