Qtrade, now operating under Aviso Wealth, is a Canadian online brokerage firm headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
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This page will explore what is Qtrade Direct Investing, what it does, and whether its financial services platform and investment offerings work for your financial needs.
What is Qtrade Direct Investing?
Qtrade History
Founded in 2000, the platform that became what is Qtrade Direct Investing now was created in response to the rising demand for online brokerage services and direct access to equity markets during the dot-com era.
Initially developed in partnership with Canadian credit unions, Qtrade focused on providing reliable online brokerage services equipped with educational resources and tools for self-directed investors.
Over the years, Qtrade has continually enhanced its platform with advanced features, competitive pricing, and user-centric tools, catering to the growing demand for online trading.
Who owns Qtrade?
Now, Qtrade Direct Investing is owned by Aviso Wealth, a prominent Canadian wealth and investment service provider.
Qtrade benefits from the financial strength and extensive network of Aviso Wealth, ensuring reliable and robust service offerings for its clients.
Effective April 1, 2024, Credential Securities, Credential Asset Management Inc., Qtrade Asset Management and Qtrade Advisor will merge under the new name Aviso Wealth.
Aviso is a financial services provider for the Canadian financial industry and was created in 2018 by uniting three firms: Credential Financial, Qtrade Financial Group, and NEI Investments.
Aviso Wealth LP is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aviso, backed by Canada’s leading financial services cooperatives.
Its ownership is split equally between Desjardins Financial Holding Inc. and CU CUMIS Wealth Holdings LP, a partnership owned by five provincial credit union Centrals and The CUMIS Group Limited, a part of Co-operators Life Insurance Co.
As of December 31, 2023, Aviso’s ownership group had combined balance sheet assets exceeding $740 billion. Aviso’s 10-member board includes five directors each from Desjardins and CU CUMIS Wealth Holdings LP.
What is Qtrade Direct Investing offering?
Qtrade Direct Investing provides self-directed investors with access to real-time quotes, advanced research tools, market news, and educational resources through its platform, available both online and via a mobile app.
The platform is designed to offer a seamless trading experience, allowing users to manage investments anytime and take advantage of market opportunities in real-time.
Investment and Savings Tools
- First Home Savings Account (FHSA): Save up to $40,000 tax-free with annual tax-deductible contributions of $8,000 for first-time homebuyers.
- Financial Planning Tool: Easily set, track, and adjust financial goals with personalized recommendations.
Trading and Platform Features
- Real-Time Account Opening: Open individual and joint accounts instantly with automated ID verification.
- Enhanced Charting Tool: Offers expanded technical indicators, benchmarks, and drawing tools for technical analysis.
- 100+ Commission-Free ETF Program: Buy and sell ETFs commission-free with no minimum purchase requirement.
- Qtrade Options Lab: Learn and execute options trading strategies tailored to goals, risk tolerance, and experience level.
- ESG Portfolio Analysis: View ESG scores for stocks and funds, including portfolio rankings and peer group comparisons.
- Premium Research Tools: Analyst ratings and price forecasts to assess stock performance and market sentiment.
- Fully-Paid Securities Lending Program: Earn fixed income by lending fully-paid securities.
Qtrade (Aviso) Key Executives
- William (Bill) Packham – President and CEO
Leads Aviso since 2018, focusing on creating a diverse wealth management ecosystem and guiding strategic growth. Previously served as CEO of Qtrade Financial Group and held executive roles at Desjardins Group. - John H. Bai – SVP, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer
Oversees finance, risk management, and capital markets. Former CFO at a regional US bank and CEO of a direct trading business. Holds CPA and CFA designations. - Wanda Frisk – SVP, Head of Credit Union Wealth Management
Develops wealth management programs for credit unions, enhancing advisor and member experiences. Holds CIM and CFP designations with extensive leadership experience. - George Ho – SVP, Chief Digital & Technology Officer
Leads Aviso’s technology strategy and digital transformation. Brings over 20 years of experience in wealth management IT and cybersecurity. - Tim Prescott – SVP, Head of Asset Management
Leads Aviso’s asset management division, including NEI Investments. Drives investment strategy and product development across all business lines. - Christine Zalzal – SVP, Head of Direct Investing
Oversees online brokerage and robo-advice. Under her leadership, Qtrade Direct Investing has earned the #1 online broker title multiple times in industry awards.
Qtrade Direct Investing Address and Contact Information
- Mailing Address: Qtrade Direct Investing, 700 – 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4T6
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone:
- Toll-Free: 1.877.787.2330
- Local: 604.605.4199
Available Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 8:00 pm ET.
- Fax: 604.484.2627
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