This fireside chat will feature an informal conversation with Goshka Folda of Investor Economics, a popular contributor to the conference, and Hande Bilhan.  The discussion will offer timely market intelligence and practical insights on key trends shaping the wealth and retirement landscape, with a conversational format designed to engage attendees and set the stage for the day’s broader discussions.
 

What does retirement look like for Canadians today?  Jacqueline Power, Director of Tax and Retirement Research at Fidelity Canada, will share insights from Fidelity’s 2026 Retirement Report.  She will speak of how trends have changed in the 21 years Fidelity has published this report, and findings ranging from reliance on government income to the widening gender gap, the growing role of AI in financial decision making and more.
 

Hear about the CLHIA’s key priorities in a fireside chat with the CLHIA President & CEO .
 

Hear from a leading economist about the latest economic developments, including the global economic outlook and economic changes resulting from tariffs.
 

How can we help protection move faster than exploitation for our vulnerable clients?  
This session will explore how fraud risks in wealth management and segregated funds can disproportionately affect vulnerable consumers, including older clients and clients experiencing diminished capacity, financial stress, isolation or undue influence.  Panelists will discuss how insurers, MGAs, advisors and compliance teams can identify red flags, strengthen controls around money movement, and respond appropriately to suspected exploitation.  The discussion will connect fraud prevention to segregated fund suitability, client disclosure, advisor oversight and the fair treatment of customers, with an emphasis on shared industry practices and consumer protection.

This discussion will explore the work underway by CLHIA and member companies to prepare for implementation of the Consolidated Segregated Fund Guidance.  The session will highlight practical preparation work, emerging industry resources and areas where continued collaboration will be important as regulators move toward implementation.

Panelists will discuss how industry is approaching key implementation issues, including role clarity and accountability, advisor and intermediary training, suitability and documentation expectations, legacy business considerations, operational impacts and opportunities to support consistent practices across jurisdictions.
 

Segregated funds experienced a significant resurgence in 2025 with new premiums reaching nearly $20 billion. Product innovation, growing demand for estate-planning solutions, the adoption of ETF-based structures, and changing demographics are driving renewed interest, particularly for integrated wealth planning. At the same time, firms are adapting to a more complex regulatory environment with refreshed suitability requirements, MGA licensing, and Total Cost Reporting (TCR) on the horizon.