Upgrading Your Registration: From Mutual Funds to Dealing in Securities

At Optimize Wealth Management, we are committed to supporting our advisors as they grow in their careers and expand their professional capabilities. If you are currently registered as a Registered Representative (RR) – Dealing in Mutual Funds only, you may be eligible to upgrade your registration to include Dealing in Securities. This upgrade allows you to offer clients a wider range of investment products and deliver a more comprehensive wealth management experience.

This guide outlines the requirements, steps, and key considerations for completing this transition.

Eligibility

To pursue this upgrade, you must:

• Be currently registered as an RR – Dealing in Mutual Funds only

• Be employed under our investment dealer platform

• Be in good standing with no regulatory or disciplinary restrictions

Key Requirements

1. Sponsorship by Optimize’s Investment Dealer Platform

• Optimize must sponsor your registration upgrade through the National Registration Database (NRD). Our Compliance team will work with you to ensure your application is complete and submitted correctly.

2. Required Courses

You must successfully complete the following CIRO-recognized courses:

• Canadian Securities Course (CSC)
  Required to demonstrate your knowledge of a full range of investment products, including equities, bonds, and ETFs.

• Conduct and Practices Handbook Course (CPH)
  Focused on ethical conduct, regulatory standards, and best practices in the securities industry.

• 90-Day Training Program
  This supervised training period is conducted at Optimize. You’ll work closely with your branch manager and leadership team to gain hands-on experience while under supervision.

• Wealth Management Essentials (WME)
  Required within 30 months of registration upgrade. This course deepens your knowledge of financial planning, portfolio construction, and client-focused strategy.

3. CIRO Attestation and Approval

• Following the 90-day training program, Optimize will submit an attestation confirming your readiness. CIRO will then review your file and, if all conditions are met, approve your upgrade.

Fitness for Registration

CIRO applies a high standard to ensure that all registrants are suitable for licensing. When reviewing your application, they will assess:

• Good Character and Reputation
  Your conduct must reflect integrity, professionalism, and sound ethical judgment. CIRO expects you to act in the best interest of clients at all times.

• Financial Solvency
  Your financial history including bankruptcies, debt issues, and other solvency concerns will be reviewed to assess your ability to manage client affairs responsibly.

• Regulatory Disclosures and Conduct
  Any previous disciplinary actions, civil matters, or regulatory filings will be assessed. Full and accurate disclosure in the NRD is mandatory.

• Background Screening
  A criminal record check and full background verification will be performed before approval.

What to Expect During the Process

The upgrade process is structured to ensure you are fully prepared and compliant. Here’s what you can expect:

• Internal Assessment and Planning
  Work with the Optimize Compliance and Licensing team to confirm your eligibility and develop a timeline for training and course completion.

• 90-Day Supervised Training
  During this period, you will be supervised by a manager and complete structured activities aligned with CIRO expectations. This hands on experience helps reinforce your learning and prepares you for the upgrade.

• Final Attestation and Submission
  Upon successful completion of training and coursework, Optimize will submit the required attestation to CIRO confirming your readiness.

• CIRO Review and Approval
  CIRO will evaluate your file, verify all documentation, and issue final approval. You will then be fully registered as a Registered Representative – Dealing in Securities.

• Ongoing Education
  The WME course must be completed within 30 months of approval. Additional internal training may also be provided to support your continued development at Optimize.

Why Upgrade?

Expanding your licensing allows you to:

• Serve Clients More Completely
  With a full securities license, you can offer a broader range of solutions tailored to client goals, including stocks, ETFs, fixed income, and structured products.

• Enhance Your Advisory Practice
  Becoming fully licensed positions you as a more versatile and knowledgeable advisor, allowing for deeper financial planning conversations and long-term client engagement.

• Open New Career Opportunities
  This upgrade creates a pathway toward advanced roles at Optimize, including discretionary portfolio management, high-net-worth advisory, and family office services.

• Stay Competitive and Future-Ready
  As the financial industry evolves, clients are looking for full-service advisors. This registration gives you the flexibility to meet those expectations today and in the future.