Methodology

How we vet every advisor in our network

Last updated: July 25, 2026 · Applies to all matched introductions

Every advisor matched through RetireWisely must pass five checks: verified registration in good standing, 5+ years with pre-retirees, retirees or in wealth management, demonstrated experience with $1M+ portfolios and employer pension plans, written fee disclosure, and service in your province — in person or by secure video. We verify registration against CIRO and Canadian Securities Administrators records, interview every advisor before admission, and remove advisors based on user feedback. Because we're paid only when a match becomes a client, a bad introduction costs us money — the incentive that keeps the bar high.

The five screening criteria

1

Registration, verified

Current registration in good standing, checked against the CIRO AdvisorReport and the CSA National Registration Search — including category, jurisdiction, and disciplinary history.

2

5+ years of relevant experience

A minimum of five years working with pre-retirees and retirees, or in wealth management — experience with households in the accumulation-to-income transition, not general book-of-business tenure.

3

The right case experience

Demonstrated work on $1M+ portfolios, employer pension plans and commutation analyses, and RRSP/RRIF withdrawal sequencing — the decisions our users actually face.

4

Fees in writing

Plain-language, written disclosure of how they're paid — percentage of assets, flat fee, hourly, or commission — before any commitment is asked of you.

5

Service in your province

Registered to serve clients in your province — with an in-person office where available, or secure video and phone meetings, matched to your stated preference.

What removes an advisor from the network

  • Registration lapse or unresolved disciplinary action
  • Refusing written fee disclosure, or fees that don't match what was disclosed
  • Pressure-selling reported by referred users in post-call surveys
  • Repeated no-shows or delays to booked introductory calls

Exactly how we get paid

Advisors pay us a referral fee only when a referred user chooses to become their client. Nothing is paid for your contact information, and the fee never increases what you pay the advisor.

This is why we introduce one advisor per user instead of selling your details to a list: our revenue depends on the match actually working.

Frequently asked questions

Can I verify an advisor myself?

Yes, and we encourage it: the CIRO AdvisorReport and the CSA National Registration Search are free and public. We'll send you your matched advisor's full name and firm before your call so you can look them up.

Are your advisors fiduciaries?

Canadian registration categories differ from the U.S. "fiduciary" label. Portfolio managers owe a fiduciary duty; other registrants are held to obligations under Canadian client-focused reforms. We tell you each advisor's category and what standard applies, in plain language.

What if the match isn't right?

Tell us after the call. We'll offer one alternative advisor or close your file — your choice. Feedback also counts toward an advisor's standing in the network.

Meet an advisor who cleared the bar.

Seven questions, one vetted introduction, free 30-minute call.

Start the free matching quiz →