Intergenerational wealth transfer in Canada
![](/expert-insights/nbi-monthly-edition/nbi-monthly-may-2019/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/responsivegrid/responsivegrid_1498571997/responsivegrid_130352253/contentfragment/par1/image.coreimg.png/1585760616442/img-bni-edition-mensuelle-mai-en-1.png)
Myth 1: Millenials will mostly inherit it
The reality looks more nuanced:
› Canada’s average life expectancy has climbed to 82 years3
› the number of people aged 85 and older is growing four times faster than the population as a whole4
As a result, it looks like the next generation, namely their children aged 50 and older, will inherit a good share of that wealth. The good news is that a large proportion of these future heirs already do business with financial advisors. For instance, 65% of Ontario investors aged 45 or more seek professional financial advice5.
![](/expert-insights/nbi-monthly-edition/nbi-monthly-may-2019/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/responsivegrid/responsivegrid_1498571997/responsivegrid_130352253/contentfragment/par7/image.coreimg.png/1585760622516/img-bni-edition-mensuelle-mai-en-2.png)
Myth 2: Inheritors will do business with you
These research findings seem to suggest this isn’t necessarily the case1:
![](/expert-insights/nbi-monthly-edition/nbi-monthly-may-2019/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/responsivegrid/responsivegrid_1498571997/responsivegrid_130352253/contentfragment/par9/image.coreimg.png/1585760644732/img-bni-edition-mensuelle-mai-en-3.png)
For an advisor, establishing a relationship with the inheritors is therefore key to ensure both a successful wealth transfer and business development.
Multigenerational potential
Here are some strategic questions to start talking inheritance planning and initiate a generational shift in clientele:
› Have your clients talked to you and their heirs about their inheritance plan? Does it include their financial assets?
› Are they aware of the tax implications of their inheritances?
› Are your clients considering giving their children a living inheritance? If so, do they retain sufficient assets to enjoy their retirement or face a market slide?
› What do beneficiaries plan to do with their inheritance?
Your expertise will provide them with quality advice, help cement your relationship and position yourself for the next generation.
Sources:
- Investor Economics Household Balance Sheet Report—Canada 2017, Strategic Insight
- Health-adjusted life expectancy in Canada, Statistics Canada
- Life expectancy at birth (2016), World Bank
- A portrait of the population aged 85 and older in 2016 in Canada, Statistics Canada
- Investing as We Age—Key Highlights, p. 12, Ontario Securities Commission, September 26, 2017