Step 1. Getting Started

• Download and complete the New Client Account Information Form (PDF).
  • DOWNLOAD CLIENT INFORMATION FILL FORM
  • Important: Save as a .PDF file — do not print to PDF, as this flattens mapped fields needed for the Responsive Onboarding system.
• Upload the completed PDF to the New Client Folder in the advisor’s Secure SharePoint Folder, accessible via their CouchDrop Login Portal.
  • CFG SECURE FILE SHARING via COUCHDROP
• Complete the Investment Profile Questionnaire (IPQ).
  • Helps Portfolio Managers assess and confirm the investment mandate during the onboarding call.
  • DOWNLOAD IPQ
• TIMELINE – 5-7 business days contingent on volume. Please note that Wet Signatures require additional time due to manual processing.

Step 2. Critical Information Captured on the Form

Note on Accuracy and Completeness
Providing accurate and complete information at the start of the onboarding process ensures a smooth client experience. The more thorough the submission, the faster our team can open accounts, initiate transfers, and provide clients with timely access to their investments.

Identification & Supporting Documents

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
• Recent investment statement (with utility bill if address differs from ID)
• Blank void cheque
• Electronic signature preference

Account Setup

• Non-registered, registered (RSP, TFSA, RESP, RDSP, etc.), locked-in accounts (LIRA, LRSP, RLSP, etc.)
• Corporate, joint, margin accounts
• Retirement income accounts (RIF, LIF, PRIF, etc.)
• Options trading authorization
• Supplemental forms if required (ITF, RESP, RDSP, Corporate, Beneficiaries, Income Accounts)
• Systematic instructions (PACs / SWPs)

Client Details

• Name, date of birth, SIN, citizenship, country of birth
• Contact info: phone(s), email, residential & mailing address

Employment & Financial Profile

• Employment status, employer, occupation, type of business, contact info
• Annual income
• Net worth (assets, liabilities, household financial snapshot)

Family & Beneficiaries

• Marital status, dependents
• Spousal information (name, DOB, employment, income, contact info)
• Beneficiary designations

Step 3. Next Steps in the Process

1. Book the Onboarding Call
   • Once the form and IPQ are uploaded, the advisor books an onboarding call with the assigned Portfolio Manager.
   • ONBOARDING CALL BOOKING PAGE
2. Onboarding Team Review
   • Team is notified automatically when the call is booked.
   • Files are reviewed for accuracy and completeness.
   • Missing items trigger follow-up by onboarding staff.
3. Onboarding Call
   • Portfolio Manager reviews and confirms the client’s investment mandate.
   • Advisor and Portfolio Manager enter meeting notes into CRM.
4. Document Preparation
   • Document prep team generates:
     • NBIN New Client Account Form (NCAF)
     • Managed Investment Account Agreement (MIAA)
   • Preferred method: digital signatures.
   • Wet signatures may be arranged for in-person meetings (advance notice required).
5. Signing & Compliance
   • Signatures required from: all clients, advisor, and portfolio manager.
   • Compliance conducts final review and approval.
6. Account Setup
   • Accounts opened.
   • Transfers processed.
   • Client receives online access credentials.

Quick Reference Summary

1. Form Completion

• Complete the New Client Account Information Form
• Save as PDF (do not flatten fields)

2. Upload

• Upload completed form to SharePoint / CouchDrop

3. Investment Profile Questionnaire (IPQ)

• Complete and upload the IPQ
• Used to confirm investment mandate

4. Book Onboarding Call

• Advisor books call with assigned Portfolio Manager
• Coordinate with your assigned Portfolio Manager for Booking link

5. File Review

• Onboarding team checks completeness and accuracy
• Team follows up if information is missing

6. Onboarding Call

• Portfolio Manager reviews client details and investment mandate
• Advisor and Portfolio Manager enter notes into CRM

7. Document Preparation

• NCAF and MIAA are generated by the prep team
• Digital signatures preferred (wet signature possible for in-person meetings)

8. Signing & Compliance

• All required parties sign: client(s), advisor, Portfolio Manager
• Compliance reviews and approves final package

9. Account Setup

• Accounts are opened
• Transfers are processed
• Online access provided to the client