Briefly: “Richardson GMP extends ValueOne use” and more news

Richardson GMP has extended its contract with PriceMetrix for the practice management firm’s ValueOne system. Already in use for the past five years, the new commitment extends ValueOne to all advisors in its 17 offices across Canada.

“By better understanding our practices, we can continue to enhance our focus on the high net worth client experience while building shareholder value within the firm,” said Andrew Marsh, CEO of Richardson GMP Ltd. “ValueOne will provide the in-depth analysis that helps our advisors get the most out of their business, whether it’s segmenting their client base, finding pricing opportunities or identifying clients to move to a fee-based platform.”

The ValueOne practice management and reporting system identifies qualified revenue leads within an advisor’s current practice and has been used by more than 10,000 investment advisors and 20 brokerage firms in North America.

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New high-speed trading route links Toronto, New York

IPC Systems, Inc. has announced the launch of an express trading route between New York, New Jersey and Toronto, which can transmit trades in under 10 milliseconds.

“By shaving critical milliseconds off the New York to Toronto route, customers in both regions can take advantage of direct market access to multiple trading venues,” said Lou Marchese, IPC vice-president of network operations Americas systems. “IPC sees significant growth opportunities in the Canadian equities, derivatives and energy markets, and we are pleased to provide our customers with a clear competitive trading advantage.”

IPC Systems is a provider of trading communications to the world’s top financial services firms and global enterprises. It is not affiliated with IPC Financial.

– Steven Lamb

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TD Waterhouse lowers hurdle to flat rate trades

TD Waterhouse Discount Brokerage has lowered the bar—in a good way. The firm is offering lower flat rate equity trading to investors with $50,000 in household assets invested through its brokerage.

These clients qualify for the $9.99 commission rate—provided they are registered for eServices, a free service that offers secure online access to monthly statements, trade confirmations and tax documents. The lower asset hurdle is effective Nov. 4, 2010. The previous minimum asset level had been $100,000.

“Reduced flat rate pricing for more clients—combined with a choice of specialized trading platforms, access to the best market and investment research tools and unparalleled service—reinforces what we believe is the strongest offering in the Canadian marketplace,” says John See, president of TD Waterhouse Discount Brokerage.

– Steven Lamb

(10/20/10)