Saskatoon home to an increasing number of newly-minted millionaires

    SASKATOON, Nov. 21 /CNW/ - As local demand from high net worth
individuals for specialized, integrated financial services increases, Scotia
Private Client Group (SPCG) is enhancing its local wealth management services
with the official launch of an independent Centre located at 111 2nd Avenue
South, 5th Floor.
    "We are excited about opening a dedicated Centre in Saskatoon. We already
have a strong client base in the city and throughout Saskatchewan and we're
committed to providing even more comprehensive service by opening this
location," said Janice Church, Director & Head, Scotia Private Client Group,
Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan.
    "We anticipate that the prairies will be one of Canada's top markets for
growth in the number of high net worth individuals over the next several years
and we're looking forward to the challenge of taking advantage of those market
opportunities," added Ms. Church, who will be familiar to many Saskatoon
residents in connection with her previous role as Scotiabank's District
Vice-President for Saskatchewan North.
    From 2002 - 2005, the prairies were one of Canada's fastest growing
markets for high net worth individuals. During the same period, assets held by
affluent Canadians grew faster in the prairies than in any other region of the
country.
    SPCG's Saskatoon Centre team includes David Barnard, Scotia Cassels
Portfolio Manager, Marcia Indzeoski, Scotiatrust - Scotia Private Client Group
Relationship Manager, and Wealth Management Financial Consultants Cary Bowman
and Dennis Duckerin.
    "Census data identifies Saskatoon as one of Canada's largest metropolitan
areas for high net worth assets in terms of both size and growth," explained
Mr. Barnard. "We've received very positive feedback from local clients since
quietly opening our doors in mid-October. They're pleased that we have
increased our presence in the market with the addition of a dedicated SPCG
Centre in Saskatoon to even better meet their needs."
    Bundling the expertise of Scotiatrust, Scotia Cassels, ScotiaMcLeod and
Private Banking, SPCG provides integrated solutions by a team of experts
centred on the priorities of its affluent clients with investable assets in
excess of $500,000. A lead Relationship Manager, with the expertise most
relevant to each client's requirements, is the primary point of contact,
backed by a team of specialists. As part of a complete strategy, SPCG brings
together the full range of financial disciplines:-   Investment Management Services through ScotiaMcLeod or Scotia Cassels
        depending on the level of involvement clients would like to have in
        the investment decision-making process;
    -   Private Banking Services from Scotiabank;
    -   Estate and Trust Expertise through Scotiatrust to help clients
        minimize taxes and facilitate the transfer of wealth, including
        executor assistance and philanthropic advisory services;
    -   Income and Asset Protection Strategies to help ensure the continued
        financial well-being of a client's family or business; and
    -   Business Succession Planning to assist clients in effecting a smooth
        and successful transition from their business, whether they are
        transferring ownership within a family or to an external purchaser.With the opening of its Saskatoon Centre, Scotia Private Client Group now
has offices in 19 cities across Canada.