1.4.3 Trust And Loan Companies

Introduction

Trust and loan companies play a significant role in Canada’s financial system. Federally and provincially incorporated trust companies are the only corporations in Canada authorized to engage in trust business. These institutions perform critical functions such as acting as trustees and offering a myriad of financial services that overlap with those provided by chartered banks. In this section, we will explore the roles, regulatory framework, and services provided by trust and loan companies in detail.

Functions of Trust and Loan Companies

Trust companies in Canada offer a unique combination of services that include:

• Acting as Trustees: Managing corporate and individual assets such as property, stocks, and bonds.
• Financial Services: Accepting savings, issuing term deposits, making personal and mortgage loans, and selling Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and other tax-deferred plans.
• Estate Planning: Providing estate planning services to help individuals manage their legacy.
• Asset Management: Offering asset management services to ensure that personal and corporate investments are wisely handled.

Regulatory Framework

Trust companies are regulated by both federal and provincial governments, making them unique in their adherence to multi-jurisdictional oversight.

• Federal Regulation: Overseen by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI).
• Provincial Regulation: Each province has its own regulatory body for provincial trust companies.

Services Offered

Savings and Term Deposits

Trust companies accept savings and issue term deposits, offering interest rates competitive with those provided by chartered banks.

Loans

Trust companies provide various kinds of loans including personal loans and mortgage loans to individuals and businesses.

Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)

Trust companies sell a variety of tax-deferred plans like RRSPs, helping clients save for retirement while reducing current taxable income.

Estate Planning

Trust companies ensure proper estate planning, including wills, trusts, and legal documentation, to make sure wealth is distributed according to the individual’s wishes.

Asset Management

These companies manage assets for both individuals and corporations to optimize returns and manage risks effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a Trust Company and a Chartered Bank?

Chartered banks mainly focus on providing routine banking services like savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. Trust companies, however, offer specialized services such as estate planning, acting as trustees, and managing assets.

How are Trust Companies regulated?

Trust companies are regulated on both federal and provincial levels. Federally, they fall under the oversight of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). Each province also has its own regulatory framework for provincial trust companies.

What services can I avail from a Trust Company?

You can avail savings accounts, term deposits, personal and mortgage loans, RRSPs, estate planning, and asset management services from a trust company.

Key Takeaways

• Trust and loan companies provide specialized financial services that complement and sometimes overlap with those of chartered banks.
• They are subject to stringent regulatory oversight at both federal and provincial levels.
• Services include savings, loans, RRSPs, estate planning, and asset management.

Glossary

• Trust Company: A fiduciary institution that acts as an agent, trustee, or caretaker of trust assets such as property, stocks, and bonds.
• Chartered Bank: A financial institution authorized by a country’s government to accept deposits, offer loans, and provide other banking services.
• Estate Planning: The process of arranging for the disposal of an individual’s estate, including the bequest of assets to heirs and the settlement of taxes.
• Asset Management: Services provided to manage investments and assets efficiently.
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP): A retirement savings and investing vehicle for employees and the self-employed in Canada.
• Term Deposit: A deposit held at a financial institution that has a fixed term and often pays a higher rate of interest compared to a regular savings account.

    flowchart TD
	    A[Trust and Loan Companies] -->|Services| B[Savings & Term Deposits]
	    A -->|Loans| C[Personal & Mortgage Loans]
	    A -->|Tax-deferred Plans| D[RRSPs]
	    A -->|Estate Planning & Management| E[Estate Planning]
	    A -->|Asset Management| F[Asset Management]